From the Guidelines
Using alcohol wipes on pimples is not recommended as a primary treatment due to its harsh effects on the skin, which can lead to excessive dryness, irritation, and potentially worsen inflammation. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, provides evidence-based recommendations for the management of acne vulgaris, which prioritize treatments that target acne-causing bacteria and help unclog pores without overly drying the skin.
Recommended Treatments
- Benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5%) is strongly recommended for its effectiveness in targeting acne-causing bacteria and unclogging pores, as stated in 1.
- Salicylic acid (0.5-2%) is also conditionally recommended for its ability to help unclog pores and reduce inflammation, as mentioned in 1.
- Topical retinoids and antibiotics are strongly recommended for their effectiveness in treating acne, as stated in 1 and 1.
Skincare Routine
- Maintain a consistent skincare routine with gentle cleansing twice daily, non-comedogenic moisturizers, and sun protection to help manage acne and prevent further irritation.
- For spot treatment, apply a small amount of benzoyl peroxide directly to pimples once or twice daily, as recommended in the example answer.
Consulting a Dermatologist
- If your acne is persistent or severe, consider consulting a dermatologist who may recommend prescription treatments like topical retinoids, antibiotics, or other specialized medications tailored to your specific skin needs, as suggested in 1.
From the Research
Acne Treatment Options
- The provided studies discuss various treatment options for acne, including benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, and azelaic acid 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, none of the studies specifically mention the use of alcohol wipes on pimples.
Topical Treatments
- Benzoyl peroxide is a commonly used topical agent for acne, with potent antibacterial and mild anti-inflammatory effects 2, 4, 5.
- Topical antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clindamycin, can be effective in treating inflammatory acne, but should be used in combination with benzoyl peroxide to reduce the risk of resistant strains 4, 5.
- Azelaic acid has antibacterial and comedolytic effects, and can be used in pregnancy and lactation 4, 5.
Conclusion Not Available
There are no research papers to assist in answering the question of using alcohol wipes on pimples.