[1] Pimples can be treated by acne medications, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories prescribed by a physician, or various over the counter remedies purchased at a pharmacy.

[2] The sebaceous gland continues to produce sebum, which builds up behind the blockage, allowing bacteria to grow in the area, including the species Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes, which causes inflammation and infection.

[3] Common over-the-counter medications for pimples are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, and antibacterial agents such as triclosan.

The most common product is a topical treatment of benzoyl peroxide, which has minimal risk apart from minor skin irritation that may present similar as a mild allergy.

Expression, the manual bursting of pimples which have evolved into whiteheads with one's fingers (colloquially, "popping"), can allow bacteria to be introduced into the open wound this creates.

Thus expression is generally recommended against by dermatologists and estheticians in favour of allowing pimples to run through their natural lifespans.