How to Papules Is the patch valid? In the past, getting ZIT means covering up the foundation, concealer, powder…or just a strategic angle hairstyle. But now, the game has changed: Why hide the papules when you can dress up? No crazy mixing or pore clogging products are required. Today, we are taking a completely different (and refreshingly low-key) approach to clogging pores: take a bright yellow star sticker on it and call it the day.
Welcome to the age of papules, where flaws are not hidden shameful secrets, but only part of human experience. While it may seem bold to put literal stickers on ZIT, it is also an effective way to treat blemishes. Here we delve into the science, benefits and best methods to shake miscellaneous papule patches.
If you are interested in dermatology, don’t forget to check out our guide to make red light therapy masking and ancient history of LED devices, exosome therapy, and snail mucin.
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Updated July 2025: I have added DearCloud Hydrocolloid Flaw Patches, Cerave Hydrocolloid Plamish Patches and Peach Slices Slices Spocne Spot Dots as new options. I also updated the information, prices and links.
What is a papule patch?
In simplest terms, acne plaques are tiny, bonded stickers to solve different types of acne, one-time blemishes. These patches emit pores and absorb excess fluid, speed up wound healing and prevent you from picking up your skin – no small feat. Papule plaques have various formulas, with different ingredients, and can be used for different outbreaks, but the most popular are the plaques of miscellaneous acne.
How does papule patch work?
Photo: Andrew Youngberg
Hydrocolloid plaques are wound dressings that help retain moisture and create a moist, healing environment for papules, burns or lesions. “They are made of water-absorbing material that adheres to a very thin plastic film,” said cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong. “So if you have an open papule, it can suck the pus.”
Although Hydrocolloid dressings have been used since the 1960s (they were originally developed by dentists), it was not until the early 2010s that Pimple Patches began to appear on skin care and beauty stands.
When applied to inflamed papules, usually liquid papules, the warmth of the skin softens the lining of the sticker, helping it absorb impurities and gunk. It also acts as a protective barrier that protects blemishes from further irritation or spread. If you ever remove the patch to find the bottom surface coated with a creamy white substance, that is a mixture of hydrogen colloidal gel and excess oil pulled from the skin. This healing process also makes it impossible for you to pick papules, a habit that can lead to longer healing, infections, and scars.
Our Favorite Papule Patch
Other on-site treatments
“On-site treatment [tend] In an email, Lindsey Zubritsky, a dermatologist who has been certified by the Premier Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, wrote: “These are active ingredients, but they may work and they can also cause dryness and irritation.” “On the other hand, pure hydrogen colloidal plaques contain no active ingredients, making them ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.
How often can you use hydrocolloid patches?
Photo: Yuliya Sheynina/Getty Images
According to most dermatologists, you can use acne patches as needed. Zubritsky (aka @dermguru on Tiktok) recommends wearing them for up to 12 hours, ideally one night. But they can also be worn during the day. They are particularly effective in fluid-filled papules, such as papules, pustules, or cysts.
