I had an inflamed pimple on my nose that was already in the healing process, but could feel another one forming right next to it (I must have spread the infection underneath by squeezing) which was so painful I could feel it throbbing. I vaguely recalled reading about taking an ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) for cystic/inflamed spots and took one so I could sleep and stop prodding at my face. Also had an event to go to, so I was getting anxious about it not subsiding. About 15 minutes after, I could already feel the pain diminishing and the next day the swelling was pretty much gone! I'm inclined to believe this would only work for under-the-skin, cystic-type pimples, not pustules. And of course, save it for an "emergency" as it can be harmful to take ibuprofen regularly.