We've all done it — picked at a big, painful pimple in an attempt to get rid of it in time for a special event or occasion. And we can all agree that doing so usually makes it much worse. 

Instead, dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee — also known as Dr. Pimple Popper — says you should apply something that's NOT toothpaste to calm a painful pimple down.

Hydrocortisone cream — which you can also find at the drugstore, Dr. Lee says. 

"It helps to decrease redness, inflammation [of] rashes," Dr. Lee says, "but it can be used in a pinch."

"If you have a bump that [...] looks like it's really angry," she continues, "it's a really good thing to put on."

Oh, and don't forget about applying a cool compress, too.

"It's not going to [keep] a new acne bump from forming," Dr. Lee says about the quick fix, "but we really want to treat the ones you have now — or calm them down."

In other words, this is NOT a long-term solution for acne — so go see your dermatologist if you have persistent acne — but it can help provide short-term relief. 

Check out more tips from Dr. Lee on SLMDSkincare.com.

Always check with your doctor before you try new treatments.