When Gina Bailey thinks that a pimple is forming, she reaches in her ear for a little ear wax and applies it to the affected area.

"It works like a charm," she said. "It sounds disgusting, but it works."

Ear wax is one of many home remedies used to get rid of pimples. Others include egg whites, lemon juice and honey. Many swear by these home remedies to get rid of pimples that pop up at the most inopportune time.

Acne, which is caused by excess oil production in the skin, isn't contagious, according to the Acne Resource Center Online.. It usually develops during the teenage years and the early 20s.

But do home remedies really work for pimple outbreaks?

What Really Works

Bailey says that it is imperative to catch the pimple in the beginning stage, when it is still underneath the skin.

"If it becomes a big bump, it's not going to work," she says.

Navneet Brar says there are many items that can be found in your home that can help treat a pimple.

Some of the home remedies that he recommends include rubbing ice on a pimple or whitehead, forcing it under the skin. The ice will work to shrink the pimple.

"One mistake most people do is they touch their acne the whole day and this helps it to grow," says Brar, CEO of Top54U, a Web site that deals with health, home, family, relationships, shopping and entertainment.

Another home remedy involves applying baking soda and lemon juice in the morning and before bed.

Preventing Pimples

Brar warns about quick fixes, however. In fact, he encourages behavior that could provide good skin.

"Actually, all the blame goes to the society we live in," he said. "We always want solutions in five minutes. The same thing we do with our health. 'Cure pimples overnight. Cure this overnight. Cure that overnight.'"

One treatments regimen that can help includes steaming your face. This opens up pores. Another tip is to wash your face with cold water to close the pores.

Brar said that it is also important for people with breakouts and acne problems to change their pillowcases often. He says a pillowcase is polluted with dandruff and oils that stick on your face while you sleep.

Little Of This, Little Of That

Another concoction that anyone can whip up at home is 1/2 teaspoon of camphor lotion, 1/2 teaspoon of tomato juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. This makes a mask that should be left on for 15 minutes, according to CosmeticsDiary.

This Web site also says that the white of an egg can get rid of pimples if left on for about 20 minutes or overnight.

Another remedy for pimples involves a fresh lime, whole milk and a teaspoon of glycerin.

According to CosmeticsDiary, other emergency treatments include applying a paste of ground radish seeds in distilled water to dry up blackheads, putting a dab of toothpaste on a pimple, or applying a mixture of 1 tablespoon of corn flour and egg white to the affected area.