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Conservation Groups Threaten To Sue Federal Agency To Help Rare East Tennessee Salamander

The Berry Cave salamander was denied as a candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act in 2019, despite a dwindling population.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of the Center for Biological Diversity, said it intends to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in an attempt to bring more attention to a rare salamander only found in a few East Tennessee caves. 

The Berry Cave salamander spends its entire life in caves and is dependent on clean water. It has only been found in isolated caves across four counties, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center. 

The center said survey results show the population of Berry Cave salamanders found in Meads Quarry Cave has fallen by at least 60% over the past decade. 

"Salamanders' permeable skin makes them extremely sensitive to pollutants in their environment," Southern Environmental Law Center Senior Associate Attorney Liz Rasheed said. "The Berry Cave salamander's increasing rarity raises alarm bells not only for the species itself but also for the health of the delicate cave ecosystems it inhabits."

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Berry Cave salamander as a candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act in 2019, the center said. 

"At the time of the denial, prior regional leadership in the agency's Southeastern office had directed staff to implement a quota system setting annual targets for denying species protections. This quota could have influenced the Berry Cave salamander decision and resulted in other, already-listed species being stripped of protection," the Southern Environmental Law Center said in a press release. 

A 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue is required under the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has that amount of time to correct the violations listed in the lawsuit. If the corrections are not made, a lawsuit can move forward, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center.

"These special little salamanders can't adapt quickly enough to the multitude of threats they face and urgently need the strong protections of the Endangered Species Act," Center for Biological Diversity Associate Attorney Chelsea Stewart-Fusek said. "The Service's poorly supported denial of protection for the Berry Cave salamander could spell its demise in the face of climate change and unchecked pollution."

Middleburg's Salamander Resort In Rare Company With Trifecta Of Forbes Awards

Forbes Travel Guide has awarded Salamander Middleburg in Virginia five stars for food, accommodations and spa, one of only five properties in the U.S. And 13 globally to earn all three five-star awards.

It's one of only five properties in the U.S. And 13 globally to earn all three five-star awards.

The resort, on 340 acres, received the 2024 Forbes Travel Guide stars for its Harriman's Grill restaurant, its first Forbes Travel Guide rating. The Salamander's accommodations won the five-star rating for the sixth year in a row, and the Salamander Spa earned the five-star rating for the third-consecutive year.

Salamander Middleburg, now 10 years old, is part of the Salamander Collection based in Middleburg.

The Salamander Resort and Spa took over the location of the former Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Southwest D.C. Last year. Its properties also include Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Aspen Meadows Resort in Aspen, Colorado, Hotel Bennett in Charleston, South Carolina, and Innisbrook Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Forbes Travel 2024 also awarded a four-star rating to Half Moon. Hotel Bennett retained its Forbes four-star rating.

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How To Get Rid Of A Blind Pimple

Blind pimples are deep bumps that form under the skin. They can be small or large, red and painful, or nearly invisible. Treatments may include home remedies or antibiotics.

Examples of home remedies include cold or warm compresses, raw honey, and over-the-counter remedies. If these don't help or symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe medication such as antibiotics.

Blind pimples are acne that develops under the skin's surface.

The pimple isn't always noticeable, but you can usually feel the lump. The area may be painful or red and slightly inflamed.

Blind pimples usually result from a cyst or nodule under the skin. They differ from whiteheads and blackheads, which develop closer to the skin's surface.

Blind pimples can be stubborn. They don't have heads that you can soften or "pop." In some instances, you may be able to coax an opening to form at the head of a blind pimple.

Various treatments can help get rid of them safely and effectively.

The image gallery below shows what blind pimples may look like.

Blind pimples can be tough to get rid of, but there are many therapies you can try at home. Always make sure your hands are clean before you use any at-home treatment.

Don't squeeze or pop Blind pimples are too far below the skin to pop. Trying will only irritate them further and may cause infection or scarring. Instead of popping, try to bring the pimple to a head so it can exit the skin via other treatment methods.

Use a product containing benzoyl peroxide Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria under the skin. It's a common ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments and cleansers. Recommended products: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment

Apply a warm compress Recommended products: Curad Ironman Hot or Cold Compress CBDistillery CBD Warming Cream Curad Ironman Hot or Cold Compress CBDistillery CBD Warming Cream

Apply ice Ice can reduce pain and swelling. As soon as you notice a pimple forming, wrap an ice cube in paper and apply to the area for 5–10 minutes. Do this twice more, waiting 10 minutes between applications

Wear an acne patch An acne patch is a small medicated bandage you place directly on the blind pimple. They typically contain acne-fighting agents, such as salicylic acid. Acne patches can be purchased online or in drugstores. Make sure you follow the directions for use exactly.

Apply tea tree oil Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial compounds. Products containing tea tree oil may be a gentle alternative to antibiotics and OTC treatments for mild to moderate acne. For optimum effectiveness, use a product containing 5% tea tree oil or greater. Apply twice a day until the blind pimple heals completely. Make sure to dilute tea tree oil first with a carrier oil, such as olive oil. Tea tree oil is safe enough for daily use. Recommended products: Daily Remedy Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak Oleavine Tea Tree Oil Balm with Neem Oil Daily Remedy Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak Oleavine Tea Tree Oil Balm with Neem Oil

Apply raw honey Raw honey is another natural alternative to OTC products. Honey has natural antimicrobial properties that help get rid of bacteria. It may help manage acne and other skin conditions. Apply a small amount to the affected area and leave on overnight. Raw honey can also be mixed with water as a cleanser.

» MORE: 4 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Pimples as Fast as Possible

If blind pimples don't resolve easily at home, are especially painful, or seem infected, consult a dermatologist. Prescribed medications, including antibiotics, can sometimes help remove blind pimples.

Some clinical treatments include:

Topical antibiotics These can help get rid of any bacteria and reduce inflammation. If you get recurring blind pimples, such products may be used around the affected area as a preventive measure. The most common topical antibiotics for acne include clindamycin and erythromycin. These come in a gel formula that you apply twice a day. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to apply topical antibiotics once a day and see how your skin reacts before moving up to twice a day. However, topical antibiotics aren't effective by themselves. You'll need to use them in conjunction with another type of acne product, such as benzoyl peroxide. The antibiotic gets rid of the bacteria and inflammation, while the benzoyl peroxide dries out the blind pimple.

» MORE: How Does Clindamycin for Acne Work?

Oral antibiotics Moderate to severe acne of all types is often treated with oral antibiotics, such as: If you have many blind pimples or blind pimples that seem to be infected your doctor may recommend oral antibiotics instead of or in addition to topical antibiotics.

Cortisone shots Very painful, large, or swollen blind pimples may be treated with a cortisone injection. Your doctor will inject a diluted cortisone solution directly into each blind pimple.

» MORE: Cortisone Shot for Acne: Benefits & Side Effects

Blind pimples can develop when sebum (oil), bacteria, and dirt become trapped deep within a hair follicle. The end result is a painful lump under your skin that doesn't have a "head" as other pimples might have.

If you have oily skin, you may be more prone to blind pimples than people with dry skin.

Hormonal fluctuations can also sometimes cause an overabundance of sebum in the skin. This may be most likely at specific times of your life, such as puberty or pregnancy.

Taking certain medications may contribute to blind pimples. These include oral corticosteroids and some birth control options.

Blind pimples can be hard to eliminate, but they're treatable with patience and care.

» MORE: 12 Products for Oily Skin: Editors' Picks

Should you try to pop a blind pimple?

It's generally not recommended to pop a blind pimple, which can lead to inflammation, scarring, and infection. Instead, you can try other methods to reduce its size and promote healing.

How do you get rid of a blind pimple?

Apply a warm compress to the area to help reduce inflammation and encourage the pimple to come to a head. You can also try over-the-counter acne treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

If it does not go away, a doctor may prescribe medication. Whatever you do, avoid popping or squeezing, as this may make it worse.

How long does a blind pimple last?

A blind pimple typically lasts about 1-2 weeks. However, with proper treatment, it may resolve more quickly.

Why are blind pimples so painful?

Blind pimples are often painful because they occur deep within the skin, where there are more nerve endings. The inflammation and pressure from the trapped bacteria and oil can contribute to the pain.

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