The Truth About Popping Pimples: Dos and Don’ts

It’s tempting to squeeze a pimple, but dermatologists warn against it. When you pop a pimple at home, you often push the inflammatory material (pus, oil, bacteria) deeper into skin or spread bacteria on its surface . This can worsen inflammation, create larger red bumps, and ultimately increase risk of scarring . Studies show that acne lesions you pop yourself are more likely to leave marks or scars. Popping also breaks the skin barrier , which invites more bacteria in and can lead to infection. In short, DIY extraction often backfires: you trade one zit for a longer , deeper breakout. Even a small mistake can cause dark post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (especially in skin of color) that lasts weeks or months. What NOT to do: Never pick, pinch, or pop pimples prematurely. Avoid digging or squeezing any acne lesion – especially flat red bumps or deep cysts – as this almost always leads to more swelling and possible permanent scars. Even whiteheads (the easiest to extract) should be left alone at home. People often say "if it has a white head, then I can pop it," but it’s safer to let it heal naturally. Picking also risks spreading oil and bacteria from your fingers to other parts of your face. Safer Alternatives: If a spot is painful or very bothersome, there are safer ways to deal with it: Topical Treatments: Instead of popping, apply a spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These ingredients can speed up healing by killing bacteria and drying out the pimple. Leave them on overnight or for a few hours on recent pimples. Warm Compress: Applying a warm (clean) compress can help open a pore and encourage drainage. Do this by soaking a clean washcloth in warm water , wringing it out, and holding it gently against the blemish for several minutes. This can sometimes ease a whitehead to the surface. Pimple Patches (Hydrocolloid Bandages): These thin, adhesive patches cover a pimple. They absorb pus and fluids, keeping bacteria out and accelerating healing. Many patches also contain acne-fighting actives like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. Use a patch on small raised whiteheads or pustules (not on flat red bumps or deep cysts). Leave it on overnight; it may even turn opaque as it draws fluid from the pore. Clean Extraction (by Professional): In-office extraction by a dermatologist or esthetician can clear comedones safely using sterile tools. If your acne is severe or you have multiple stubborn clogged pores, professional extractions (like comedone extractors) minimize trauma to the skin. If You Must Pop: If an above-the-surface whitehead absolutely needs to be drained at home, follow very strict guidelines. First wash your hands and face thoroughly. Disinfect a thin pin or needle with rubbing alcohol. Very gently pierce the whitehead at its tip to create an opening. Then, using a clean tissue wrapped around two fingers, press lightly on each side of the blemish. Do not “dig” or squeeze excessively. If nothing comes out easily, stop. Afterward, apply a dab of antibiotic ointment or a spot treatment, and keep hands off the area. However , even with this careful method, at-home extraction is riskier . Aftercare: If you’ve popped a pimple, treat the spot gently. Cleanse with a mild cleanser and apply an antibacterial or healing ointment to help it close without infection. Use a non-irritating moisturizer or a bandage to protect it. Avoid makeup on the area until it’s healed. Sun protection is also key, as sun exposure on healing skin can darken marks. Bottom Line: Dermatologists strongly advise against pimple-popping at home. Not only does it tend to prolong the blemish, it can create new ones and permanent scars. Instead, use medicated treatments and gentle care. As one Cleveland Clinic dermatologist explains, popping forces pus and bacteria deeper , making the lesion bigger and the mark more likely. In other words, “leave it alone” is truly the best policy. If a pimple is very large or deep, consider seeing a dermatologist who can safely drain it. Remember: treating acne is a marathon, not a sprint – while popping might give short-term relief, it often leads to long- term problems .

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