You may be tempted to pop this unwanted guest, but it's not a good idea. Contrary to what pimple popping videos may show, squeezing your skin to extract the contents of a pimple — a mixture of oil, dead skin and bacteria — can cause scarring and infection.
It's tempting, but popping or squeezing a pimple won't necessarily get rid of the problem. Squeezing can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, which might cause more swelling and redness. Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars.
Popping pimples can be very tempting — and satisfying. However, it's best if you don't squeeze or pop your pimples. Squeezing pimples can cause several problems, including: Introducing bacteria into the pimple opening.
Acne extraction is recommended only for comedones. Doing it to other pimple types risks spreading inflammation and scarring. However, acne surgery is not the first-line remedy for blackheads and whiteheads. Patients should consider the procedure only after failing topical regimens or as part of combination therapy.
“When you pop a pimple, things are not only coming out, but they're going inside as well. You're pushing that puss, bacteria and inflammation deeper inside the skin, which makes you more likely to have a mark or scar afterward,” explained Jennifer Lucas, MD, a dermatologist for Cleveland Clinic.
Not only that, popping your pimples can keep them around for longer. “True acne pimples do not need to be 'popped' and will heal faster if they are left alone,” she adds. There's one exception to the rule: While you shouldn't try to burst your blemishes, a dermatologist may help.
If you try to squeeze out a pimple that's still deep, you're more likely to cause damage to the surrounding tissue. To encourage your pimple to come to a head, try gently pressing a clean, warm washcloth against the area for a few moments. This will also soften the contents, making it easier to extract.
Acne extraction, a type of topical acne treatment, is typically used to treat comedones, a type of pimple that includes blackheads and whiteheads. The procedure is not generally used to treat pustules, papules, or comedones close to inflamed pimples.
This is also where the problem arises, because the bag becomes very full (crowded) and at some point the bag will burst. So the pimple simply explodes by itself, because of the huge pressure inside the pimple.
Be Patient and Don't Pick. Picking is the worst thing you can do during a skin purge. Not only will this increase the time needed to heal, but it also increases your chance of scarring, infection, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
If you have a pimple, using benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or a pimple patch can help it go away faster.
Pustules are typically white and, unlike papules, they contain pus. A person may find that a pustule is tender to the touch. Nodules and cysts are larger than papules and pustules and may need medical attention. With these types of pimple, the skin around the pore becomes very irritated.
Avoid picking or squeezing the popped breakout to let your skin heal naturally. If you notice any signs of potential infection like redness, increased pain, pus, or inflammation surrounding the blemish, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
The answer is isn't all that simple. Ice doesn't necessarily help clear up acne or pimples — particularly if you're suffering from cystic and nodular acne — but it can help inflammation. This works because acne is an inflammatory condition meaning that it causes flare-ups that contribute to swelling and redness.
It's best to leave pimples alone to heal. Attempting to pop one may prolong your breakout and lead to scarring and infection. If you are going to go ahead and pop a pimple, take steps to minimize the risk of skin damage and a worsened infection.
The other half of the pus gets sucked inside since you're putting pressure when you release. It just stays there. You can't get it out anymore because it's inflamed and irritated. That's why pimples come back on the same spot, sometimes bigger than the one before it.”
Don't pop or squeeze a blood-filled pimple. That can cause: Infection. More pimples.
Acne discharge: Acne pus is made up of dead white blood cells that fight invading bacteria. The drainage, which includes pus mixed with blood, debris, and bacteria, oozes out when acne is punctured. The more the contents in the acne, the more it may smell.
You may be tempted to pop this unwanted guest, but it's not a good idea. Contrary to what pimple popping videos may show, squeezing your skin to extract the contents of a pimple — a mixture of oil, dead skin and bacteria — can cause scarring and infection.
Using a cloth or tissue, keep pressure on the blemish. After one to two minutes, the bleeding should stop. Try not to touch the open wound with your bare fingers. Body oils and dirt might make matters worse and prevent the pimple from going away as quickly as it should.
"Sometimes when you remove contents from the skin and the skin is a little bit floppy, it can make noises," Lee explains in the episode.
If you do nothing, your body will naturally burst the hair follicle, which unclogs the pore where the pimple was. But we know waiting is the hardest part, so keep reading for some tips for speeding up the process—without doing extra damage.
Acne extraction is usually offered when other acne treatment fails to clear the skin. it's rarely a first choice because it takes time and can be expensive. When performed by a dermatologist, acne extraction is a safe way to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads.
Apply a warm, damp washcloth to try to bring a pimple to a head. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water, then apply the warm, damp washcloth to your pimple for 10-15 minutes, three times daily. This will help the deep pimple move closer to your skin's surface so it can heal.