Should You Pop Pimples?
No, you should not pop pimples. Squeezing can push bacteria deeper into the skin, cause inflammation and scarring, introduce new bacteria from your fingers, and prolong healing. Dermatologists recommend leaving pimples alone or using topical treatments (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid). If you must extract, only touch whiteheads with clean hands and proper technique.
Key Takeaways
- When you squeeze a pimple, you risk rupturing the follicle wall beneath the skin.
- Professionals can safely extract comedones with sterile tools and proper technique.
- If a pimple develops a white head at the surface, gentle extraction with clean hands and minimal pressure carries lower risk.
Explanation
When you squeeze a pimple, you risk rupturing the follicle wall beneath the skin. This spreads bacteria and sebum into surrounding tissue, causing more inflammation, potentially more breakouts, and a higher risk of scarring. What seems like a quick fix often makes things worse and delays healing.
Different types of acne require different approaches. Blackheads and whiteheads at the surface may be extractable with proper technique, but deeper pimples (papules, nodules, cysts) should never be squeezed. Cystic acne especially can leave permanent scars if manipulated. These require professional treatment.
Better alternatives include applying benzoyl peroxide (kills bacteria), salicylic acid (unclogs pores), or spot treatments with tea tree oil. Warm compresses can help bring pus to the surface. Pimple patches (hydrocolloid bandages) can extract fluid and protect against picking. For persistent acne, see a dermatologist for prescription treatments.
Things to Know
- Professionals can safely extract comedones with sterile tools and proper technique.
- If a pimple develops a white head at the surface, gentle extraction with clean hands and minimal pressure carries lower risk.
- Pimples in the 'danger triangle' (nose to corners of mouth) especially should not be popped due to blood vessel connections to the brain.