Pimples: To Pop Or Not to Pop?
Regardless of their size, pimples are always a nuisance. The worst thing about them is that they often appear without warning. If it were up to us, we would want to get rid of each zit that turns up uninvited the very instant it appears. However, we all know that pimples don’t heal that fast. This is where the temptation to pop a pimple arrives. A majority of us have probably done it simply because it just feels so satisfying. But is it really a good idea to squeeze the pus out of a pimple?
Mostly, the answer is no. While it’s a quick procedure performed by dermatologists and estheticians, it’s not advisable that you do it yourself. It’s a treatment that is best left to these well-trained experts. There’s a reason why they had to study and earn their licenses before they can deal with that pesky little pimple.
What Happens When You Pop A Pimple
So what’s the big deal? What happens if we attempt to pop a pimple by ourselves? Apparently, there are a lot of things that can go wrong.
It Spreads Pimple-Causing Bacteria
Inside that little red pustule are oil and debris that trap bacteria. Popping the pimple can puncture the skin, causing the gunk to ooze out. When that happens, the bacteria can spread within the area, infecting other pores.
It Can Worsen the InfectionWhile prodding on a pimple, you risk forcing the bacteria and debris that’s clogging your pores deeper into your pores or follicles. What started out as a small pustule may turn into a bigger, more swollen, and inflamed cystic acne.
You may also run the risk of introducing new bacteria from your nails and fingertips by pricking a pimple.
It Can Cause Permanent Scarring
When a pimple is left alone to heal by itself, it usually goes away in about 3 to 7 days. But when popped incorrectly, it can linger for much longer and may leave a permanent scar on your face.
As mentioned, popping a pimple incorrectly can cause it to develop into a bigger, more serious type of blemish. Pricking it can also leave a small scab or turn it into a huge, inflamed lesion. When that happens, you may lose some tissue as the skin tries to heal itself. As a result, you are left with a permanent, pitted acne scar. If not that, you can develop dark spots known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What To Do Instead
Instead of extracting the pus out of your pimple by yourself, there are a couple simple things you can do.
Use An Acne Spot Treatment
If you’re dealing with just a few pimples, it’s best to try dabbing a safe yet potent product such as TreeActiv’s Invisible Acne Spot Treatment. It’s paraben-free and 100% vegan so you’re sure it won’t irritate your skin.
If you’re dealing with a cystic type of acne, it’s best to use the TreeActiv Cystic Acne Spot Treatment. Apart from speeding up the healing process, it also calms and soothes the inflamed area which causes redness and swelling.
Use a Pimple PatchIn addition to using a spot treatment, you can also try pimple patches. More than acting as tiny bandages for your blemish, these hydrocolloid patches are designed to absorb pus from the pimple. Since it covers the area, it takes away the temptation of wanting to pop it. However, these patches only work best when used for pimples with visible heads.
A Final Word
At the end of the day, the best way to deal with pimples is to prevent them from developing. You can stop minor breakouts from happening by making sure to follow an effective skincare routine that works best for your skin type.
Make sure to eat a healthy diet, minimize stress levels, and keep yourself hydrated. On the other hand, if what you are experiencing is a more serious case of acne, it might be best to consult a dermatologist who can help pick the right treatment option for you.
References:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-popping-pimples-bad-for-my-skin-15523
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/pop-a-zit