Why you should not pop pimples

If there is one thing that most teenagers list as their numero uno problem, it is pimples! The red and ugly bumps spoil their appearance and it becomes too tempting to just pop them and get rid of the

Editorial Team | Updated: October 27, 2014 11:56 am

If there is one thing that most teenagers list as their numero uno problem, it is pimples! The red and ugly bumps spoil their appearance and it becomes too tempting to just pop them and get rid of them. Though popping them might remove the bump from the face, chances are that the scars will remain. While the pimple itself is a nuisance, popping or squeezing it might exacerbate the problem further. There will be scabs or scars left behind for every pimple you pop which will take longer to vanish than the pimple.

What are pimples?

Pimples are lesions on the skin that appear due to inflammation of the oil glands due to bacterial infection. These can be red, pus-filled or in the form of a blackhead. There are oil glands or sebaceous glands located at the base of hair follicles. When these are infected by bacteria or dirt gets trapped in the oil, then there is a lesion that forms on the skin and contains the debris from all this.

What happens when you pop a pimple?

The pimple manages to keep the inflammation and infection contained within its lesion. By popping it, the pus or debris comes in contact with more skin surface. Chances are that there will be more pimples wherever the gunk flowed. There is also a possibility that while trying to pop the pimple, the debris is pushed deeper under the surface of the skin instead of being expelled. If the hands are not clean then more bacteria can be introduced to the skin as well. All this combined can lead to a redder, inflamed or swollen pimple that leaves behind a scar. (Read: Herbal remedies to get rid of pimples)

How to manage a pimple breakout?

Left to its own devices, a pimple takes approximately a week’s time to dry out. However, here are some methods you could try to control the situation.

Apply 5% benzoyl peroxide cream or gel twice daily to dry out the pimple faster.
Cover it with a layer of non-comedogenic concealer that can hide the redness of the pimple.
Use OTC antibacterial agents such as salicylic acid or retinol.
Cosmetic treatments like glycolic peel or light treatments can also prove effective.
Seek the help of a dermatologist for professionally popping the pimple.
Consult a doctor for prescription medication to deal with the issue. (Read: Quick tips to get rid of pimples overnight (Video))

How to prevent acne breakouts?

Pimples can be caused by a variety of reasons including hormonal changes, stress, not following proper cleansing, toning and moisturising routine for oily skin and exposure to pollution and dust. You can easily control the situation by ensuring that you keep your skin squeaky clean at all times, especially when you have exposed it to sun or pollution. Certain lifestyle changes that reduce stress can also be helpful. All experts advise saying no to junk food, deep-fried food and aerated drinks.

How does the dermatologist pop the pimple?

Dermatologists perform a process for extraction of the pimple in the most hygienic environment possible. All the instruments to be used are sterilised and they wear gloves to prevent further chances of infection. The area is cleaned using alcohol wipes as well. The clogged pore is unblocked by gently piercing the pimple tip with the help of a sterilised lance. Then a comedone extractor is used to remove the debris released from the pimple. (Read: Home remedies and face packs to fight pimples)

How can you pop pimples safely?

There is a proper way in which pimples can be popped at home safely by amateurs as well.
The pimple can be popped only when it has developed a white head that is firm.
Trim fingernails and clean hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Prepare a sterilised needle by heating it and rubbing it with alcohol when cooled.
Clean the pimple area with an alcohol soaked swab and also use some to clean the hands further.
Hold the pin in a position parallel to the skin and pierce the tip of the white head.
Use a cotton swab to squeeze the pimple and extract the pus into it.
Apply an anti-bacterial ointment on the extracted pimple.

Image source: Getty images

Published: October 23, 2014 10:01 am | Updated:October 27, 2014 11:56 am

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.

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