Is there anything more frustrating than a pimple making an unwelcome appearance just a day before an important date, wedding, or public presentation? It's almost a cruel coincidence that these fluid-filled blemishes seem to pop up precisely before our most significant events. To make matters worse, they often choose to appear on the most visible area of our bodies—our faces.
For many individuals, the instinctive reaction to an embarrassing pimple is to pop it immediately. After all, if it’s going to show up at such an inconvenient time, why not deal with it right away?
However, while this impulsive method of squeezing and bursting the blemish may seem like a quick fix, experts caution that it can lead to severe consequences. Unless you have a dermatologist handle the extraction, the risks of exacerbating the situation might outweigh any potential benefits.
The Dangers of Popping Pimples
Whether you’ve already popped that pimple or are contemplating the action, it’s essential to understand the risks involved.
Acne Scars
You may have heard the saying, "healed wounds leave ugly scars." This phrase can quickly become applicable to your skin if you decide to pop a pimple. A poorly executed popping can inflict significant tissue damage, resulting in skin depressions and dark spots. As many know, scars are not easily removable, and you could end up spending more on treatments than if you had just given your pimple time to heal naturally.
Skin Infection
Every pimple contains a mix of substances, including bacteria that can cause infections. Unless your immune system is capable of eliminating these bacteria or you have a dermatologist perform the extraction, you risk spreading these microbes to adjacent skin areas. Consequently, while you try to resolve one blemish, you might find yourself facing multiple new ones.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Popping a pimple can trigger an excessive release of melanin, a pigment responsible for skin color, leading to discoloration in the affected area. Alongside melanin, additional keratinocytes may contribute to redness and inflammation. The resulting combination of irritation and altered pigmentation is certainly not something anyone wants to see.
Exacerbated Pimples
Often, when you prematurely or improperly pop a pimple, it doesn't resolve permanently. Instead, it may return with greater intensity, larger and angrier than before. This outcome occurs because the debris from the initial pimple can penetrate deeper into the dermis, causing further damage.
While you might consider yourself fortunate if you haven't experienced these issues, studies show that eight out of ten individuals who pop their pimples face at least one of these risks. However, since this article focuses on what steps to take following an extraction, we won’t delve deeper into these potential complications.
Seven Steps to Take After Popping a Pimple
Now that the deed is done and you've popped that pesky blemish, here are seven scientifically backed tips to help you minimize the associated risks.
Keep the Area Clean and Dry
Popping a pimple opens your skin to external elements, making it crucial to maintain strict hygiene to prevent infection. Regularly cleanse the area with mild soap and water, then allow it to dry completely. Microorganisms thrive in moist environments, and dry skin is less hospitable to them. Rachel Nall from Healthline recommends washing your hands with antibacterial soap before treating the popped area to avoid cross-contamination.
Utilize an Ice Pack for Inflammation Relief
A simple home remedy for reducing inflammation is to apply an ice pack to the affected area. If you notice irritation or swelling, wrap a clean cloth around a pack of ice and gently place it on the pimple intermittently. This method can help soothe discomfort until your immune system takes control of the situation.
Consider Antibiotic Treatments
Many natural ingredients, such as tea tree oil and aloe vera, possess antimicrobial properties that may help curtail bacterial growth. You can apply these substances daily to the popped pimple until it heals. Alternatively, Bacitracin can be gently applied using a cotton swab. Just ensure your hands are clean before treating your skin. This ointment is available over the counter and is effective for treating minor wounds.
Cover the Pimple
Given that there is now an opening in your skin, one effective way to protect it from infections and promote healing is to cover it. You can use a silicone sheet or a bandage, both easily found at pharmacies. If a bandage doesn’t appeal to you, a moisturizer can serve as a barrier. Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a great choice, as it hydrates your skin without clogging your pores.
Maintain Your Skincare Routine
A sudden flare-up can be disheartening, leading some to neglect their skincare regimen. However, this is not conducive to quick healing. Remember that popping a pimple is not a solution; continue your regular cleansing routine both morning and night, and do not discontinue any anti-acne treatments you were previously using.
Allow Time for Healing
Healing is a process that requires patience. Resist the impulse to squeeze or pop any remaining bumps while they heal. A scab may form, which is a natural part of the healing process, and removing it prematurely can result in a lasting scar on your skin.
Avoid Chemical Cosmetics on the Area
Many cosmetic products contain synthetic ingredients intended for external use only. Therefore, it’s wise to refrain from applying any chemical products to the area until it has fully healed and the opening has closed.
Are There Alternatives to Popping Pimples?
For many women, light makeup can effectively mask pimples or draw attention away from them. In the absence of underlying health issues, most blemishes should resolve within about a week. Popping should ideally be left to dermatologists, who can determine the safest approach for extraction.
There are also various home treatments for pimples that can facilitate healing without causing adverse effects. For example, tea tree oil and green tea can safely hydrate your skin and help unclog pores.
However, persistent pimple issues may indicate underlying health conditions requiring a doctor’s intervention. If home remedies have proven ineffective, consulting your physician should be your next step.
Conclusion
Aside from makeup applications, it's important to maintain your regular skincare routine even after popping a pimple. If you take the necessary precautions, popping a pimple doesn’t have to lead to serious health concerns.
