Is Pimple Popping Bad for Your Skin?

Pimple popping... Never has a skin-related subject been more contentious or more discussed. You only need to type the words into a social media search engine to be returned with multiple results (often including videos). This is, depending on your point of view, either fascinating or stomach churning… 

Nonetheless, pimple popping is something that most of us have been guilty of at least the odd time. But—and here’s the million-dollar question—is it bad for your skin? While popping a random small pimple probably won’t cause any long-term harm, when it comes to a large nodule or acne pimple, then it isn’t recommended.

Let’s look at this in more detail…

Everything You Need to Know about Pimple Popping

• Yes! Pimple popping can be bad for your skin—especially if you have acne
• Why only a dermatologist should pop pimples

Yes! Pimple popping can be bad for your skin—especially if you have acne

It certainly can be tempting to pop pimples at home. However, only a dermatologist can truly carry out the process in the sterile manner needed to prevent issues. While it looks easy, a poorly executed pimple pop can lead to:

• Infection
• Permanent scarring
• Worsening pimples (acne)
• More painful acne or pimples

Wherever on your body you might suffer from pimples or acne, DIY pimple popping can result in these very unwanted side effects.

Why only a dermatologist should pop pimples

The reasons you should only let a clinical professional deal with a pimple outbreak or acne is because:

• Pimples contain pus. Popping them at home can push some of this deeper into the skin, causing a more deep-seated infection and increased inflammation.
• Using your fingers or nails to pop a pimple risks introducing bacteria into the resulting wound. Again, this can cause infection and further inflammation.
• The worse infection and inflammation become, the more likely it is that pain will increase, further pimples can erupt, and the chance of scarring becomes higher.

Acne outbreaks often manifest not only in pimples, but cysts, nodules, pustules, blackheads, and whiteheads. A dermatologist will use a variety of methods to reduce such an outbreak, with the first of these likely to be topical applications and perhaps some antibiotic medication. If such methods fail to have the desired effect, a dermatologist might also carry out more invasive treatments that are grouped under the umbrella terms of “acne extraction”.

This is where the doctor uses sterile instruments to remove pus, blackheads, and whiteheads. Other, additional, options include:

• Removing a large pimple or cyst through an incision and drainage.
• A corticosteroid injection (this is usually only carried out on a single, particularly deep-rooted and/or large infected pustule, cyst, or nodule).
• An at-home care plan that includes not touching your face, using ice packs to reduce inflammation (and provide very effective pain relief), and using a variety of prescribed acne medications.

No one doubts the temptation to pop a pimple at home. However, resisting this is key to reducing the chances of a worsening outbreak and long-term scarring. As the American Academy of Dermatology Association states, “Having patience today will lead to clearer skin tomorrow”.

Partnering with an experienced acne dermatologist is also key. While there are many over-the-counter treatments available, if you don’t experience an improvement within 4-6 weeks, then it’s time to seek professional help. 

Suffer From Acne? Contact Bayou City Dermatology for Pimple Popping Done Right

Acne ranges from mild to severe—and in the worst cases can be truly detrimental to your mental health. While acne is often thought of as a puberty issue, it can occur at any age. Adult acne is common—even at later ages, such as in your 40s or 50s when significant hormonal changes are taking place.

Whatever your age or gender, we can help. Visit https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/clinical/acne-treatment for more information and get in contact today to book your initial consultation.