Pimple Popping: Is It Safe To Do?

Zits. Pimples. Acne. No matter what name you use, odds are, you’ve looked in the mirror and seen one of these angry blemishes — and then debated whether to take matters into your own hands.

Popping zits is just so … well, irresistible. That little squeeze can result in an oh-so-gratifying release of the gunk inside.

But should you give in to the temptation? Let’s find out from dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD.

Should you pop pimples?

Hard as it may be to resist, you’re better off not clawing at a zit to do what doctors call an extraction. Pimple-popping can damage your skin, emphasizes Dr. Piliang. It’s not a healthy practice.

“People tend to get in trouble because they start doing extractions and it becomes a habit,” she says. “It can cause more problems than good.”

Aside from redness, swelling and skin irritation, squeezing pimples can result in:

• Scarring
• Infection
• Additional acne breakouts
• Dark spots (hyperpigmentation) that can take months to fade

Plus, popping a pimple can turn a minor blemish into a major one: “You could take something small and not all that noticeable to someone else and make it a big, red bloody mess,” warns Dr. Piliang.

Is it ever OK to pop a zit?

Now, let’s address a reality of life: Despite being advised to leave a zit alone, you might still be determined to paw at a pesky pimple until it gives up what’s inside.

If so, here’s the best way to go about it. (But again, you really shouldn’t.)

How to safely pop a pimple

No matter what type of zit you’re tackling, the first step is always the same: Wash your hands.

Some early prep work can help the process, too. You can pop pimples far more easily if you loosen the gunk plugging up your blocked pore. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help.

Let’s dig into the popping process, which varies slightly for each type of acne.

Popping blackheads

After using an OTC medicine, popping a blackhead can be fairly simple. Gently apply pressure to the outer edges with either your fingers or cotton swabs.

“The plug should pop out easily, as blackheads are technically open pores,” says Dr. Piliang.

Popping whiteheads

Whiteheads are closed pimples, so you’ll need to create an exit point for the plug. Sterilize a needle with alcohol and gently prick the top of the pimple. After making the opening, apply pressure in the same way you would to extract a blackhead.

Popping pustules

A pustule sits deeper beneath your skin, so it requires a bit more work. Use a hot compress to draw the pus to the surface before applying pressure. As with a whitehead, you may also need to use a sterilized needle to open an exit.

Stop the process if your popping attempt isn’t immediately successful.

“If nothing comes out, wait a while,” advises Dr. Piliang. “If you try to manipulate and squeeze it too much, you’ll only make the problem worse.”

What to do after popping a pimple

So, you’ve popped the offending pimple and left a leaking, oozing hole. Now what?

First, wash your hands and face to get the ick off. Applying an antibiotic ointment can help keep bacteria at bay. (If the zit created some angst, you really don’t want to see what a follow-up infection might look like.)

There are special products available, too. A “pimple patch” or “zit sticker” contains a healing gel called hydrocolloid that can help your skin recover.

When to see a dermatologist

The occasional pimples happen. From time to time, one of the millions of pores on your skin will get clogged — whether with sebum (an oily substance), bacteria or dead skin cells — and turn extremely angry.

“It’s just part of life,” notes Dr. Piliang.

But if you’re experiencing frequent or extreme acne outbreaks, talk to a healthcare provider or dermatologist. They can help you build a treatment routine to help keep your skin clear and reduce the need for any popping.

“It’s a good idea to see a dermatologist who can advise you on how best to treat your acne,” reiterates Dr. Piliang. “They can get you on a regimen to treat the existing blemishes and prevent new ones from coming up.”