Uh-oh! You look in the mirror and see a big, ugly pimple staring back at you. You want it to go away fast, and you’ve heard a pimple heals up sooner if you pop it. Will popping a pimple really cause it to heal more quickly?
What Causes a Pimple in the First Place?
Pimples are a product of overactive sebaceous glands that produce a sticky substance called sebum. As the skin sheds its old cells, sometimes the cells get stuck in the sticky sebum and the pore becomes blocked. When this happens, bacteria that feed off the sebum replicate and produce chemicals that block the pore - and cause it to become inflamed. This leads to redness, swelling and all of the typical symptoms of a pimple. Sometimes pimples can become so large and inflamed that they’re more like cysts, a condition known as cystic acne.
Will Popping a Pimple Make It Go Away Faster?
Contrary to popular belief, popping pimples usually won’t make them go away any faster. They may look less obvious right after you pop them, but they can actually stick around longer if you squeeze or pop them. Popping pimples pushes the sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells deeper into the skin, which worsens the inflammation and keeps the pimple around longer.
Other Risks of Popping Pimples
When you further inflame and aggravate a pimple by popping it, pigment-producing cells called melanocytes enter the picture, particularly in people with dark skin. Melanocytes deposit a dark pigment into the injured area, leading to a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These dark pigment spots can stick around for months to years – a lingering reminder that it’s not a good idea to pop a pimple. Popping pimples can also cause permanent scarring.
Alternatives to Popping a Pimple
The safest treatment is to apply warm compresses to the pimple several times a day. This will help the pimple open up and drain - but don’t touch it or pick at it. Over-the-counter acne medications that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are helpful for prevention, but they don’t work right away.
If you’re going out for the evening and want to reduce a pimple’s redness, apply an ice cube to it to reduce the swelling, and cover it with a concealer that won’t clog pores. Use a flesh-colored concealer over a green concealer to further hide the redness.
If you have a big event coming up and need a pimple-free face fast, a dermatologist can inject a dilute steroid solution into the pimple if it’s large and cystic to ease the inflammation and help it clear up faster.
Popping a Pimple: The Take-Home Message?
Popping pimples can keep them around longer and lead to pigmentation and scarring. The bottom line? Don’t do it.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
Family Practice News. October 15, 2010. Page 57.
Merck Manual. Eighteenth edition. 2006.
Kristie Leong - I'm a family physician interested in all aspects of traditional and alternative medicine, especially the use of nutrition to prevent ...
