To Pop or Not to Pop
Here’s What to Do About That Pesky Pimple
Your dermatologist will tell you to avoid popping a pimple—no matter how tempting. The peskiest of pimples, and especially cysts (those deep, red, painful blemishes), are best left to the professionals.
What could go wrong with popping it?
Popping a pimple could lead to:
Infection: Touching can introduce new bacteria into the already-compromised skin site, risking inflammation and infection.
Inflammation: Manual pressure and manipulation can have the opposite of the desired outcome and increase the size and discomfort associated with the pimple.
Discoloration: Increasing inflammation can lead to further redness and darker discoloration and pigmentation, especially in patients with skin of color.
Scarring: Most pimples will eventually heal without evidence they were ever there—but trying to pop a pimple can cause permanent damage, leaving a scar.
So what can you do about that pimple?
You can try spot-treating with readily available, over-the-counter acne treatments. Helpful ingredients include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and adapalene.
Cute and stylish pimple patches, also available in subtle options (shown below!), are all the rage. We recommend ones containing hydrocolloid, an ingredient that can tame an unwelcome blemish. These work by absorbing oils, decreasing redness, and promoting healing. When the pimple is covered, it also prevents you from reaching for it!
Consider covering up pimples with non-comedogenic makeup.
How can your dermatologist help?
When home treatments don’t do the trick, your dermatologist has many options available:
Gentle extraction may be done in the office by one of our board-certified dermatologists.
In the case of painful, inflammatory cysts, we can inject diluted cortisone safely for a speedier resolution.
Most importantly, your board-certified dermatologist is an acne expert. We can place you on a preventative maintenance treatment plan, including individually curated skincare, and if necessary, prescription medications.
Any questions? Consult one of our board-certified dermatologists. Please contact SSDP to schedule an appointment with any of our physicians.
