Can you prick a pimple

While it can be tempting to simply squeeze a pimple to try to get rid of it, dermatologists strongly discourage this approach. Popping a pimple incorrectly can increase your risk of infection and scarring. There is a proper way to extract a pimple, which we will cover in this article. Keep in mind this procedure is best performed by a doctor in a sterile environment. Most pimples form because the skin cells that surround your hair follicles stick together.

This can create a hard plug that blocks your pores. Several things can trigger this reaction in your skin, including:. The result is a pore that gets clogged with oil, pus, or sebum, and a bumpy, inflamed area of your skin. Here are three common types of blemishes:. When a pore becomes clogged or a pimple forms under your skin, your hair follicles can fill up with pus or sebum oil.

Eventually, the hair follicle can burst, breaking the clog free from your pore and beginning the healing process. But there are also risks involved. If you attempt to pop a pimple and end up breaking your skin barrier, you risk permanent acne scarring. If your pimple contains infected pus, popping a pimple can spread bacteria into other pore and hair follicles and create a bigger acne outbreak. This can clog your pores even more, make acne more noticeable, or trigger inflammation under your skin.

With all that being said, some people are unable to resist the temptation of popping a pimple as soon as they see a whitehead appear.

If you are going to pop a pimple once in a while, follow these steps. Depending on the product, spot treatments can typically be used one to two times per day. If you are using a spot treatment once a day, Dr. Shah recommends doing so at night. And yes it is possible to overdo it with spot treatments by either applying too often or too much. That may sound like common sense, but have you ever had the urge to pop a pimple or pick your skin on the way home from work?

I know, I have! After cleaning your hands and face, Dr. Shah recommends taking a straight pin and sterilizing the needle with a match or lighter. Once it cools, wipe the pin, your pimple, and your fingers down with rubbing alcohol. Then, holding the pin parallel to the skin, gently prick the top of the whitehead. If you draw blood you have gone too deep as you just want to pierce the surface of the whitehead. If it hurts, you're poking too deeply or the blemish isn't ready to extract.

Next, place your fingers wrapped in clean tissue or gauze, or a cotton swab, on either side of the pimple and gently press around, but not on top of the white tip of the zit. Work around the pimple so you are not continually pressing from the same side.

Using your fingers can lead to additional bacteria exposure, and increase the chances of scarring, particularly shallow scars. Zeichner also recommends trying two cotton tipped applicators or a comedone extractor and apply gentle downward pressure over the pimple.

If the pimple comes to a head, you can gently apply downward pressure on either side of the pimple for one to two seconds. Whenever you pop your pimples, expect there to be redness for several hours afterwards. And as Dr. That said, it's tough to sport a huge whitehead to work or school.

In some cases, you may be able to gently express the pus and allow the pimple to drain. Popping isn't the only way to get that pimple to drain. Before you resort to popping, try these tricks first. The best thing you can do is have a dermatologist or an esthetician drain the pimple or blackhead.

Extractions work especially well for blackheads. Of course, it's not practical nor realistic not to mention cost-effective to run to the dermatologist's office or salon every time a blemish appears. If you have a pustule with a large, obvious white head, you can try to get it to drain with a warm compress. Soak a soft cloth in warm water and hold it over the pimple for several minutes. Rewarm the compress when it gets cold. The warmth helps to loosen and "open" the pore and soften the head, allowing the pimple to drain naturally.

Make sure, though, that the pustule is ready, with a large white head at the very surface of the skin. If you do this with a pimple before the white head has formed it can make the blemish more inflamed, making it look larger and more obvious. This method won't work on blackheads. The core of a blackhead is much harder and stickier than the core of a pustule. If you have a day or so to wait, over-the-counter spot treatments are another good option. Dab a small amount on the pimple and leave it alone.

The spot treatment helps dry up the pimple. Hydrocolloid acne stickers may also be helpful as pimples heal and to prevent picking. You can get spot treatments in the skincare aisle of your local drug store. Products that contain benzoyl peroxide or sulfur tend to work best on pustules. Some people also have good results with products containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil.

You may want to experiment with a few different brands to find the one that works best for your skin. Follow the directions on your chosen product. Don't be tempted to apply more often than recommended or you'll end up with a dry, red, peeling spot. Ideally, you'll be able to take care of your pimple without squeezing. Popping pimples should always be a last resort.

This video has been medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD. If you feel like you must pop that whitehead, though, it's best that you do it safely. Cleanliness and being gentle are the two most important rules when a person tries to pop a blackhead or whitehead. It is important to avoid using the fingernails, as they may puncture the skin, creating a skin injury and spreading bacteria.

Blackheads are different than whiteheads as the pore is already open at the top. Therefore, emptying a blackhead requires a different strategy. Another option is to use a blackhead extractor, although some experts state that these are only safe when dermatologists use them. These tools are usually metal and have a small open loop at the end. Acne can cause both physical scarring and emotional or mental distress.

If a person has persistent acne that does not clear up with over-the-counter treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, they should see a dermatologist. A person should see a dermatologist if they have inflamed acne, which can include large pimples or painful cysts.

They should never try to pop or extract this type of acne, as doing so can cause pain, infection, and permanent skin damage. People who frequently pick at acne or have an uncontrollable urge to pick their skin should also see a dermatologist.

A dermatologist can prescribe specialized prescription medications that can help clear acne and prevent further scarring or skin damage. They may also offer in-office procedures, such as professional extractions and skin peels. Dermatologists generally do not recommend that people try to pop or extract their acne.