Why is picking pimples bad

Some people develop acne scars and pain. When you pop pimples yourself, you also run the risk of getting an infection from the bacteria on your hands. Dermatologists use a few different techniques to physically get rid of acne. One is called acne extraction, which involves using sterile instruments to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads.

Acne extraction is usually offered when other acne treatment fails to clear the skin. When performed by a dermatologist, acne extraction is a safe way to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Another technique that dermatologists use allows them to get rid of a deep, painful acne cyst or nodule. To do this, a dermatologist will inject the blemish with a corticosteroid. This speeds healing and reduces the risk of scarring. An injection is fine for treating one especially painful acne nodule or cyst.

It cannot be used to treat several acne blemishes. If you receive too much corticosteroid, it can cause unwanted side effects. To remove a large pimple or painful acne cyst or nodule, your dermatologist may also use a procedure called incision and drainage. Because dermatologists use proper technique, this procedure can help drain a pimple, cyst, or nodule.

During acne extraction, a dermatologist uses sterilized equipment to clean out your pores. You may need to have your skin exfoliated first. Acne often clears with acne medicine and the right skin care.

That can delay clearing. Whatever you do though—no matter how sanitized your hands are, how prepped the pimple is, or how bulging your zit appears—do not, under any circumstance, try to pop a cystic zit.

Green explains that, since cystic bumps are deeper than whiteheads or blackheads, trying to pop them often causes more harm than good. If you are unable to see the contents of the cyst or bump, attempting to pop it on your own will not work and will only cause more irritation. As always, we have you covered. Apply a warm compress to inflamed pimples.

Apply an acne spot treatment. Most acne spot treatments contain some mixture of benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, sulfur, retinol, or tretinoin—all of which will speed up the healing process and reduce the inflammation caused by the pimple, according to Green.

To help you pamper your pimples without stressing them out even more, check out some of our favorite spot treatments, below. Made with sulfur, salicylic acid, and zinc oxide, this liquid formula is a triple threat against stubborn zits. Simply apply a dab at night after cleansing and wake up the next morning with a noticeably smaller blemish. Whether you've popped a pimple or just peeled off a hydrocolloid or micro-dart patch, following up with this nourishing balm can help.

It's chock-full of peptides and antioxidants to hydrate and heal the area, as well as even texture and prevent scarring. Opt for a cold compress. While warm compresses may feel more soothing, Verallo-Rowell says that cool compresses can be equally as if not more so effective. When cool, the oil gets solid, becoming like a light butter. Hold lightly on the cyst for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat two to three times a day.

In addition to being a good disinfectant and having anti-inflammatory properties, these keep you busy so you do not pop the cyst. Consult your dermatologist. By visiting your derm, Garhisck says that you can get a cortisone injection to help bring down a larger cystic breakout, or a chemical peel or extraction to help with a blackhead or whitehead.

Upgrade your skincare routine with non-comedogenic products. Lastly, you can work to get ahead of your breakouts before they even pop up on your face. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.

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.

The technique for popping a pimple safely differs slightly depending on which type of blemish you have. Over-the-counter topical medication such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be applied to your blackhead to loosen the plug before you try to pop it.

Wash your hands thoroughly, then apply pressure to both sides of the clogged pore using your fingers. With a little pressure, the blackhead should pop out. Sterilize a needle with alcohol and gently prick the skin where your pore is clogged.