You would be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t thought about or has popped one, two or a few more pimples in their lifetime. Pimples happen and popping them for a quick fix can be really tempting for many, especially when they are on a prominent part of the face. Is popping a pimple a good idea?
Should you pop a pimple?
No – pimples should never be popped at home. By popping the pimple you can leave the skin open for further infection and risk scarring your skin permanently. This is not the quick fix that most people are after when they pop a pimple!
Instead, opt for a topical treatment that contains sulphur, benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help treat the pimple. Some come in skin tones to help camouflage the pimple.
If you have larger cyst-like pimples that are bothering you, speak to your GP who may refer you to a dermatologist. You may require a small, invasive procedure and some medication to help treat the condition.
I have just popped my pimple, what should I do?
It is now important to:
- stop the bleeding
- reduce the risk of infection
- reduce the inflammation
Firstly, wash your hands well with soap and warm water, and dry them completely. If the site is bleeding, get a clean tissue and apply firm pressure to the area for 5 minutes. Next, if the pimple is very sore and inflamed apply an ice-cube to the area for 10 minutes. Finally, clean the area with a salt water solution and pat dry with a clean tissue. Do not apply topical treatments to broken skin; wait until a scab forms before resuming the use of topical treatments on the area.
For more information
Our dermatologist aims to optimize skin health for our clients. We provide holistic skin assessment and treatment. A variety of services for children, adolescents and adults are offered. For tailored skincare solutions make an appointment to see our skincare specialists. Contact Us Today!
