One source tells you it is okay to pop pimples, while another tells you not to. But is popping a zit really going to hurt you or your skin?
Any dermatologist will tell you – don’t pop that pimple!
Why?
The most common reaction by the body is to develop scarring. Acne scarring is the direct result of popping zits and picking at skin blemishes. Squeezing a pimple pushes oils, dead cells and bacteria deeper into the skin. This results in an infection in the surrounding skin causing a scar to develop. Acne scarring can only be treated and removed through dermatological treatments. Keep in mind your blemish will only last a few days – and acne scar will last a lifetime unless it is removed.
Also, all the gunk that is released will probably contact your skin. If not cleaned immediately (and even then) you risk spreading bacteria to the surface causing more breakouts in the surrounding area. Feeling the need to get rid of the blemish anyway? Make sure to wash your hands before and after you touch the skin on your face.
Pushing this debris deeper into the skin can have other effects. You can accidentally enlarge and worsen the skin blemish. Also, your fingernails can break and damage the surface of your skin. In other words, that pimple may be around longer if you squeeze it than if you left it alone!
If the infection becomes too deep or severe, a nodule may develop. A nodule forms when a pimple forms below the surface of the skin and becomes larger, inflamed and very painful. It may take a week or more for your skin to clear after this condition develops.
But that’s still not the worst case scenario…
That tiny zit may turn into a cyst! They are similar to nodules, and are extremely painful. The difference is this form of acne creates a fluid filled lump deep below the surface of the skin. In most cases an acne cyst will need to be treated by a dermatologist.