How to Pop a Pimple

A pimple or zit is a small skin lesion or inflammation that is the result of a clogged or infected pore. Pimples are usually brought on by hormonal shifts and will clear up on their own in time. If you can't wait and the pimple is at the skin's surface, follow these suggestions to gently and effectively pop the zit.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol-free, hypoallergenic facial cleanser
• Cotton balls
• Witch hazel
• Gauze pads
• Benzoyl peroxide ointment

1. Wash your face using warm water and an alcohol-free, hypoallergenic facial cleanser. Cold water will not kill germs or remove excess oil, and hot water may irritate the skin. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

2. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and dab the cotton ball against the pimple or zit two or three times. This will remove any dirt or excess oil.

3. Wet a washcloth with very warm water then hold the washcloth against the pimple for 60 seconds. This will open up the pore and aid the popping process.

4. Apply slight pressure against both sides of the pimple, using a gauze pad and pressing with both index fingers. Then apply slight pressure using a gauze pad to the top and bottom of the pimple. This will force the infection inside the pimple to the center. Repeat two to three times, increasing the pressure on the sides of the pimple. The zit should pop with ease.

5. Allow the infection to drain away from the pimple. Don't wipe it with a tissue or gauze pad, as this could spread dirt and bacteria into other pores. Once the infection has drained, use a new gauze pad and gently squeeze the pimple using two fingers until a small amount of blood appears. Then apply slight pressure to the pimple with a cotton ball for one to two minutes.

6. Spread benzoyl peroxide ointment onto a fresh gauze pad and apply to the pimple. Apply the ointment twice a day for two to three days.

Tips & Warnings

• If your pimple is not ready to pop, you can make a simple salt paste using 1/4 tsp. salt mixed with 1/2 cup of warm water. Apply this paste to the pimple for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Repeat once a day for two days and the pimple should be at the skin's surface and ready to pop.

• Benzoyl peroxide ointment may be purchased at a drug store or in the skin care aisle at your local grocery store.

• If your acne persists or is severe, seek the advice of a health care professional who can prescribe medications or suggest alternative treatments.

• Never pop a pimple that is not ready. Squeezing a zit that is below the skins surface could spread bacteria to other areas, causing more pimples.

• Never use excessive force when popping a zit, as this may cause scarring.

• Don't mistake a boil for a pimple. A boil is an infected hair follicle that should never be lanced or popped. Seek treatment with a health care professional, as a boil might be the sign of a more serious infection.