How to Safely Pop a Pimple

It is almost always better to allow acne to heal on its own than to undergo ‘bathroom surgery’ to pop a pimple. However, realistically, at a certain stage it may be physically and socially more comfortable to simply pop a pimple. If you have decided that a pimple simply must be popped, follow these steps to minimize the trauma to the skin and decrease the risk of further inflammation and infection.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Handsoap
• Gentle Facial Cleanser
• Q-Tips
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Moisturizer with Vitamin E
• 5% or 10% Benzoyl Peroxide

1. 

   WHEN IS IT SAFE TO POP A PIMPLE?: You should only attempt to pop a pimple if a head of white puss is visible at the surface of the skin. Squeezing a pimple that is well below the surface of the skin can actually push the infection deeper into the pore. Not only will this increase redness and inflammation, but it can create a long-term disturbance within the subcutaneous gland, leading to larger, more painful cystic pimples that will return again and again. It’s not worth it!

2. 

   THE PREPARATION: Before you start, wash your hands thoroughly. To safely pop a pimple, first prepare the pores. Start by washing the skin with a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil. Then, open the pores by microwaving a a wet washcloth for 2 minutes and placing it over the face. By repeating this a couple times, you can sometimes get the pore to open on it’s own. If this happens, you will see the white infected area begin to seep out.

3. 

   THE POPPING: Have your Q-Tip, rubbing alcohol, and cotton balls at the ready. If steaming the skin hasn’t opened the pore on its own, use a small needle to prick an opening at the pore head. First, disinfect the needle with rubbing alcohol. Then insert it firmly into the center of the pimple until you feel a slight increase in resistance. When you withdraw the needle, the infected portions should begin to seep from the pimple. Then, take two Q-Tip a place them on either side of the pimple. Firmly press downward and then push the Q-Tips together to squeeze the remaining fluid from the pore. Do not use your nails or fingers to squeeze, as you will most likely only push the fluid deeper into the pore. Stop squeezing when blood emerges, or when you can no longer bring forward clear liquid by squeezing with a Q-Tip.

4. THE FOLLOWUP: At this point, disinfect the area by using a cotton ball to apply rubbing alcohol. Add a dab of 5% or 10% benzoyl peroxide. Allow it to soak in and dry. Then add a moisturizer that contains vitamin E. This will help the surface of the skin to heal faster.