Everybody has had that annoying pimple that always seems to pop up at the worst possible time. Although there may be a strong desire to pop it, should you give in to that desire? The short response is NO. Should you find yourself in a situation where a pimple has already burst, understanding the next steps is crucial for minimising damage and promoting rapid healing.

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Should I pop a pimple?

Have you ever found yourself asking the question, ‘Should I pop a pimple?’ Well, you should not. It is typically not advised to pop a pimple for a number of reasons:

Risk of infection

A bacterial infection can enter your skin through the hole you make when you pop a pimple. Bacteria from dirty things or your fingers can easily go into the wound and cause more problems.

Scarring

Popping a pimple can damage the surrounding skin tissue, leaving behind scars that can be challenging to treat. These scars may be permanent, making it important to avoid popping in the first place.

Inflammation

Often, popping a pimple exacerbates its inflammation and redness. Consequently, the blemish becomes significantly more noticeable than its initial state.

Delayed healing

The body's natural healing process can be disrupted by popping a pimple. Instead of the pimple healing naturally, it might take longer, and the area may become more irritated.

What happens when you pop a pimple

Understanding the consequences of popping a pimple can serve as a powerful deterrent against this tempting act. Let’s see what happens when you pop a pimple:

Spreading bacteria

Blotting pimples can cause germs to spread to other areas of your face. This can set off a never-ending cycle by causing more pimples to appear.

Inflammation

Squeezing a pimple can exacerbate its redness and inflammation. This might hurt and make the area look more noticeable.

Scarring

As mentioned earlier, popping a pimple increases the risk of scarring. The physical trauma to the skin can lead to the formation of permanent marks.

Pus and blood

When you pop a pimple, you release the pus and blood trapped inside, which can be messy and unsightly.

What to do with a popped pimple and how to treat it

Don't give up if you've already given in to temptation and broken out in pimples. You can take some actions to reduce the harm and encourage quick recovery. Let’s look at what to do after popping a pimple:

Cleanse the area

Wondering, ‘What to do with a popped pimple?’ Start by using a light, fragrance-free cleanser to gently clean the area. To prevent additional discomfort, use lukewarm water and a gentle cloth or your fingertips.

Keep it covered

If the pimple is oozing or has an open wound, cover it with a sterile bandage or gauze to protect it from dirt and bacteria.

Hands off

The million-dollar question: ‘How to heal a popped pimple fast?’ Avoid touching or picking at the area further. Touching the pimple can introduce more bacteria and prolong the healing process.

Ice it

If the area is swollen, applying an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth for 10-15 minutes can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.

Over-the-Counter Topicals

Once you are through the initial cleaning, apply an antibacterial ointment, feel free to utilise over-the-counter topical treatments containing ingredients like salicylic acid. These will aid in healing while also preventing future breakouts.

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Give it time

Healing takes time, and it's essential to allow your skin to recover naturally. Be patient and resist the urge to pop any more pimples that may appear.

Seek professional help

See a dermatologist if you encounter excruciating pain, significant swelling, infection symptoms, or if the zit does not get well in a few days. To expedite the healing process, they might offer specific treatment alternatives like corticosteroid injections.

How to heal a popped pimple fast

Are you wondering, ‘How to treat a popped pimple?’ Treat the area with care. Avoid harsh scrubbing, picking, or excessive use of acne-fighting products that can further irritate your skin.

Stay hydrated

To keep your skin moisturised and speed up the healing process, drink plenty of water.

Maintain a healthy Diet

Incorporate foods high in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids. This along with maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, can accelerate your skin's recovery.

Avoid sun exposure

Protect the area from direct sunlight, as UV rays can slow down the healing process and cause hyperpigmentation.

Also read: 6 Ways to Protect your Skin from Sun Damage

Use non-comedogenic products

Ensure that any skincare products you use are labelled as non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog your pores and potentially lead to more breakouts.

Also read: 10 Reasons for Pimples on Face

In conclusion

Try your best not to pop a pimple as much as you can to reduce infection, scarring, and longer healing periods. Rather, concentrate on a regular skincare regimen and make use of over-the-counter acne and pimple remedies. In the unfortunate event that you have already burst a pimple, use the measures described above to take care of the area and encourage quick healing.