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Should I Pop a Pimple?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

There is no clear-cut answer to whether or not you should pop a pimple. Generally, most dermatologists recommend letting a regular pimple, also known as a pustule, heal itself without popping, and you should never pop or pick at a pimple with your bare hands or nails. Despite this, you can typically use clean cotton swabs or a special acne extractor to pop a pimple, provided it is ready to be safely popped. When it comes to cysts or nodules, which are a more severe form of acne, you should never pop or pick at it with anything.

The general consensus among skin-care experts is to treat pimples with an over-the-counter or prescription acne medication without popping or picking them. Popping a pimple can make it worse in some cases and increase the risk of acne scarring after the pimple is gone. As acne scars do not go away, it is typically recommended that you do not pop a pimple, as living with one for a week or two is usually better than having a scar for the rest of your life.

Cotton swabs can be used to gently pop a pimple.
Cotton swabs can be used to gently pop a pimple.

Although you really shouldn’t pop a pimple, it is especially important that, if you do decide to do so, that you not use your fingers or hands. Even if you wash your hands and scrub underneath your nails prior to attempting to pop a pimple, there can still be dirt and bacteria. When popping a pimple, you may inadvertently push the dirt and bacteria into the pimple, making it worse and increasing your chances of breakouts in other areas.

A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be used to clean blackhead extractors.
A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be used to clean blackhead extractors.

You can typically safely pop a pimple in the same manner as a dermatologist or facialist would. A pimple extractor, similar to but not the same as a blackhead extractor, can safely pop a pimple without pushing bacteria or dirt into your pores, as long as you clean the device before and after using it with rubbing alcohol or another disinfectant. If you don’t have an extractor or don’t want to purchase one, you can also use two clean cotton swabs in place of using your fingers or nails. No matter what device you use, it is important not to pop a pimple that isn’t ready; it should have a white head in the center.

Dermatologists recommend letting pimples heal themselves instead of popping them.
Dermatologists recommend letting pimples heal themselves instead of popping them.

There are two types of pimples that neither you nor a professional should ever pop: cysts and nodules. This type of acne is characterized by large pimples that are hard to the touch and significantly bigger than pustules, the standard type of pimple. Attempting to pop this type of acne can lead to an infection and severe scarring, and will often only increase the amount of time that it takes the pimple to heal. A cortisone shot, specialized acne medication, and time are typically the only treatment options for these types of acne.

Discussion Comments

Pippinwhite

And there are exceptions to every rule. My husband has oily skin and it was *extremely* oily when we married. He used to get huge pimples on his back and they were always getting infected.

Once, he had something going on with the inner thigh of his right leg. The skin was tender, red and hot to the touch. Trouble is, he wouldn't even entertain the notion of going to the doctor.

I finally told him he either had to let me look at it, or I was calling an ambulance. Reluctantly, he let me look at the place. It was visibly swollen.

I put a hot, moist washcloth over the area, hoping to bring up a head. I left it on for about 10 minutes and then pressed the area very gently. *Three* heads popped up! I washed my hands and sterilized a needle and gently punctured the pimples and squeezed. Let's say the results were -- productive -- and leave it at that. I flushed the area with peroxide and alcohol and then slathered it with antibiotic ointment.

So sometimes, pimples need to be popped.

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    • Cotton swabs can be used to gently pop a pimple.
      By: Sergey Yarochkin
      Cotton swabs can be used to gently pop a pimple.
    • A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be used to clean blackhead extractors.
      By: Gordana Sermek
      A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be used to clean blackhead extractors.
    • Dermatologists recommend letting pimples heal themselves instead of popping them.
      By: miya227
      Dermatologists recommend letting pimples heal themselves instead of popping them.
    • Popping pimples can lead to scarring.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Popping pimples can lead to scarring.
    • Popping a pimple is generally considered a bad way to handle them.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Popping a pimple is generally considered a bad way to handle them.