Time and time again you have heard not to pop your pimples or pick at them. We at Acne Skin Site have made this very clear as well. We also know that every now and then, when you have a big one on your face with pus just sitting in the center ( a whitehead), you are more than likely going to pop it. So here is how to do so to minimize marking your delicate skin or cause long-term scarring:
1. Disinfect a sewing needle or safety pin with a sharp point with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.
2. Gently prick the sharp point of the needle into the center of the pimple.
3. Use your fingers (not your nails) or two cotton Q-tips to squeeze the pus out of the center of the pimple. Be oh so careful not to tear at your skin or squeeze too much out that blood starts to ooze out. If you squeeze too hard or force too much to come out, that is when the infection spreads to areas around the breakout causing more breakouts and you also increase your chances of major scarring.
4. Some clear fluid may continue to ooze out for several minutes. Keep a Kleenex by you to gently dab the area and collect any liquid so it doesn’t spread on your skin.
5. Apply a bit of benzoyl peroxide cream to the area to start to kill the infection and dry the area out.
Now you know how to effectively pop a pimple if you must. If a scab should form, don’t pick it off. You will increase your chances of scarring and can possibly re-open the wound that is trying to heal. Pass this information along to anyone that you know is a notorious pimple-popper!
I just stumbled on your site and saw this post…I agree with this completely and thank you for posting accurate information. A lot of people pick at their skin consistently or pop their pimples not realizing what damage they are doing. So, if they are going to pop, it’s good to know the proper way because the pimple may be too tempting to leave alone.