When it comes to popping a pimple, whether it is under the skin, the kind that won’t pop or hurts, one that is not ready, on your nose, chin, lip or anywhere, there are many approaches with each claiming to be the best. Do you need a needle or a specialized removal tool? What should you do to avoid leaving a scar behind or what is the right way to do it?
Pimple popping may appear as the shortest and most effective way of dealing with this kind of acne. However, popping a zit is generally not advisable. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne popping is the same as creating an injury to your skin. This injury can lead to an infection or permanent scarring of the skin.
But these zits can be unsightly. Developing a pimple on the face, particularly in sensitive areas such as the nose or the chin can lead to anxiety. Also, pimples can be quite painful and simply annoying. The worst way of popping a zit is to use your unwashed fingers to squeeze the zit away. As stated earlier, this approach damages the skin leading to an injury and possible scarring. Furthermore, the zit can erupt under the skin resulting in an infection. So, how should you pop a zit?
The best way to pop a pimple
Table of content
a). What you will need
- A lancet
- Exfoliator
- Clean cloth
- Cleanser
- Some tissues
- Witch hazel
- Neosporin
b). Steps to follow to squeeze or pop it
Wash your hands before popping the pimple. Use your cleanser and exfoliator to clean the affected area. The exfoliator will remove the dead cells. You need to do this to prevent the risk of an infection.
Next, soak the washcloth in hot water. Wring out the cloth and place it over the zit for about one minute. This technique softens the skin thereby minimizing the risk of an injury to the skin.
Wrap your index fingers in tissue. This will help prevent further damage to the skin from your nails. Also, it is advisable to trim your nails before the procedure to minimize injury. After that, start gently squeezing using your wrapped nails.
After popping the pimple, dab the area with witch hazel. Witch hazel is an effective astringent lotion that helps minimize the risk of an inflammation. If the affected area is red and inflamed then you should apply Neosporin.
This technique is effective for popping blackheads, and whiteheads as well. Blackheads and Whiteheads are the best pimples kinds to burst as they have already overstayed and are ripe for a “popping.”
Alternatively, you can pop a pimple using a needle or lancet (tapered medical needles). Sterilize the affected area before touching it with your fingers. Next, soften the affected area using a warm washcloth. Using a needle, extract the pimple by piercing it with precision. Soothe the skin using the witch hazel.
There are safe, sanitary, pimple popping tools on the market. For instance, the Blackhead Whitehead Acne Removal Tool is an effective kit for the removal of whiteheads and blackheads at home. The kit can be used on acne occurring in any part of the body. There is also the Dr.Pimple Popper Comedone Extractor that is also used to pop blackheads and whiteheads.
Factors to bear in mind:
Dermatologists advise against popping cysts, nodules, and milia. This delays healing and leads to a lot of pain. sometimes they can lead to infections too.
Pustules are the best types of acne to pop on your own. Pustules/zit are pimples that are ‘ripe.’ They appear red, inflamed with a whitish tip. If you squeeze a zit, pus comes out. Pustules are easy to pop by applying some pressure.
Should you pop a pimple overnight
It is advisable to pop a pimple before you go to sleep. This gives the skin ample time to heal. After washing your face at night, do this it using your clean hands. After that, apply some toothpaste to dry the pimple out. It is advisable to use a toothpaste that is less minty to avoid irritating the skin. Rinse off the toothpaste in the morning.
What to do after you pop it
The treatment you give your skin after the procedure is important for the prevention of infections. After applying the witch hazel, you dab some Vaseline or any other spot treatment of your choice. Alternatively, you can opt for hydrocortisone cream which you can purchase over the counter. You can use this cream if you do not have the witch hazel. After that, dab some Vaseline or a drying lotion.
Video
Concluding remarks
It is advisable to let the pimple heal by itself. However, on those days where it just has to go, focus on keeping the skin infection free and also no injuries. Dermatologists know how to safely remove acne. Therefore, if you have a big pimple or any other type of acne, you can consider getting your dermatologist to do it for you.
References:
- http://www.naturallivingideas.com/witch-hazel-on-face/
- Kate Somerville. Complexion Perfection! Hay House, 2010
- http://www.eonline.com/news/720354/how-to-properly-pop-a-pimple-what-you-need-to-know-about-using-a-needle-at-home
- http://www.thisisinsider.com/what-is-the-right-way-to-pop-a-pimple-dermatologist-2017-10
- Carli Evilsizer. A Real Girl’s College Survival Guide, Xlibris Corporation, 2011