Popped A Pimple? What Can You Do Next?

Do you often get tempted to pop a pimple over your face and find it oddly satisfying? If yes, you increase the chance of further infection and worsen your acne condition.

However, you can minimize the damage by following certain skincare measures explained in this article. Read on.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

"Popping’ is medically the worst way to deal with your Acne, in the early stages. To push out all the inflammatory fluids (pus) out of the acne, one can use a paste of clay and tree barks. Fuller's earth + Bark powders of yashtimadhu, manjishtha, lodhra, and vacha + a pinch of black pepper, can reduce the size of the acne, thus curbing the desire to squeeze it out.

Let's say, you accidentally popped it, a mix of fresh aloe gel + onion juice + honey can help reduce the scarring and hyperpigmentation. Also, regular use of lactic acid rich, sour and fat-free buttermilk mixed with amla powder, can prevent clogging of pores when applied on skin."

-Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• What To Do After Popping A Pimple?
• What Are The Dangers Of Popping A Pimple?
• How To Safely Pop A Pimple?
• What Is The Alternative To Popping A Pimple?

What To Do After Popping A Pimple?

Wash your face immediately using a gentle face wash and cold water. This helps in eliminating the germs that are ready to invade your popped pimple.

Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and apply it over the popped pimple. This helps in relieving inflammation, redness, and pain.

You can apply turmeric paste or basil paste over the area. These ingredients have natural anti-bacterial properties that help in preventing infection. Alternatively, you can opt for a clindamycin-based ointment.

Follow the above steps with a regular skincare routine by using gentle and non-comedogenic products.

During the healing process of the popped acne, minimize its exposure to harsh weather and sunlight.

Managing your stress levels too plays a significant role indirectly in the healing process of acne [1]. Involve yourself in regular exercise, yoga, or pranayama to keep your mind and body stress-free.

Applying products containing aloe vera, honey, rosehip oil, or niacin can help in preventing scar formation.

Also, using pimple patches that contain salicylic acid, niacinamide, tea tree oil [2] or hyaluronic acid is a great way to reduce the redness and inflammation after popping a pimple.

‘’‘Popping’ is medically the worst way to deal with your Acne, in the early stages. To push out all the inflammatory fluids (pus) out of the acne, one can use a paste of clay and tree barks. Fuller's earth + Bark powders of yashtimadhu, manjishtha, lodhra, and vacha + a pinch of black pepper, can reduce the size of the acne, thus curbing the desire to squeeze it out.

Let's say, you accidentally popped it, a mix of fresh aloe gel + onion juice + honey can help reduce the scarring and hyperpigmentation. Also, regular use of lactic acid rich, sour and fat-free buttermilk mixed with amla powder, can prevent clogging of pores when applied on skin,‘’ says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

What Are The Dangers Of Popping A Pimple?

1. Scarring

Popping a pimple results in skin damage underneath it. Eventually, it leads to long-lasting scarring on your face [4].

2. Infection

When you pop a pimple, the area around it becomes more susceptible to bacterial infections. This further causes redness, hotness, and pus in the acne.

3. Hyperpigmentation

Popping a pimple can result in discoloration or hyperpigmentation of the skin caused by inflammation around the pimple.

4. Worsening Blemish

Sometimes, the spread of infection due to pimple popping can result in the recurrence of acne in a much worse and more noticeable form than before.

How To Safely Pop A Pimple?

Skincare professionals and dermatologists know how to pop a pimple safely in a demanding scenario. Generally, they use a comedone extractor and other sterile instruments to lance and squeeze out a zit.

Hence, it is always best to leave the job to the professionals. However, if you want to pop a pimple by yourself, then here are some important measures you need to take to do it safely:

• Do not poke a pimple at an early stage. When you notice a firm white head over the pimple, it is the right time to pop a pimple. This way, the pus drains out just with a little pressure.
• Wash your hands properly using soap, a fingernail brush, and warm water before doing the job. Later, dry your hands using a clean tissue.
• Sterilize a straight, sharp pin by heating it using a candle, match, or lighter. After the pin cools down, wipe it using rubbing alcohol.
• Clean the pimple and its surrounding area using cotton dipped in alcohol.
• Now, hold the pin in the position, parallel to your skin surface. Slowly, pierce the tip of the white center on the pimple.
• Gently squeeze the pimple by pressing it around using a clean cotton swab. Clear the pus immediately using the cotton swab.
• If the pimple did not ooze out pus, then it is not yet ready to be popped. So, you can stop the process.
• Apply an antibacterial ointment or little alcohol onto the pierced pimple.

Vedix Tip:

Sometimes, applying a hot compress can help open the pimple pore and let it drain on its own.

What Is The Alternative To Popping A Pimple?

Instead of popping a pimple, here are some ways you can take care of it:

1. Applying Ice

Put an ice pack over a pimple for a few minutes. Do this every 2-3 hours throughout the day. It helps in controlling the inflammation and redness of the pimple.

2. Do Not Skip Your Skin Care Routine

No matter how busy your day may be, do not miss the key steps of your skincare routine. Remember to cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face twice a day. Also, including gentle exfoliation in the skincare regimen helps to prevent the worsening of your acne condition.

3. Avoid Touching Your Face

Touching your face or pimples with your hands may result in spreading and worsening of the acne infection. Ensure that your hands and applicators are clean while performing your skincare routine.

4. Try Spot Treatment Products

Tea tree oil, turmeric, neem powder, salicylic acid, or benzoyl acid can be applied as a spot treatment for acne blemishes. ‘’Applying these spot treatments consistently for at least 4-6 weeks [5] can give you better results’’, says Dr. Zeel.

Important Note:

Under demanding circumstances, always consult a professional or a dermatologist before popping a pimple for the right guidance.

The Last Word

Popping a pimple is in no way good for your skin as it leaves it with further infection and scarring. Hence, try hard not to squeeze the acne no matter how compulsive and overwhelming it is. Instead, make an appointment with a dermatologist who can help you get the right treatment for the type of acne you have.

At Vedix, we customize Ayurvedic skincare regimen to address your unique skin concerns.