It is generally not recommended to drain a pimple, as this can cause further infection and scarring.
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It is generally not recommended to drain a pimple. While it may be tempting to try to pop a pimple to quickly rid yourself of it, doing so can cause more harm than good. This is because when you squeeze or poke at a pimple, you push bacteria and oil even deeper into the pores which can lead to further infection and inflammation. Draining a pimple can also cause scarring and slow down the natural healing process.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), “picking or squeezing can make the acne worse and may lead to permanent scarring.” Trying to extract the contents of a pimple with your fingers or using non-sterile tools can introduce further bacteria and germs into the area and cause more inflammation and possible infection.
Not only can popping a pimple cause scarring and infection, but it can also lead to new pimples forming. This is because when you mess with a pimple, the skin around it can become irritated and inflamed, leading to the formation of additional pimples.
Instead of trying to forcefully extract the contents of a pimple, the AAD recommends using gentle cleansers, topical treatments, and seeking the help of a dermatologist if the pimples are severe or persistent.
In the words of dermatologist Dr. Doris Day, “As tempting as it may be to squeeze the heck out of a pimple, you run the risk of making things worse and potentially causing permanent scarring.”
Here is a table summarizing the potential consequences of draining a pimple:
| Consequence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Infection | Draining a pimple can push bacteria deeper into the pores. |
| Inflammation | The skin around the pimple can become irritated and inflamed. |
| Scarring | Picking or squeezing can cause permanent scarring. |
| New pimples | Irritation and inflammation can lead to new pimples forming. |
| Slower healing | Draining a pimple can slow down the body’s natural healing process. |
Answer to your inquiry in video form
A dermatologist is shown dealing with a patient suffering from severe inflammatory acne nodules on the face. The dermatologist demonstrates how to drain out the contents of the nodules and inject a combination of lidocaine and kenalog 5 to help dry them up quickly. The procedure is shown to be successful in flattening the nodules. The patient had previously had a hydrotinnitis abscess on her chest. The dermatologist notes the importance of systemic treatment to prevent scarring due to prolonged inflammation, which can eat away at collagen and fat tissue.
Other responses to your inquiry
Although it might feel good to pop a pimple, dermatologists advise against it. Popping a pimple can cause infection and scarring, and it may make the pimple more inflamed and noticeable. It also delays the natural healing process. Due to this, it is usually best to leave pimples alone.
Don’t try to pop or drain an infected pimple. Doing so can make it worse or spread the infection.
Trying to pop a pimple can seriously damage your skin and cause scarring, especially when the pimple is rooted deep in your skin. 1 Squeezing it puts pressure on the already swollen pilosebaceous unit, or what we commonly call the pore. It can also push dirt, dead skin cells, and other debris deeper into your pore.
If you attempt to pop a pimple and end up breaking your skin barrier, you risk permanent acne scarring. If your pimple contains infected pus, popping a pimple can spread bacteria into other pores and hair follicles, creating a bigger acne outbreak.