To squeeze or not to squeeze… that is the question. As doctor, I’d always start by advising not to pop your spots if you can resist. Every time you handle, squeeze or pop a spot, you’re effectively playing with fire and aggravating an already angry area of skin.
As you know, spots occur when excess oil traps dirt and bacteria within the skin. This leads to significant amounts of inflammation and the formation of a pus-filled spot (or pustule).
The key when it comes to managing that spot is to target those individual causes of acne (excess sebum, bacteria and dirt) or to use a targeted blemish treatment – and of course to be patient.
What can happen if you pop a spot unsafely?
If you do end up losing patience and start squeezing (without knowing how to do so safely), you need to be prepared for the consequences.
Firstly, the bacteria transferred from your fingers to your face can actually lead to significantly more bacteria getting trapped within your follicles, which can exacerbate the inflammation.
Secondly, the mechanical pressure of squeezing a spot can cause physical trauma to an area of the skin that is already fragile and prone to breakage. When a large enough area of skin becomes damaged, the result is post-inflammatory trauma.
Acne scarring happens when the skin attempts to heal over an area of trauma. Unfortunately, the skin heals in a disorganised way and this leads to lumps and bumps and an overall uneven skin surface. The larger the spot and the greater the inflammation, the worse the scarring.
Which spots shouldn’t you pop?
First up, it’s important to understand which spots you simply can’t pop.
Nodules and cysts are large, firm spots that are deep within the skin and can cause significant amounts of inflammation. You must avoid popping these spots at all costs, as the result almost certainly will be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring.
It can also lead to serious infection, which will further drive the inflammatory process.
The only spots you should consider popping are ones that are superficial, open to the skin (blackheads), or have a very thin layer of skin on top with visible pus (whiteheads).
It’s also important that the spot you choose isn’t too inflamed or red; these should be left well alone.
So, how should you squeeze your spots?
Follow these simple steps for a clean, safe extraction:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds.
2. Wash the area of skin effectively, for example, with a benzoyl peroxide antibacterial cleanser.
3. Use two cotton buds and squeeze the spot from all directions, using equal amounts of pressure from all sides.
4. Remove the fluid, wiping it away with a tissue.
5. Apply a topical anti-inflammatory agent immediately to the skin; benzoyl peroxide works well again here. Continue using the next few days.
Wondering how best to heal a spot that cannot be popped? I advise using a hydrocolloidal blemish treatment that can stick to the surface of the spot and absorb any fluid inside, while protecting the underlying skin.
This also prevents temptation to pick and creates a barrier against germs.
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Patience and the right ingredients are key for tackling blemishes, but if you simply can’t resist squeezing, a gentle, clean approach will stand you in the best stead.
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