Yes, popping a pimple releases built-up oil, pus, and bacteria, which can provide temporary relief from pressure and the feeling of fullness, but dermatologists strongly advise against it because the pressure often ruptures the follicle wall under the skin, spreading infection deeper, increasing inflammation, and significantly raising the risk of scarring and dark spots. While a tiny bit of gunk might come out, the underlying issue gets worse, leading to worse problems than the original pimple.
Contrary to what pimple popping videos may show, squeezing your skin to extract the contents of a pimple — a mixture of oil, dead skin and bacteria — can cause scarring and infection. It can also worsen inflammation, making the pimple larger, more red and more painful.
Because popping isn't the way to go, patience is the key. Your pimple will disappear on its own, and by leaving it alone you're less likely to be left with any reminders that it was there. To dry a pimple up faster, apply 5% benzoyl peroxide gel or cream once or twice a day.
Chang specifies that patients should apply firm steady pressure for 3 seconds. If a pimple does not “pop” within 3 seconds, avoid the compulsion to continue the process. Continued squeezing or picking a skin lesion will only lead to increase in inflammation and ultimately makes the area look worse. Make an appointment.
“There's fluid that's involved in inflammation; what you're seeing when you squeeze a pimple is the fluid that all the inflammatory cells are in.” Essentially, when you try to pop an inflamed pimple, you are squeezing out the carrier fluid, or the start of the inflammation.
Bacterial infection plays a significant role in the formation of pus and can contribute to recurring pus in pimples. The presence of bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, can lead to ongoing inflammation and the refilling of the pimple with pus.
Many people believe popping a pimple helps it heal faster, but the opposite is true. Pressing on a blemish can push bacteria, oil, and debris deeper into the skin, leading to more inflammation, swelling, and an increased risk of scarring.
These painful pimples under the skin are often filled with pus, forming a tender bump that can be extremely uncomfortable. If you've ever wondered, “Why does my pimple hurt when I touch it?”, it's likely due to infection and swelling caused by the bacteria trapped in the pore.
The trauma caused by the squeezing can also cause blood vessels underneath to burst, causing the pimple to fill with blood. Regular pimples occur when the skin's pores become clogged with bacteria, sweat, or dirt. More severe acne can be due to hormonal changes in adolescents and adult women.
Over time, the inflammation subsides, and the pimple either comes to a head and drains on its own or is reabsorbed by the body. This process might take a few days or even weeks, depending on the severity of the pimple.
While the disorder has become extremely uncommon with the development of antibiotics, it still carries a very small chance to develop a high risk of death, and needs to be treated aggressively with antibiotics and blood thinners.
When you use your fingers, you risk pushing the infection deeper, leading to more inflammation, scarring, and even rupturing beneath the skin. Dermatologists use specialized tools because they apply even pressure, making extractions safer and more effective. If you do use a tool, be gentle!
Blood-filled pimples usually heal on their own in a few days to a few weeks. You can help them heal faster by keeping them clean and not picking or squeezing.
Carbohydrates like sugar and fats are quickly absorbed by the bloodstream, which can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels and an overproduction of sebum, resulting in oily pores. Too many animal-based foods like meat and dairy might boost our bodies' hormone production, also stimulating our skin's oil glands.
Dopamine: Against dermatological advice, many people pick at their skin routinely. This habit releases dopamine, the feel-good hormone. As a result, popping and picking—or watching someone else do it—brings on a cathartic rush of satisfaction.
Cystic acne is a type of inflammatory acne that causes painful, pus-filled pimples to form deep under the skin. Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog skin pores. With cystic acne, bacteria also gets into the pores, causing swelling or inflammation. Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne.
Hormonal acne is when breakouts form in adulthood that could range from blackheads and whiteheads to painful cysts. Hormonal acne is linked to the overproduction of sebum (an oily substance in skin glands), which clogs pores, leading to pimples.
That white, hard material you see when popping pimples is primarily pus—a mixture of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and debris. Pus is essentially your body's response to infection or irritation caused by clogged pores.
Pimples refill after popping because you often don't remove all the pus and debris, pushing some deeper, while the inflammation continues, and the pore wall itself can be damaged, allowing oil (sebum) and dead cells to collect again, leading to recurrence in the same spot. Popping also creates an opening for bacteria, causing more inflammation and new pimples nearby.
7 signs that acne is healing
Signs You Should Stop Popping
Once you start to notice blood or a clear liquid oozing out, step away and let the pimple heal. “That clear liquid is just the normal water that's in your tissue. If you see that, you're not getting anything,” says Dr. Howe.
On the other hand, bumps caused by STDs, like herpes sores or genital warts, are often accompanied by pain, itching, or changes in appearance, and they tend to appear near the vulva, vagina, and anus.
Foods that cause your blood sugar to rise quickly, such as white bread and fries, may worsen acne.
The other half of the pus gets sucked inside since you're putting pressure when you release. It just stays there. You can't get it out anymore because it's inflamed and irritated. That's why pimples come back on the same spot, sometimes bigger than the one before it.”