Why you don't need to squeeze pimples

Open (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads)

Both comedones have the same filling: dead skin cells, propionic bacteria (bacteria that live on the skin), and sebum.

Many people think that blackheads are clogged with dirt, but they are not. The dark color of open comedones is due to the fact that they oxidize upon direct contact with oxygen. Whiteheads are located under the skin and therefore remain white.

Papules and pustules

Sometimes the clogged pore becomes inflamed, redness, pain and suppuration appear. In this case, you are dealing with papules or pustules. Papules are reddened, dense balls on the surface of the skin, which are sometimes painful to touch. Pustules are pimples with a white head filled with pus and redness around it.

Cysts and nodules

These are the most unpleasant types of skin inflammations, which are, in fact, a more severe case of papules and pustules. Cysts and nodules are characterized by inflammation and pain. Nodules are rough and painful nodules deep under the skin, and cysts are also filled with pus.

Whatever the pimple, don't pop it

Most doctors, including those from the American Academy of Dermatology Pimple popping: Why only a dermatologist should do it., agree that it is better to consult a dermatologist with any skin problems.

When you try to squeeze a pimple yourself with clean, but still not sterile hands, you run the risk of infecting and exacerbating the inflammation.

Plus, getting rid of pimples without the proper tools can lead to lifelong scars.

The doctor will quickly and completely remove comedones with a special spoon or loop. More serious inflammations such as nodules and cysts are treated with injections, and in some cases, surgical opening of the inflamed skin is required.

But the main remedies for the early healing of acne are patience and self-control. Do not pick or scrub the problem area, apply a piece of ice to reduce pain and swelling, and do not neglect drugstore products to combat acne.