What to Do After Popping a Pimple: Treatment & Alternatives to Popping

The urge to pop a pimple is difficult to overcome: It's staring you in the face and you just know that all you have to do is squeeze.

Whether you’re here because you’re thinking about popping a pimple or because the damage is already done, help is here.

Keep reading to find out what to do if you’ve popped a pimple so you can keep the potential aftereffects — like scarring or a pimple that looks even worse — at bay.

OK, you popped your pimple. You’re only human.

Now it's time to do some damage control. You should be concerned with preventing further infection and scarring, so the treatments will be dedicated to these goals.

Here are some steps you can follow to treat your pimple:

An alternative to tea tree oil is purchasing pimple patches, which are small, clear patches that you can place over pimples.

Pimple patches are medicated to fight acne and reduce inflammation, and also help to keep you from picking at the pimple again. Ingredients found in pimple patches include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil.

The effects of popping can be immediate and long-term, which is why most dermatologists caution against popping. Some of the potential pitfalls from squeezing a pimple can include:

Yes, we realize that dermatologists do pop pimples in their office. In the event you aren't a dermatologist, it's important to keep in mind some of the ways a dermatologist may take a decidedly different approach than you do at home.

The next time you’re tempted, keep these thoughts in mind. They’ll likely help you see healthier skin.

The best alternatives to popping a pimple involve caring for it instead. It may require some patience on your part, but it will pay off. Here are some approaches you can take:

Through these steps, you can treat your pimple and see clear skin.

If you apply over-the-counter topical treatments to your pimple and you don't see improvement, it may be time to see a dermatologist. This is especially true when your acne is very painful.

A dermatologist may prescribe stronger medications to treat your acne. Antibiotics can also help kill the bacteria that cause acne. Examples of these medications include:

If your acne is related to hormones, a doctor may prescribe different medications. These include oral contraceptives, anti-androgens, or spironolactone.

Popping a pimple can be harmful to your skin.

If you do decide to pop, applying antibacterial ointments or spot treatments can help to minimize the damage.

If the pimple persists or you’re having trouble controlling them with over-the-counter treatments, see a dermatologist. They can help determine which pimples (if any) need popping and prescribe medications that might help.

Although acne treatments can take time to prove effective, consistent applications can mean results without having to resort to popping and its potential damage.