9 replies to this topic

[kaybee24]

will it just magically go away without any scaring?

[GJS]

will it just magically go away without any scaring?

No. I never 'popped' any of mine yet still have some scarring. Popping can make scarring more likely and generally the larger more inflamed spots are more likely to leave a scar.

[Wynne]

You've a greater chance of less scarring if you don't mess with the spot and try to reduce the inflammation. Please see link at bottom of my signature for more information on what to do with particularly bothersome spots. It doesn't always work, but it can help and sometimes may reduce potential for scarring or PIH.

[ballaballa]

hey just pop it if its "ready". Just make sure you do not mess with he scabs though. The skin reheals normally under scabs.

[Anna]

Not picking is easier said than done, and the first thing dermatologists and aestheticians do is perform extractions. I think the critical thing is to know when things are ready and watch exactly what you doctor or aesthetician do when they do it. Every visit to your doctor should be a lesson. I agree with you ballaballa. The truly essential thing is to not pick scabs! However, some truly inflammed spots will scar sometimes even if you don't pick the scab.

[Janet_Alex]

However, some truly inflammed spots will scar sometimes even if you don't pick the scab.

I know that all too well....

[stillhere]

I think the key is not messing with the scab and of course not picking if you can resist. I think if it is a spot that is very swollen and ready as they say, it is better than picking it before. My husband, who has not one scar on his face says the best time is just when you get out of the shower.
I think the biggest mistake is to keep picking, picking and picking some more creating a big scab which could result in a big scar. The smaller the scab the better. I have found that by using a sterilized tiny sewing needle and piercing the middle, anything which will come out, probably will, but don't force it. Then apply disinfectant, toner or alcohol. I don't think peroxide is good for the face since it might cause a huge scab on a slightly infected pimple.
THE MAIN thing I found is to let the scab heal for a LONG time. DO NOT pick the scab. I have a few scars because I flecked them off, either accidentally or on purpose. NO matter what, let the scab stay on for as long as possible, then when it falls off on it's own, apply triple antibiotic ointment to help it heal as much as possible.

[Anna]

Hydrogen Peroxide can destroy healthy tissue...stay away!

[acne_battle]

Some people are more prone to scarring than others. I am one of those people. I still pop and my scars are fading nicely. I say go ahead and pop them but dont use your bare hands. Wrap your index fingers in paper towels and only pop if you see a visible white head.

[DecepticonX7]

Doctors tell you never to pop, work-a-day folks are usually under the impression that its okay sometimes. My worst scar I actually blame on NOT popping a zit; it was camped out on my face for literally a year and did not fade or reduce in size until I burst it by accident by one day. The scar that remains is exactly the same shade of ugly brown/purple as the zit itself was by the end, I firmly hold that if I had popped it months prior that it might not be there now. Still, I'm by no means qualified to make that judgment, from a medical perspective.

Basically, follow the guidelines that almost everyone ascribes to; don't force anything that isn't clearly ready or you'll just make it worse (anyone with a few years of acne can usually tell on sight what is and is not "begging" to come out), DON'T mess with the scabs or try to pop it again if it comes to a second head without first healing (this is the one that I have the hardest time with and the one that has had the worst consequences), and try to do it in as sanitary a manner as possible. Believe it or not, I use rubber gloves; I work in food service and the close-fitting latex kind that they sell for kitchen work are good for making sure that dirty fingers and nails don't cause infections.