Squeezing a pimple can transfer bacteria from your fingers or nails into the open wound, potentially triggering a localised skin infection, which, in turn, can lead to the development of more pimples.
Increased Pimple Formation
If a bacterial infection stemming from a popped pimple spreads beyond the immediate area, it can progress into cellulitis, a more severe skin infection characterized by redness, warmth, and discomfort.
Skin Infections
Pimple popping can damage hair follicles, resulting in folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles that often manifests as red, itchy, or painful bumps.
Hair Follicle Infections
When the contents of a popped pimple are not entirely removed, it can develop into an abscess—a painful, pus-filled lump.
Abscess Formation
Repetitive picking or squeezing may cause a pimple to evolve into a cyst, a more stubborn form of acne that may necessitate medical intervention for resolution.
Cyst Formation
Pimple popping can leave behind scars, some of which may be permanent.
Permanent Scarring
Popping pimples can also lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a darkening of the skin at the pimple site that may take weeks or months to fade.
Hyperpigmentation
Handling your face with unclean hands after popping a pimple can result in secondary infections, such as staph infections, which can be severe and require medical treatment.
Infections
Delayed Healing
Popping pimples disrupts the skin's natural healing process, potentially prolonging the time it takes for the pimple to heal and causing extended redness and inflammation.