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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Is there anything I can do if I accidently popped an unripe/premature pimple?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
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Is there anything I can do if I accidently popped an unripe/premature pimple?
by Middle, Sep 11, 2004 12:00AM
I recently read online both on this forum and others that popping pimples, especially when they are unripe can be hazardous since it can cause the infection to go deeper, thus allowing the possibility of scarring and inflammation to occur.
Unfortunately, this information was little to late for me, since I read it after I accidently(without knowing the consequences) popped a premature/unripe pimple, and though some white fluid did come out, most of it was blood, and to make matters worse I kept washing it with water. Soon enough, the area became severely inflammed, and now I have this circle of inflammation (which seems quite severe) that is the size of a quarter on my cheek; also a little bumpy as well.
I don't know what possessed me to pop the pimple, when I haven't ever done so in the past years, but because I was never in the habit of doing so, I never cared to know why the doctors didn't recommend it, or what the consequences were. Now I know!
I was wondering:
From my description, can a diagnosis be made?
(i.e., scarring, infection, macule, etc.)
Is there ANYTHING I can do from here??
The only thing I am doing now is trying my best not to bother it anymore, and just continuing with my usual skin regimine..which is applying benzoyl-peroxide(day) and Retin-A 0.04%(night).
Since it's only been a day, is there anything I can do to prevent scarring or at least lessen the chances??
Should I try other medications? such as Duac, or Tazorac?
Is this serious enough of a problem to warrant an appointment with a dermatologist?
Is there anything I shouldn't be doing??
Overall, what can I do, what should I do??
Thank you,
Middle
Unfortunately, this information was little to late for me, since I read it after I accidently(without knowing the consequences) popped a premature/unripe pimple, and though some white fluid did come out, most of it was blood, and to make matters worse I kept washing it with water. Soon enough, the area became severely inflammed, and now I have this circle of inflammation (which seems quite severe) that is the size of a quarter on my cheek; also a little bumpy as well.
I don't know what possessed me to pop the pimple, when I haven't ever done so in the past years, but because I was never in the habit of doing so, I never cared to know why the doctors didn't recommend it, or what the consequences were. Now I know!
I was wondering:
From my description, can a diagnosis be made?
(i.e., scarring, infection, macule, etc.)
Is there ANYTHING I can do from here??
The only thing I am doing now is trying my best not to bother it anymore, and just continuing with my usual skin regimine..which is applying benzoyl-peroxide(day) and Retin-A 0.04%(night).
Since it's only been a day, is there anything I can do to prevent scarring or at least lessen the chances??
Should I try other medications? such as Duac, or Tazorac?
Is this serious enough of a problem to warrant an appointment with a dermatologist?
Is there anything I shouldn't be doing??
Overall, what can I do, what should I do??
Thank you,
Middle
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Sep 12, 2004 12:00AM
, Sep 12, 2004 12:00AM
I doubt you have anything to worry about. popping a pimple can produce prolonged redness but not really true infection. I advise you to apply warm compresses with a washcloth or handkerchief for 5 minutes three times a day, followed by application of bacitracin or neosporin. That's all--no other creams and of course no messing with it. If the spot grows, hurts, drains, and causes fever, of course you should see a doctor right away. But if the spot just stays the same and gradually fades (it may take several days), you should be OK. Permanent scarring is not at all likely, if you just wait things out.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
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