What to Know Before You Pop a Pimple

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While pimple popping can provide immediate satisfaction, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks involved. Understanding the psychological and neurological factors that make pimple popping so compelling can help you make more informed decisions. If you choose to pop a pimple, following best practices can minimize the risks of infection and scarring.

By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not to pop that pimple.

Pimple popping is a common yet controversial practice. While it might seem like a quick fix to an unsightly problem, there are several factors to consider before you decide to take matters into your own hands. This article explores the psychological allure of pimple popping, the potential risks involved, and the best practices to follow if you choose to pop a pimple.

The Psychological Allure of Pimple Popping

Fascination and Disgust

Pimple popping videos have garnered millions of views on platforms like YouTube. The fascination with these videos can be attributed to a complex interplay of disgust and satisfaction. According to a study, viewers experience a unique form of satisfaction that stems from the nature of disgust, which involves both aversion and fascination. The close-up framing of these videos creates a “skin scape” that is distinct from an identifiable person, making the act of pimple popping seem more like a ritualistic procedure rather than a personal hygiene activity1.

Neural Mechanisms

The enjoyment of watching pimple popping videos is not just a psychological phenomenon but also a neurological one. An fMRI investigation revealed that individuals who enjoy these videos show specific patterns of brain activity. The study found that those who enjoy pimple popping videos exhibit less deactivation in the nucleus accumbens (a region involved in pleasure) and more activation in the frontopolar region (involved in predicting outcomes of motor decisions). This suggests that the enjoyment of these videos is linked to a complex neural interplay between pleasure and aversion2.

Risks of Pimple Popping

Infection and Scarring

One of the primary risks associated with pimple popping is the potential for infection. When you pop a pimple, you create an open wound that can easily become infected if not properly cared for. Additionally, improper popping techniques can lead to scarring, which may be more unsightly and permanent than the original pimple.

Spread of Bacteria

Popping a pimple can also cause the bacteria within the pimple to spread to surrounding areas of the skin, leading to more breakouts. This can create a vicious cycle where popping one pimple leads to the formation of several more.

Best Practices for Pimple Popping

Cleanliness is Key

If you decide to pop a pimple, ensure that your hands and the affected area are thoroughly cleaned. Use an antiseptic to clean the area before and after popping to minimize the risk of infection.

Use Proper Tools

Using your fingers to pop a pimple can introduce more bacteria to the area. Instead, use sterilized tools designed for pimple extraction. These tools can help you apply the right amount of pressure without damaging the surrounding skin.

Know When to Stop

Not all pimples are ready to be popped. Attempting to pop a pimple that is not ready can cause more harm than good. If a pimple does not pop easily, it is best to leave it alone and allow it to heal naturally.