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What happens if you squeeze a pimple?

Nov 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Squeezing acne may generally lead to local infection, leave acne scars, cause hyperpigmentation, worsen inflammatory responses, or trigger cysts or nodules. When squeezing acne, the skin barrier is easily damaged, allowing external bacteria to enter the skin through broken areas, causing redness, pain, and even pus formation. In severe cases, the infection may spread, resulting in broader inflammation and prolonging the skin's recovery time.

Popping pimples may generally lead to local infection, pitted scars (acne holes), hyperpigmentation, worsened inflammatory reactions, or even trigger cysts and nodules. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Local infection: Squeezing acne can easily damage the skin’s protective barrier. Bacteria from the external environment may enter through the broken skin, causing redness, swelling, pain, and even pus formation. In severe cases, the infection may spread, resulting in broader inflammation and prolonging skin recovery time.

2. Pitted scars: Excessive squeezing pressure can injure the dermal layer of the skin, leading to collagen loss. During the skin's repair process, depressed acne scars may form. Once formed, these scars are difficult to heal naturally and negatively affect the skin’s smooth appearance.

3. Hyperpigmentation: The physical irritation caused by squeezing stimulates melanocytes, leading to dark spots at the affected area. These pigmented marks may remain on the skin surface for months or longer and require considerable time to gradually fade.

4. Worsened inflammatory response: Squeezing causes sebum and bacteria within the pimple to spread into surrounding healthy skin tissue, triggering more severe inflammation. This may cause a minor pimple to develop into a larger, reddened, swollen lesion, or even lead to clusters of acne forming across the skin.

5. Cyst or nodule formation: For deeper acne lesions, aggressive squeezing may drive inflammation deeper into the skin, resulting in firm nodules or fluid-filled cysts. These conditions are more difficult to treat and are more likely to leave permanent scarring.

When acne appears in daily life, avoid squeezing it with fingers. Instead, use gentle facial cleansers to maintain skin cleanliness and consider skincare products containing ingredients like salicylic acid or azelaic acid to help improve the condition. If acne is widespread or severe, seek medical advice promptly and have it professionally treated to minimize skin damage.

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