Dr. Nguyen Tien Thanh (BSCKII) emphasizes that not all acne can be handled at home, and attempting to pop pimples improperly may result in scarring, skin damage, and even serious infections.
A recent case involved L.T.T., a 23-year-old from Dong Anh, Hanoi, who developed an abscess on her cheek after trying to self-treat her pimples. This led to swelling around her nose, cheeks, and eyelids, severely impacting her daily life.
The patient explained that she noticed itchy pimples on her cheek, used a needle to puncture them, and applied traditional herbal remedies to draw out the pus. However, after four days, her condition worsened, leading to fever, severe facial swelling, and painful pimples spreading to her eyes and nose.
Despite trying anti-inflammatory drugs and other traditional treatments, the swelling in her cheeks and eyelids intensified, causing pain, fatigue, and sleeplessness. Concerned about her worsening symptoms, she decided to seek professional medical help.
The Risks of Improper Pimple Treatment
Dr. Thanh diagnosed T. with an abscess on her right cheek, with swelling spreading to her forehead and right eye.
“Abscesses often present as painful, warm, and swollen areas. They can range in size and may burst, releasing pus if untreated. If not properly managed, the affected skin can become necrotic, posing a serious health threat,” Dr. Thanh explained.
When Should You Avoid Popping Pimples?
According to Dr. Thanh, many people underestimate the risks of improper acne care. Using unsanitary methods or incorrect techniques can lead to severe abscesses, scarring, and even blood infections. Pimples that are red, swollen, warm, and painful should not be popped, especially those located in the central facial area like the nose. Improper handling increases the risk of infections.
For T.’s case, Dr. Thanh performed a procedure to drain the pus and cleaned the affected area daily. Additionally, laser and light therapy were used to minimize inflammation and prevent scarring, along with topical medications to control the infection.
After a week of treatment, T.’s condition showed significant improvement. The abscess cleared, the swelling reduced, and the damaged skin began to heal. However, the affected area remained discolored and had a potential risk of future scarring.
Dr. Thanh advises that anyone experiencing painful, swollen, and red pimples, especially with surrounding tissue inflammation, should seek help from a dermatologist. Early intervention can prevent serious complications, and self-medicating with antibiotics is discouraged.
“To minimize the risk of acne or boils, it is important to keep the skin clean and avoid unnecessary bacterial exposure. Do not attempt to pop painful and swollen pimples, and try to minimize touching your face,” Dr. Thanh added.
