Is it ok to “pop your zits”?

What do you think? I’m sure you’ve heard the sermon from your mom, “Don’t pop your pimples, you’ll only make your acne worse…Blah, blah, blah… That’s why your skin looks awful now. Stop that!” We’ve all heard it.

But really, will popping zits make your acne worse or is it just another Utah acne myth?

Dermatologist Alexa Boer Kimball, MD, decided to place pimple popping into the skin malarkey category, as scientifically unfounded acne aggravator.

The question remains, “Does zit popping make acne worse and what evidence is there to prove it?”

The Real Issue: Why People Pop Zits in the First Place

To solve this issue, first, you need to know why you pop zits. The clear-cut answer is because zits are ugly and make you feel ugly and depressed.

Research supports this finding. For instance, a study published in the 2006 edition of the Journal of the American of Dermatology found that out of 387 dermatology patients who completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, 37 patients (9.6%) suffered from major depression.

Similarly, in 2000, a report in the same journal found that of 268 dermatology patients, 11.9% suffered from body dysmophic disorder (BBD), that is, they had a preoccupation with feeling ugly or having a nonexistent flaw in their appearance.

Another study published in Dermatologic Surgery in the June 2004 that examined facial scarring that resulted from acne excoriée concluded facial scarring could be controlled by first removing the underlining psychological disorders to control the impulse for desire to squeeze pimples.

Collectively, this data tells us that people pop zits because pimples the make them feel ugly and in order to stop bursting zits, you need to control the impulse to correct a bodily flaw.

This can be done by reminding yourself that your zit does not look as big to everyone else as it looks to you. Never let a zit make you feel like the village freak.

Even if that self-esteem booster does not work and you go ahead and pop the zit, will it make your acne worse? At first glance, that zit you targeted embodies a number of traits including compromised skin shedding, blockage of the pores and inflammation.

What Matters to Your Skin Is What Happens After You Pop the Zit

Given these circumstances, what will happen after you pop the zit? Well, you will create a mess and after that your skin will need to start the repair process.

Wounds heal in a series of steps. The bleeding must stop, inflammation starts to disinfect the area, this inflammation causes more cells will grow to replace the damaged ones and the finally then skin will begin to renew itself.

The Acne-Triggering Chain Reaction

So, when you squeeze a zit, you immediately trigger more of the traits of acne, which include inflammation. Not only this but squeezing affects multiple pores located next to you target pimple to pop.

This leads us to another cause of acne- premature breaking of a pore that is congested with excess oils and proteins. Busting such a pore promotes the inflammation response to remove the oils and proteins from surrounding tissues. Yes, this means more zits!

There Is a Time to Squeeze and a Time Not to Squeeze

Long answer short, pimple popping can aggravate acne because your skin contains a community of pores and what you do to one pimply-puss infested pore will affect the neighboring pore. The key is to time the popping of your zit right. Not all pimples are ideal for popping. Pop-ready zits are puss filled and above the surface of the skin. Such pimples are easily extracted with a sterile needle.

Acne-inducing pimple squeezing happens when you attempt to pop a pimple that is still beneath the surface of the skin and bordered by healthy, non-infected pores. Such pimples need time to rise to the upper layers of the skin and in some instances, may require medical extraction.

So, listen to Mom and please do not pop your pimples prematurely. Nevertheless, if pimple popping is an uncontrollable problem for you, a report published in Dermatologic Therapy found that hypnosis does help control the impulsive behaviors that can lead to pimple popping. The next time you are gazing into the mirror and that zits looks grossly humongous, but truly should not get squeezed, remove your hands from your face and just repeat after me, “I will let my zit heal, I will let my zit heal, I will let my zit heal…” Good luck.

Sources:

American Academy of Dermatology, The Stubborn Truth About Acne: Myths and Misconceptions February 15, 2005.
Bowes L.E.1; Alster T.S. Treatment of Facial Scarring and Ulceration Resulting from Acne Excoriée with 585-nm Pulsed Dye Laser Irradiation and Cognitive Psychotherapy. Dermatologic Surgery: Volume 30, Number 6, pp. 934-938(5), June 2004,
Cohen, Arnon D, Andr’e Ofek–Shlomai, Daniel A. Vardy, Zeev Weiner, MD and Pesach Shvartzman, MD. Depression in dermatological patients identified by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview questionnaire. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: Volume 54, Issue 1, Pages 94-99, January 2006.
Shenefelt P.D. Biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral methods, and hypnosis in dermatology: Is it all in your mind? Dermatologic Therapy: Volume 16, Number 2, pp. 114-122(9), June 2003.

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells start growing abnormally, causing cancerous growths.

Most skin cancers develop on the visible outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), particularly in sun-exposed areas (face, head, hands, arms, and legs). They are usually easy to detect by examining the skin, which increases the chances of early treatment and survival.

What are the different types of skin cancer?

There are different types of skin cancer, each named for the type of skin cell from which they originate. The majority of skin cancers fall into one of the following categories:

• Basal cell carcinoma (also called BCC) comes from the basal cells in lowest part of the epidermis. 80-85% of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (also called SCC) comes from the skin cells (keratinocytes) that make up the top layers of the skin. About 10% of skin cancers are SCC.
• Melanoma comes from skin cells called melanocytes, which create pigment called melanin that gives skin its color. 5% of all skin cancers are melanoma. Although less common, melanomas are a very dangerous type of skin cancer and are the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are sometimes referred to as “non-melanoma skin cancer” to distinguish them from melanoma.

There are a variety of less common types of skin cancers, including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and Merkel cell carcinoma.

Skin cancer is considered low risk when the affected cells remain clustered in a single group. It is considered high risk when the cells have invaded surrounding tissues. High risk forms of cancer require more aggressive treatments.

Almost all skin cancers start as a small, low-risk lesions, but can grow and become high-risk lesions if left untreated. Melanoma is the most alarming type because it has a higher risk of invading surrounding tissues or spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis) before being detected. Squamous cell and basal cell skin cancer are more likely to be detected and treated effectively before they become malignant.

If skin cancer is detected before it has spread to surrounding tissues, chances of a complete cure are excellent.

Precancerous skin lesions (precancers)

Skin cancer may often be preceded by lesions called pre-cancers. The most well-known of these lesions is called actinic keratosis (AKs).

An actinic keratosis is considered an early form of squamous cell carcinoma. An actinic keratosis, a new or changing mole (nevi), and other unusual lesions on your skin should be carefully monitored and brought to the attention of your doctor.

If you visit a local Utah dermatology clinic, it’s important to understand what some of the terms are they refer to.

Some Dermatology Terms to Be Aware Of

(in no particular order)

Acne

Acne is a common skin problem that shows up as outbreaks of bumps, papules and/or pustules often called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually appear on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Although most people associate the disorder with teenagers, acne can emerge at any age until menopause, especially during times of hormonal flux.

Acne occurs when excess sebum created by the sebaceous glands, builds up beneath the skin within a hair follicle (“pore”). This creates a small bump called a “comedo”. A comedo may be referred to as a “blackhead” if the sebum has darkened upon exposure to air. The sebum can become infected with bacteria (p. acnes) which causes the lesion to become red and inflamed. The severity of acne is determined by the extent of the lesions and the degree of inflammation.

Acne can be a source of emotional distress and severe acne, particularly “cystic” or “nodulocystic” acne can lead to permanent scars.

Treatment recommendations are based on the severity of the acne and other variables, and may include benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids (Differin, Epiduo, Retin A Micro, Tazorac, tretinoin, and Ziana), dapsone (Aczone), topical antibiotics (Duac, Clindagel), oral antibiotics, birth control pills (Yaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen), isotretinoin (Accutane, Sotret), and various laser and light sources, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Blister
An enclosed collection (bubble) of fluid within or beneath the epidermis.

Cellulitis
An infection of the skin, usually by bacteria (staph and strep).

Chronic
Long-lasting. The opposite of acute.

Comedo (Blackheads and Whiteheads)
A dilated hair follicle and sebaceous gland filled with sebum and bacteria. A comedo may be “open” in which the sebum is exposed to the air causing the sebum inside to turn dark or black. This is referred to as a “blackhead.” A comedo may be “closed” in which the sebum inside remains white. This is referred to as a “whitehead.”

Dermatitis
A general term used to describe inflamed skin. There can be many causes of dermatitis, such as an allergic reaction or atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis can be short-term (“acute”) or long-term (“chronic”). Acute dermatitis causes the skin to appear red, blistered or swollen. Chronic dermatitis causes the skin to appear thickened, rough, and darker than the surrounding skin.

Epidermis
The top layer of skin that lies above the dermis. Epidermis is composed primarily of a type of squamous cell called a keratinocyte. Cells at the base of the epidermis (basal cells) generate keratinocytes that grow to the surface. The epidermis replaces itself every 12-14 days. There are no blood vessels in the epidermis so a cut or scrap of the epidermis does not bleed

Hair follicle
The part of the dermis from which hair grows. Sebaceous glands are often connected to hair follicles.

Immune system
A complex network of specialized cells and organs that work together to defend the body against “foreign” invaders such as bacteria and viruses. In some conditions, the immune system may not function properly and may even work against the body. This leads to “autoimmune” diseases, such as arthritis and lupus.

Ringworm
A fungal skin infection caused by a dermatophyte. Similar fungi may cause athlete’s foot or jock itch. Ringworm is not caused by a worm.

Sunscreen
This lotion, cream, or spray is the single most important anti-aging weapon you can buy. Sunscreen uses chemicals or physical blockers to prevent a certain percentage of ultraviolet light from getting to the skin and attacking and damaging the skin cells.

In order to guard against both UVA and UVB, you must wear a sunscreen labeled broad spectrum. Most broad-spectrum sunscreens contain the powerful UVA blocker avobenzone. However, since this ingredient breaks down after exposure to sunlight, some companies are stabilizing it with additives like Helioplex, which dramatically prolong the life span of the sunscreen. The latest UVA blocker to hit the United States is Mexoryl, which remains stable and effective even after four hours of sunlight exposure.

Topical
Something that is applied to the skin, such as an ointment or cream. A medication to be rubbed over a rash may be referred to as a topical medication.

Isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane) is a potentially dangerous prescription medicine that should only be taken under the close supervision of your healthcare professional and pharmacist. If you are pregnant or may get pregnant, isotretinoin (Accutane) can cause birth defects, miscarriage, premature births, and death in babies. (Isotretinoin is sold under the brand name of Accutane and in generic versions called Amnesteem, Claravis, and Sotret.)

Buying this product over the Internet bypasses important procedures to ensure that patients can take this drug safely. When these procedures are ignored, isotretinoin can cause serious and harmful side effects. Patients taking isotretinoin may experience side effects including bad headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, stroke, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. Additionally, serious mental health problems, such as depression and suicide, have been reported with isotretinoin use.

• You should NEVER buy Accutane (isotretinoin) or any of the generic versions of Accutane without first seeing your healthcare professional.
• You should NEVER take Accutane (isotretinoin) or any of the generic versions of Accutane if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant or could accidentally become pregnant.
• Some websites sell prescription drugs without a prescription. This is illegal and DANGEROUS.

When you buy drugs over the Internet, especially from sites that don’t require a prescription, you may get counterfeit products, products with dangerous ingredients, products that don’t work, and products that were not labeled or shipped correctly.

For more information about the safe use of isotretinoin:

• Visit FDA’s Isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane) Capsule Information
• Visit FDA’s Medication Guide on Accutane (Isotretinoin Capsules) [PDF]

For more information about buying health products online, you can:

• Visit FDA’s Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online
• 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)

picture source

It is critical that basic skin care in Utah measures be maintained in order to keep atopic dermatitis under control. Basic steps include avoiding substances that trigger eczema, selecting and using appropriate skin care products and frequent moisturizing.

Moisturizers for Eczema

One of the most important steps for treating and managing atopic dermatitis is to use a moisturizer. Moisturizers provide a layer of protection from irritants, trap moisture in the skin, help restore the skin barrier, and improve the skin’s appearance.

Regular use of a moisturizer for eczema may reduce the need for other medicines.

Moisturizers are best applied at least twice a day within 3 minutes after a bath, shower, or swim.

When choosing an eczema moisturizer, look for a hypoallergenic and ointment-based product. Thicker moisturizers will protect the skin longer than lighter lotions. Avoid moisturizers containing alcohol, fragrances, or other chemicals that can irritate the skin. Even seemingly harmless substances like glycerin can dry the skin of people with atopic dermatitis.

Brand names of frequently recommended moisturizers include:

• CeraVe
• Cetaphil
• Eucerin
• Aquaphor
• Vaseline Petroleum Jelly—-though thick, it is quickly absorbed by very dry skin

Before applying the moisturizer for eczema, use tepid water and a gentle cleanser to remove dead skin cells. Do not scrub or rub excessively. Apply the moisturizer immediately afterward while the skin is still damp.

Remember to use plenty of moisturizer to keep atopic dermatitis at bay, especially in children. Keeping a child’s skin sufficiently moisturized could require as much as 1-2 bottles of moisturizer per week. Adults will need even more.

Bleach Baths

Bleach baths may be recommended for some individuals, particularly children, to help keep eczema under control and to reduce the chance of developing skin infections, such as impetigo.

There are several options for eczema or atopic dermatitis treatment.

Our Utah County dermatologists will recommend a eczema treatment plan based on several variables, including:

• the type or cause of your eczema
• the location of the rash (face vs. knee)
• the severity of eczema and its impact on your life
• the duration of symptoms (acute vs. chronic). Long-lasting symptoms may require more potent eczema medications.
• Results from previous treatments
• Your personal preferences

The goals of eczema treatment are to heal the skin, prevent new flare-ups, and reduce the urge to scratch, which can lead to even greater problems.

Eczema treatment may need to be sustained for many months to bring it under control, and eczema treatments often need to be repeated.

There are a variety of eczema medications available. These can be categorized as follows:

• Topical corticosteroids
• Calcineurin inhibitors (Elidel, Protopic)
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Oral corticosteroids (prednisone)
• Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine)

iPLEDGE Program

Contrary to popular belief in Utah County, acne and diet are not closely related. Acne isn’t caused by sugar, chocolate, or greasy foods, although it’s generally a good idea to limit such snacks. Nor is acne caused by sexual activity, masturbation, or dirt on the skin. It can be aggravated by oily cosmetics, stress, picking at blemishes, rough cleansers, or hard scrubbing.

Another acne myth is that sunlight can make acne better. A suntan can temporarily lessen the appearance of acne lesions, but it won’t make it go away, and the sun can damage the skin in other ways (wrinkles, skin cancer).

How is teen acne treated?

Acne treatments range from over-the-counter (OTC) topical acne medications to oral drugs for the worst cases. In teens treating acne early is especially important to prevent it from getting worse or causing acne scars.

• Many people attempt to first treat their acne at home with non-prescription medications, such as Proactiv or Sensiclear. Unfortunately, many people discover that these over-the-counter medications take too long to work, prolonging the acne and increasing the risk of developing acne scars.
• For moderate acne, or mild acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, you may need a stronger prescription acne medication that acts faster and provides longer-lasting benefits. Physicians may prescribe a topical retinoid, a mainstay of acne therapy. Topical retinoids help to clear up acne quickly and provide ongoing clear skin. Brands of topical retinoids include Differin™(adapalene), Epiduo™(adapalene + benzoyl peroxide), Retin A Micro™(tretinoin), Tazorac™(tazarotene), or Ziana™(tretinoin + clindamycin). These medications may be used alone or in combination with other acne medications, such as antibiotics.
• For the most severe cases of acne (such as cystic acne), physicians may prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane, Sotret). This daily oral medication has shown to be an effective treatment when other medications have failed, but it has serious possible side effects and should never be taken by pregnant women. Women using isotretinoin must agree to use two types of birth control, and abstain from sex within a month before and after taking the medication.

Stick with it

No medication can do its job properly unless it is given time to work. It’s very important to be patient and take your medication as directed, for as long as directed. If you don’t see results right away, don’t be discouraged. Your medication is hard at work preventing new lesions from forming. Stopping treatment early will likely cause pimples and zits to reappear.

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©2010 Vivacare.
Last updated July 1, 2010.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

Almost every Utah teenager can expect to get acne at some point during adolescence, but that doesn’t make it easier to bear. The emotional toll of acne is a familiar problem for many young people and can wreak havoc on adolescent self-confidence. Fortunately, almost all cases of acne are treatable

Who gets acne?

Anyone of any age can get acne, even adults, but it is most common in teenagers. In fact, acne is considered a normal part of adolescence. 100% of the population can expect to have acne at some time during adolescence, regardless of race or ethnicity. During puberty, elevated hormone levels stimulate higher sebum production than usual, increasing the chance of acne flares.

Boys are more likely to get it during adolescence because their skin tends to produce more sebum. In adulthood, women are more prone to acne than men, likely because of the hormonal swings of menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

People with a family history of acne are also more likely to get acne.

Sports and acne mechanica

Teens who play sports, wear a backpack, or play a musical instrument that comes into contact with the face and neck may get a form of acne called acne mechanica. This type of acne is caused by irritation to the skin from excessive heat or sweat, friction, or pressure. The American Academy of Dermatology lists these common sports-related sources of acne mechanica:

• Helmets and helmet straps, especially those worn by football and hockey players and motorcycle riders
• Shoulder pads and straps worn by football players
• Tight uniforms made of synthetic fabric
• Tight headbands worn by soccer players and runners
• Straps and packs on backpacks

Other common causes of acne mechanica are:

• Straps used by soldiers for weapons and equipment
• Headbands worn for long periods of time
• Musical instruments, such as the violin, tucked against the neck for hours
• Tight fur caps worn for long periods of time
• Tight clothing, such as jeans and underwear made of synthetic fabric
• Snug bra straps
• Adhesive tape that remains on the skin for several days (occasionally)

Source

Dry skin in Utah, also referred to as xerosis, is often itchy and irritating. Dry skin results from the loss of oils (sebum) in the skin that serve as a natural moisturizer. This may occur with excessive bathing (particularly with hot water), low humidity (in desert climates or cold winter weather), advancing age, or the use of drying soaps (antibacterial, deodorant soaps, Ivory).

In addition, several skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, lead to dry skin.

The tendency for dry skin runs in families and is usually a recurring problem, especially in winter. Because of this seasonal occurrence, it is sometimes referred to as “winter itch.”

It is important to regularly apply a moisturizer when your skin becomes dry.

Moisturizer is best applied within 3 minutes after a shower or bath when your skin is still damp, but not wet.

Use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizers. The drier the skin, the “thicker” the moisturizer should be. For some people with very dry skin, petrolatum (Vaseline) is quickly absorbed and may be required to sufficiently moisturize the skin. Other effective moisturizers that are readily available include:

• CeraVe
• Cetaphil
• Eucerin
• Aquaphor

In severe cases, your doctor may recommend a urea- or lactic-acid-based product.