What Happens if You Don't Pop a Pimple

Roderick | 09 Sep 2025

What It Means to Leave a Pimple Alone

When dermatologists say don’t touch, they mean it. A pimple forms because oil, dead skin, and bacteria get trapped in a pore. The body is already working to clean it out. Pressing or scratching doesn’t speed that up. Instead, it usually pushes the blockage deeper. Even if the pimple is obvious, like a pimple on lip, leaving it alone is the choice that leads to healthier skin in the long run.

How Pimples Heal on Their Own

The body has a routine for this. White blood cells rush to the pore and fight bacteria. The redness and swelling are part of that defense. Over a few days, pus and debris either dry up or make their way out gently through the pore. A blind pimple that feels sore under the skin can take longer, but the same process applies. The skin repairs itself better when left undisturbed.

Why Not Popping Reduces Scarring

Pimple popping is the fastest way to cause scars. Pressure breaks the walls of the pore and damages nearby tissue. That damage heals unevenly, leaving marks and rough patches. Using pimple patches, such as hero pimple patches or star pimple patches, is safer. They absorb fluid, cover the blemish, and remind you not to touch. By protecting the spot, they lower the chance of scars and dark spots that linger for weeks.

The Risk of Infection if You Pop It

A fingernail isn’t sterile. When you squeeze, bacteria on your skin can go straight into the open pore. That can create a bigger, angrier bump. Some turn into painful cysts or infections that last far longer than the original pimple. This is especially true for tricky spots like a pimple in ear or pimple like bumps on scalp that hurt, where it’s hard to keep the area clean.

What Happens Under the Skin When You Leave It Be

Inside the pore, oil and dead cells are gradually broken down by enzymes and immune cells. Sometimes they’re reabsorbed. Other times they move up and clear through the skin surface. Either way, the process doesn’t need help from squeezing. The body has a system for resolving inflammation and closing the pore again naturally.

When a Pimple Disappears on Its Own

Small whiteheads or pustules can start shrinking in just a few days. By the end of the week, they often fade without leaving any trace. Covering them with pimple patches during that time helps protect them until they’re gone. The key is resisting the urge to scratch, which only delays healing.

When It Might Take Longer to Heal

Some pimples dig deeper. A blind pimple under the skin, or a cystic lesion, can stay sore for weeks. These don’t always go away quickly and sometimes leave a mark even if untouched. In these cases, patience is important. If they keep coming back, a dermatologist can provide stronger options.

Safe Ways to Soothe an Unpopped Pimple

There are gentle steps you can take without harming the skin. Warm compresses soften the pore and ease pain. Mild cleansers remove oil buildup. Spot treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide reduce swelling. And pimple patches protect the area while drawing out fluid. For sensitive spots, like a pimple on lip, stick to mild products to avoid irritation.

When to Get Professional Help

Most pimples heal at home, but not all. If they become very painful, don’t fade after a couple of weeks, or keep coming back in the same place, it’s time for professional help. Spots on the scalp or inside the ear that hurt are also worth checking. A dermatologist can prevent scarring and give treatments to clear the skin more effectively.

The Bottom Line: Patience Pays Off

Itching to squeeze is natural, but restraint pays off. Leaving a blemish alone usually means it heals faster, with less scarring and no infection. Covering with pimple patches or star shape pimple patches is a smart way to protect your skin and avoid the bad habit of popping. At Sanford Pharmacy, you can find skin care tools that make it easier to treat pimples gently. In the end, letting the body do the work is the surest path to clear, healthier skin.