When you feel a pimple or other skin ailment coming on, it is always tempting to touch it, pick at it, and accelerate its process. However, dermatologists and other experts agree that most skin blemishes should be left alone to heal on their own. Here are some common skin problems that have much more effective ways of healing than picking with your fingers.

Ingrown Hairs

While ingrown hairs are frustrating, they are not worth picking. Ingrown hairs happen when the hair’s shaft gets trapped under the surface of the skin, which then creates an itchy and inflamed red bump. Using force to pluck these hairs causes a breakage in the skin, which can turn the small bump into a larger infection. This can even become hazardous to your health if the skin breakage contracts staph infections.

 

While squeezing ingrown hairs will further irritate them, it can also result in scarring. Rather than using manual force, use hydrocortisone, which will reduce the redness, irritation, and itch. Also, wash the ingrown hair and the area around it with a natural and gentle cleanser that includes a light exfoliation in order to help the hair lightly break through skin’s surface.

Cold Sores

Touching cold sores can cause them to spread. Cold sores contain a viral fluid that can get onto other parts of your body and create more sores. Cold sores are caused by herpes, which is known to be able to be transmitted simply through touch.

Small cold sores can heal on their own over time with gentle treatments that are available over-the-counter. However, frequent cold sores may require professional treatment. Avoid having physical contact with anyone until the sore is completely dormant, to avoid passing it on.

Milia

Milia are small, un-poppable white bumps that may show up on your face. Milia are hard cysts that develop underneath the skin, and are not affected by any attempt to pop. These cysts stay in tact, so trying to use manual force on them only damages the skin around them.

Milia are small, white, trapped skin cells. The only way to get rid of these besides time is having a dermatologist take it out with a heated tool that has been sterilized.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris is the result of a buildup of keratin, which is the protein in hair, skin, and nails that protects it from toxins. When keratin builds up, it can create a plug that blocks the hair follicle. Squeezing the affected area will increase the chances of scarring and increase redness.

Rather than picking at this skin, use a gentle exfoliant that includes salicylic or glycolic acid in order to decrease inflammation and treat Keratosis Pilaris at home.

Blackheads

Blackheads are pores that have become clogged with oil, similar to whiteheads, but blackheads have been exposed to the air, which in turn oxidizes the oil, changing its color to black. While blackheads may be tempting to pick, the risk is not worth the reward. Squeezing blackheads and further force bacteria into the skin which can create a deeper infection.

Rather than using pressure from your fingers, use a gentle exfoliating face wash to help clear blackheads blemishes. The exfoliants will work to bring the excess oil to the skin’s surface and therefore washing them away.

Cystic Acne

Cystic acne happens deep within the skin and forms a red, painful, tender nodule that is difficult to treat. Cystic acne often leads to permanent scarring if one tries to treat it by picking. The cysts are so deep into the skin that they are unable to be reached, therefore picking at them only damages the surface of the skin.

Rather than trying to fix these yourself, visit a dermatologist for treatment. This will also help reduce the risk of scarring.

Whiteheads

These are tempting and easy to get rid of with your fingers. However, picking at this will only hinder the healing process, although it may be hard to leave them alone, knowing they are there.

Whiteheads are able to keep bacteria in one area during the healing time of the blemish. When it is poked or squeezed, the contents of the blemish are released, which includes bacteria, skin cells, and oil.

Popping whiteheads can force bacteria deep into the skin, and transfer more bacteria to your face as the open wound is exposed to the bacteria on your fingers. This can lead to worse acne and scarring.

The best way to treat whiteheads is to allow them to clear on their own. The body is already well equipped to repair the damage and fight the infection.

While it is always tempting and may seem accelerating to use your hands when you have a skin ailment to help the healing process, it is always best to let your body do its job naturally. Using natural and gentle cleansers, as well as being patient, is often the best way to get rid of a blemish.