Is 'accidentally' popping a zit cause less severe scarring than intentionally doing so?

Question

I get really frustrated over my acne issues. Whenever it starts to go away, one always pops back in, and that 'one' is usually followed by several more. It's a pain.

I've been told that refraining from 'popping' zits can lessen the severity of scarring, and I try my best to resist popping those disgusting white heads. However, I always seem to accidentally pop these zits when I'm either in the shower or drying my face with a cloth.

Is this equally severe to a regular 'picking fit?' Do you recommend an ulterior method of washing to avoid popping them?

Answer 1

It sounds like you need to see a dermatologist!

Answer 2

If you aren't tearing up your skin by picking at it then it shouldn't leave much behind. If it's white, like ready to empty white (yuck), I'd honestly just take a tissue and gently get it to empty out. Then clean the area with an astringent that contains alcohol so it will help kill bacteria so it can heal up.

Answer 3

Accidentally scrapping the head of a pimple should cause less severe scarring than "picking". Picking causes the bacteria under the skin to be pushed deeper and this is why you will get another pimple close to or right where the original pimple occurred. Also picking bruises and breaks the skin from your fingernails which can scratch your skin or even scrape off the thin top layer. The dirt and bacteria from your nails reinfect the damaged area of your skin. If you accidentally brush off the head of a pimple it isn't as traumatic to your skin as gouging and bruising it.