Why you should leave those spots well alone

Posted on 01 Mar, 2012

It is well known that picking or squeezing spots should be avoided, and yet it is probably something that many people who suffer from active acne have done frequently and then regretted!

Unfortunately, not only does squeezing or picking your blemishes increase the likelihood that they will get worse rather than heal, but it also makes permanent scarring much more likely.

Squeezing to remove pus can also force it deeper into the pore, along with the bacteria that can cause further infection. This can result in the permanent loss of skin tissue and cause sunken or pitted scars to form in the place of the original spot.

Post-inflammatory redness can make these scars even more noticeable, and the colour can take years to fade. Acne scars can be just as distressing as the active acne itself, and those prone to acne should make every effort to reduce the likelihood of them forming in the first place.

For those already affected by acne scarring, there is a solution in the form of microdermabrasion and laser treatment. The removal of superficial layers of skin and the stimulation of collagen production can help to improve the appearance of the skin.