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Our Veterinarian gets to the head of the matter – what to do with your pimples.

If you are a compulsive zit-popper, scab-picker, or cuticle-ripper, we’ve got a solution for your addiction. There are some things you should leave alone, but not everything. We’ll explain what you can pop, when it can be popped, and how best to pop it. We’ll say ‘pop’ again just for you: POP!! Here’s how to do it:

STEP 1) Acknowledge Your Foe

There’s a big white pustule growing on your nose and you have a date tonight. You can stare at it all you want but it won’t go away. You have several options to be rid of it but which road to you take?

STEP 2) Is it Pop-able?

Those chronic pickers among us will have already attacked it before reading two lines of this article – but that really isn’t the best way. If your zit is white with a little redness around it then your best bet is to take a sterilized needle (using a flame or rubbing alcohol), puncture the zit, then gently push out the pus. Now wipe the surface with the alcohol to clean it. Then, apply a little benzyl peroxide to help dry it up (i.e. Clean & Clear etc.).

STEP 3) Hide The Evidence:

Once everything is completely dry you can use little dabs of concealer to build up your natural colour (Guys can use this too, get help if you need it to make sure you’ve got the natural look and not the Manson look). Remember though to remove everything as soon as you come home to let the area heal.

If you have a big, cystic growth (ew), you’ll need the attention of a dermatologist – they can then inject steroid into the base to reduce the inflammation.

STEP 4) Things You Can Go-to-Town on:

Here’s what you can pick: blackheads. All blackheads can be squeezed but this technique works best after a shower and with very clean hands. Most drugstores sell comedone extractors but they’re not worth your money. Face masks etc. are only good if you have naturally oily skin. If your skin is quite dry naturally, your best bet is to use an oil-free facial moisturizer that helps prevent acne.

– The Veterinarian

To Pop or Not To Pop5.051

Category: Rehab, Visit the Vet · Posted by: Mushy Pony Tagged: acne, popping zits, skin care, zits on Friday, November 13, 2009 · No Comments »