Most people cannot stand to see the sight of a throbbing, juicy, white pimple on their face, so they prefer to get rid of it by popping it dry. In most cases, dermatologists do not recommend doing this at all—at least not without medical assistance.
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Piercing a pimple, whether it's on your forehead, cheek, or chin should not be done at home. One time, a Chinese man from the city of Changzhou ended up in intensive care after he burst a pimple on his chin. But the chin is not the only danger zone… experts suggest that you do not touch pimple-like lesions that develop on your toes and hands as well.
Feet acne?
Dr. Muneeb Shah, a dermatologist who has been going viral on TikTok under the username @dermdoc, has recently raised awareness about mysterious ‘pimples’ known as digital mucous cysts. These small bumps are filled with orange fluid which are then covered by a layer of translucent skin. While these lesions do resemble acne, they’re actually not the same thing. Dr. Shah said:
This is not a pimple. That right there is actually joint fluid. This is a digital mucous cyst and it’s connected with the joint.
According to the dermatologist it can ‘deform the nail’ and that is why you should never pop them.
Are they dangerous?
As the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology explains,this cyst is a ‘common benign lesion that presents as a firm nodule on the fingers and toes’ and it is often mistaken for acne or blisters.
The formation of such cysts can be a sign of trauma or arthritis, but it can also occur for no particular reason. While they are not dangerous, they can cause discomfort and if that is the case, it is essential to seek medical help instead of trying to get rid of it yourself. A dermatologist will be able to surgically remove them so that you don’t get an infection which may lead to permanent damage to the joints.