It occurs to the very best of us: Typically, we will’t assist however pop a pimple, a whitehead or a blackhead. Though tempting, dermatologists advocate that you simply chorus from touching or squeezing pimples spots.

“Popping is unhealthy as a result of it makes your complete space extra crimson and infected, making it take longer to heal,” Dr. Jason Chouake, a dermatologist on the American Academy of Dermatology, advised HuffPost. “It will increase your threat of deeper an infection and scarring, which could be everlasting.”

Nicole Olsen received such an an infection after popping a pimple on her face. The Miami girl, who works in a medical workplace, then turned to povidone-iodine, which is often used earlier than and after surgical procedure.

In a TikTok video documenting her expertise, she’s seen making use of the orange-brown answer to her face with a cotton swab. Olsen mentioned she used it to take care of pimples and scarring.

“Inside a number of hours, I felt enchancment when it comes to irritation and stress within the space, so I reapplied and continued to spot-treat by way of the night time,” Olsen advised HuffPost. “The subsequent day, the scab started to nearly flake off from therapeutic over so rapidly. I used to be amazed there wasn’t even a mark left behind like my regular scarring from a foul pimple pop.”

Olsen’s not the one one seeking to povidone-iodine ― typically known as simply iodine ― as an pimples therapy. Her TikTok garnered 1.2 million views, with many individuals leaving feedback about how the answer is utilized in varied international locations and cultures.

“In Armenian households, it’s frequent to make use of iodine when sick with a sore throat or with a cough or chilly. They use the iodine swab to attract a grid on both the throat, chest and again,” Olsen mentioned. “We had folks from Armenia, Philippines, Poland and Mexico affirm they do that as properly.”

As for its use on pimples, dermatologists aren’t shocked that the antiseptic may end up in clearer pores and skin. Nonetheless, individuals who’ve heard concerning the TikTok development ought to concentrate on some dangers. Earlier than you introduce the answer into your skincare routine, right here’s what the consultants say you must know.

Iodine has been stopping infections for over 150 years. You might need seen iodine options featured in hospital reveals; they’re usually utilized by medical doctors on the working desk or whereas scrubbing in. The disinfectant can be utilized in pores and skin preparation for nonsurgical procedures as properly.

Povidone-iodine is out there over-the-counter in numerous varieties, together with liquid, dry powder spray and ointment. The primary function of topical options is to deal with small cuts, burns and scrapes.

“When povidone-iodine dries on the pores and skin, it really works as a disinfectant by quickly penetrating into micro organism and different microorganisms, oxidizing key proteins and fatty acids, inflicting the demise of these microbes,” Chouake mentioned. “The truth that it really works so rapidly to kill these microbes is why it’s used to scrub the pores and skin earlier than surgical procedures ― to forestall an infection.”

Typically, antiseptics comprise chemical compounds known as biocides which can be used to kill and management the expansion of some organisms. Povidone-iodine can take away micro organism in a matter of minutes and even seconds.

“It reduces micro organism on the pores and skin, which might result in enchancment of pimples,” Chouake mentioned. “It’s well-known that topical antibiotics and washes can enhance pimples. That’s why so many individuals use benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin and sulfur washes to assist enhance their pimples.”

Though povidone-iodine is usually protected to make use of, Dr. Jaishree Sharad, a beauty dermatologist at Skinfinitii Aesthetic Pores and skin and Laser in India, advised HuffPost that it shouldn’t be utilized repeatedly.

“One might develop irritation to povidone-iodine,” Sharad mentioned, including that it ought to be an “SOS therapy for a day or two solely, if nothing else is out there.”

Moreover, the answer may trigger hyperpigmentation, a situation through which patches of pores and skin change into darker than the encompassing areas. This will current as freckles or age spots.

“Popping pimples can injury pores and skin additional and end in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in pores and skin of shade,” Sharad mentioned. “It could actually result in secondary bacterial an infection.”

Though the answer may help disinfect the pores and skin, it’s essential to check any product earlier than utilizing it.

“There’s additionally an excellent purpose we by no means advocate iodine,” Chouake mentioned. “Povidone-iodine isn’t meant to be left on the pores and skin for prolonged intervals of time. It needs to be washed off, or it may well trigger extreme contact dermatitis.”

Allergic contact dermatitis happens when the immune system reacts to sure substances, even in small quantities. Contact allergic reactions may end up in a crimson rash, swelling, and itchy or dry pores and skin. So, chances are you’ll wish to watch out earlier than making use of it throughout your face.

“There’s not a board-certified dermatologist alive who has not seen contact allergy to iodine. It’s well-known,” Chouake mentioned. “That is why I’d all the time warning folks to not randomly use medical provides in your pores and skin, which to some may appear self-evident.”

As an alternative, in case you’re on the lookout for a solution to stop pimples or a bacterial an infection from a popped pimple, Chouake advisable topical medicines and antimicrobials that hold pores clear.

“I like light benzoyl peroxide washes, or hypochlorous acid washes or sprays,” he mentioned.