If your pimple is big and painful, give it a few days to develop a head. For a slightly quicker fix, apply warm compresses for about five minutes. Repeat every 3 to 4 hours for a day or two. [2] X Research source For more information on determining whether you can pop a pimple, see the wikiHow article How to Pop a Pimple.
Avoid scrubbing your pimple or otherwise rubbing too hard. You could end up causing inflammation and spreading pus and bacteria to other places on your skin. [3] X Research source You can use rubbing alcohol if you don’t have antiseptic for acne-prone skin, but don’t make a habit of it. Rubbing alcohol can be overly drying to your skin. [4] X Research source
You can also hold the tip of the needle over the flame from a match or lighter before dipping it into the rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. [8] X Research source
If you see clear liquid or blood instead of pus, stop. Squeezing a whitehead that isn’t ready to be popped can cause it to swell and stick around even longer. [9] X Research source
This step is easiest if the whitehead is on your face or neck. If you try it with a whitehead on your back or shoulders, it’s really awkward.
Blood and/or clear liquid is a cue to stop, regardless of whether or not you can drain all the pus.
Alternatively, you could apply a clay or benzoyl peroxide mask to the pimple. Allow the mask to dry completely and remove it according to the instructions on the packaging. [17] X Research source
If you wear makeup, avoid applying any to the affected area until the pimple has completely cleared up. [19] X Research source
