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Management of a Popped Blackhead on the Lip

12/14/2025, 2:10:17 PMMale25-34

Age: 15, Weight: 58 kg, Height: 173 cm I recently dealt with a large blackhead situated on my upper lip. To extract it, I used a needle to create a small indentation, intending to push it out. Unfortunately, now there's a noticeable hole left behind! When I stretch my lip, the hole becomes quite apparent. Will this issue resolve on its own?

COPDInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

12/14/2025, 2:10:39 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about the appearance of your lip after trying to extract a blackhead. When an extraction doesn’t go as planned, it's possible to be left with a small hole or indentation. In most cases, the skin can heal well on its own, especially if proper care is taken. Here are some insights and recommendations for your situation:

Healing Process

When you create a hole in the skin, it may take time for it to close up. Your skin contains cells that work to repair themselves, so with good care, the hole can diminish over time. Factors such as your age and the location of the injury typically help facilitate faster healing.

Next Steps

  1. Keep it Clean:

    • Gently wash the area with a mild soap and water twice a day. This helps prevent infection.
  2. Avoid Picking:

    • Refrain from touching or picking at the area. This can irritate the skin and lead to scarring or infection.
  3. Moisturize:

    • Use a fragrance-free moisturizer or healing ointment (like aloe vera or a simple petroleum jelly) on the area to keep it hydrated. This can promote healing.
  4. Sun Protection:

    • Protect the area from sun exposure by using a lip balm with sunscreen if you're going outside. UV rays can darken healing skin and increase the chance of scarring.
  5. Monitor for Signs of Infection:

    • Watch for increasing redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, which could indicate an infection. If you notice these symptoms, it might signal a need for further attention.

Timeframe

Most minor wounds like this can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to heal completely. You can expect gradual improvement, but if you find that the hole does not improve after a few weeks or if it seems to worsen, reevaluate how you’re caring for it.

Reassurance

It's common for skin to express temporary changes, especially after such skin manipulations. Be patient and give your body time to heal. If you have any concerns about how it's healing or if you want advice on treatments for preventing scarring later on, consider following up with a dermatologist.

Let me know if you have any other questions or need more support!

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