Is it healthy to pop pustules?

[Mr Rayon]

I have a Chinese friend who has lots of pustules and sometimes likes to pop them. I'm wondering whether doing this is healthy. Is it harmful in any way? Generally, is popping pustules a better alternative to not popping? What are the latest scientific evidence suggesting?

[Twinbird24]

If any bacteria gets into the pustule while popping it, an infection might occur, but most of the time, if you pop it properly, you may just leave a small scar that will heal and no damage will be done.

[Mrs Zeta]

The general advice is not to pop these because of the risk of infection and scarring.

[FX]

Seek medical help. Lots of pus filled glands on the skin is a sign of a medical problem.