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?

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.

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

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