Individuals often find themselves squeezing pimples in hopes of eliminating them faster. However, there are growing concerns regarding this pimple-popping behavior that you may engage in.
Continue reading to discover more.
Lish Marie spotted a cyst-like pimple near her nose and, like many others, decided to squeeze and pop it upon noticing it.
Just a few hours later, she ended up in urgent care, where she was given four prescriptions. The mother of three realized that her habit of popping pimples was not as harmless as she initially believed.
Medical professionals have pointed out that the area where she popped the pimple is known as the ‘triangle of death.’ This facial region poses a risk, as popping a pimple there could allow an infection to travel directly to the brain!
She created a TikTok video documenting her experience, showing the pimple she popped just below her nostril, not thinking it was a big deal. She remembers that only a few hours later, she started to notice swelling in her face.
When she tried to smile, one side of her face would move while the other remained still. Additionally, she felt ‘extreme pain’ in the swollen area of her face.
She went to an urgent care center where doctors provided her with treatment.
She received four prescriptions, including antibiotics and steroids, to help combat the infection. Fortunately, she acted quickly to seek medical help because the pimple she had popped was located in the ‘triangle of death’ region.
“I believe I caught mine really quickly, within just a few hours, so I’m taking a lot of medication,” she mentioned.
Just one day later, she was already feeling much better. And three days after the incident, she was back to her usual self.
Doctors have issued warnings to individuals about the dangers of popping pimples in the “triangle of death.”
This area is located on the face and poses a risk of potentially allowing bacteria to reach the brain, which can result in serious health issues.
Dr. Mark Strom, a dermatologist, advises that if you have a pimple in the facial region, which spans from the bridge of your nose to the corners of your mouth, you should avoid popping it, as this area contains veins that connect directly to your brain.
“Popping pimples in the center of the face can be especially hazardous. Squeezing the pimples creates a small wound where bacteria can enter the bloodstream, resulting in infection,” he explained.
“The section of the face from the bridge of the nose down to the corners of the mouth has veins that link directly to the brain through a blood vessel known as the cavernous sinus,” he added further.
Dr. Strom warns that if you pop a pimple in this region, it creates an ‘open wound’ that bacteria can exploit to enter your bloodstream directly.
This can lead to an infection that may then spread to the brain. If complications develop, you could suffer from blindness, stroke, or even paralysis. In severe cases, the infection can also be life-threatening.
If you need to pop a pimple in this area, Dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano advises that both the pimple and your hands should be properly sterilized.
“Next, use a diabetic lancet, which features a very fine needle, to gently prick the surface of the pimple. This small puncture will minimize damage,” she explained.
Following this, apply pressure with two cotton swabs to help absorb the pimple.
“When popping a pimple, it’s crucial to avoid applying excessive pressure; otherwise, you risk increased inflammation and potential scarring,” she cautioned. She also emphasized the importance of being cautious with pimples located in the ‘triangle of death.’
Make sure to share this information with others to raise awareness about the risks involved in popping pimples.
