People are prone to “popping pimples” in an effort to get rid of them faster. However, some people are now sounding the alarm over the pimple‑popping habit you might have.
Keep reading to learn more.
Lish Marie noticed a cyst‑like pimple near her nose and, like many people do, decided to give it a squeeze.
Only a few hours later, she found herself in urgent care as she was given four prescriptions. The mother of three learned that her pimple‑popping wasn’t as harmless as she initially thought.
According to medical officials, the area where she popped the pimple is known as the “triangle of death.” This is a part of the face where popping a pimple can allow an infection to spread directly to the brain.
She made a TikTok video about the ordeal, explaining that she popped the pimple just below her nostril without thinking much of it. A few hours later, she began experiencing facial swelling.
When she tried to smile, only one side of her face lifted while the other remained frozen. She also felt “extreme pain” in the swollen area.
She went to an urgent care facility, where doctors treated her.
She was prescribed four medications, including antibiotics and steroids, to help fight the infection. Fortunately, she sought medical help quickly, because the pimple she popped was located in the “triangle of death.”
“I think I caught mine extremely quick, within hours, so I’m on a ton of meds,” she said.
Just a day later, she was already feeling better. Three days after the ordeal, she was back to normal.
Doctors have issued warnings about popping pimples in the “triangle of d*ath.”
This area of the face carries the risk of allowing bacteria to travel to the brain, which can lead to serious health complications.
According to dermatologist Dr. Mark Strom, if you have a pimple in the facial zone—from the bridge of your nose to the corners of your mouth—you should not pop it, as this region contains veins that connect directly to the brain.
“Popping pimples in the center of the face can be particularly dangerous. Squeezing the pimples leaves a small wound where bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to infection,” he said.
“The area of the face from the bridge of the nose down to the corners of the mouth has veins that connect directly to the brain via a blood vessel called the cavernous sinus,” he added.
Dr. Strom explains that popping a pimple in this area leaves an “open wound” that bacteria can use to enter the bloodstream.
This can lead to an infection that may travel to the brain. In severe cases, complications can include blindness, stroke, paralysis, or even death.
If a pimple in this area absolutely must be popped, dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano says both the pimple and the hands doing the popping must be thoroughly sterilized.
“Then poke the pimple with a diabetic lancet, which has a very tiny needle, to open the surface with a small prick that won’t cause too much damage,” she said.
Afterward, pressure should be applied with two cotton swabs to absorb the contents.
“When popping a pimple, it’s very important that you’re not applying a lot of pressure; otherwise, you’re gonna get a lot more inflammation and scarring,” she said, while stressing that people should avoid taking risks with pimples in the “triangle of death.”
Share this with others to warn them about this risky habit when it comes to pimples.
