Why shouldn't you pop pimples in the "danger triangle" area?
Although everyone knows that squeezing pimples can cause skin inflammation, dark spots, and unsightly scars, many people are unaware of the dangerous consequences of squeezing pimples in a particular area of the face.
 |
| The Triangle of Death, or the Triangle of Danger, has its apex at the base of the nose and its base at the line connecting the corners of the mouth. |
According to Jeremy Brauer, a clinical dermatology lecturer at NYU Langone Medical Center, the veins running behind the eye socket drain into the "cavernous sinus" located in the brain, so picking or squeezing pimples in this area is very dangerous.
When we prick or squeeze pimples, dirt from our hands and airborne bacteria can enter the open wound, causing a serious infection.
Blood clots containing infection form in the veins behind the eyes, which increase pressure in the brain, leading to partial or complete paralysis and, in some cases, even death.
If left untreated, cavernous sinus infections can also lead to blindness, brain abscesses, and meningitis.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sandra Lee explained that, in the worst-case scenario, if the inflammation spreads from the pimple to the brain, there is a possibility of blindness and a major stroke.
This condition, known as cavernous sinus thrombosis, kills 30% of those who suffer from it.
Although the likelihood of this happening is "very low," that doesn't mean you shouldn't take all necessary precautions when dealing with pimples.
Dr. Lee recommends applying toner to stubborn pimples in the "danger triangle" area to disinfect the area and reduce swelling. While squeezing pimples in the "danger triangle" can lead to dangerous infections, you can also suffer significant scarring because the infection has to develop severely before it becomes life-threatening.
Even plucking nose hairs can make you more susceptible to infection in the triangular area, as a small amount of blood flows out from the severed hair follicle.
To avoid this, you should trim your nose hairs instead of plucking them.
What is the most hygienic way to pop a pimple?
According to Dr. Sandra Lee, it's best to leave pimples alone because picking or squeezing them will damage the skin.
She recommends applying a bandage to the affected area or covering it with an acne cream containing antiseptic properties to reduce inflammation.
For stubborn pimples, it's best to apply a warm compress to reduce swelling.
