If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately. Dr. Shamban's overall advice is to refrain from popping pimples, whether they're inside or outside the danger triangle. Then, apply a warm compress e.g. However, septic cavernous sinus thrombosis can also lead to other more serious conditions like a brain abscess, a brain infection, damage to your facial nerves, paralysis of your eye muscles, meningitis, pneumonia, septic emboli, a staph infection, and even a stroke. That advice goes foryour entire face, of course. Learn about her 3 point plan to help keep it regulated. Please consult your doctor before taking any action. New warnings are issued after a woman developed cellulitis after popping what she thought was a pimple on a sensitive part of her face. What Causes Warts and How Can You Get Rid of Them? I popped a pimple on the triangle of death my sister told me that I could get a brain infection is that even possible? But it turns out that I'm actually lucky to have made it out of these pimple-popping sessions alive. To learn more, please visit our. "That is the signal that the the pus inside is close enough to the skin's surface and ready to be removed or expressed.". Important: The opinions expressed in WebMD Blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Your lips aren't included in that area. Still, healthcare providers say that there's a particularly dangerous area on your facecolloquially referred to as the "triangle of death"that you should keep your hands off of. Neha Pathak, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine doctor and part of WebMD's team of medical editors responsible for ensuring the accuracy of health information on the site. Photo: Adobe Stock - Design: Alex Sandoval. 4 Things Most Guys Get Wrong About Skin Cancer: If there were a serious skin infection in this area that went untreated, and then subsequently tracked back to the brain, it could theoretically prove fatal, says Dr. Brauer. Why Is It Dangerous To Pop Pimples in the 'Triangle of Death'? Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. and it only seemed to be getting worse. That can create an open wound, and if. Popping them can cause scarring and make the bump worse, you were warned. I mean, it was already a part of you. Do not consider WebMD Blogs as medical advice. If you got some pus in your mouth, it's not dangerous in any way, just a bit gross. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. The skin around your face, and especially in the triangle of death, is a first line of defense against invading bacteria. Yes and no. "It is tempting to pick, but left to its natural cycle it will heal itself in about three to seven days. Even so, we think well be keeping away from the triangle of death from now on. "Theoretically, it can lead to meningitis and other infections of the central nervous system since there is proximity to the brain," Hartman said. This area has your sinuses right behind it, as well as important nerves and blood vessels that are responsible for the blood flowing to the brain. In the age of Dr. Pimple Popper, the previously repulsive act of pimple-popping has become an almost euphoric experience. If you pop a pimple in the "triangle of death," you risk an infection that could travel to your brain and bloodstream. Oh jesus you popped a pimple on your nose or top lip? But what makes squeezing zits in the triangle of danger so much riskier has to do with its location. It refers to the area of the face that "includes an isosceles [triangle] from the top of the nose between the eyebrows as its pinnacle, and ends at the corners of the mouth around the upper lip as its base," she says. Press J to jump to the feed. Sure, as long as you don't get an infucktion. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Popping a pimple in this area can lead to septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. There's a good reason why the Triangle of Death, has been given such a scary nickname. If we pop a pimple with our dirty hands, it causes infections after which the veins form clots puts pressure on the brain, causing partial or full paralysis. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. One reason? Dr. Vij recommended applying some warm compresses to it before you begin the picking process. Now bring this triangle to your face so that the tip of the triangle is above the bridge. Thats because it could cause blood clots, which might lead to stroke. Is It Really Dangerous to Pop a Pimple In the Danger Triangle? Contact your doctor for signs of infection like redness, pain, and drainage. William Truswell, MD, FACS, operates his own cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery practice. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Thanks for your response! The condition, known as Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, kills 30 percent of those who contract it. Dr. Sandra Lee - aka Dr. Pimple Popper - adds that if inflammation from a pimple spreads to the inner part of the brain, there's potential for blindness and a massive stroke. If you have a pimple, avoid touching your face, try over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, or consult a dermatologist if your acne isn't clearing up, according to the AAD. The worst-case scenario is that its a severe infection, which can lead to deadly complications if left untreated. Then, you shouldn't pick the top of the zit off with your nails. This is the zone known as the triangle of death, or the danger triangle of the face. Popping a pimple in the "death triangle" is dangerous is because it's near blood vessels with a direct link to areas of the skull where infections can spread rapidly and become serious, says Dr. Shamban. Use a tissue to clean your nose, and clean any cuts or sores with a first-aid astringent like hydrogen peroxide. Left untreated an infection of the sinus cavity can also cause a total loss of vision, brain abscesses and meningitis. You're definitely going to die. Why? Dr. Shamban recommends any patches from Zitsticka (Buy It, $29, amazon.com) or Starface (Buy It, $15, target.com). You should do this with one of two instruments: A cotton swab or the soft part of your fingertip. Does popping pimples make your condition worse? For me, it's always been around my nose and my upper lip. Wash makeup brushes regularly, and avoid hands touching the face. The content produced by YourTango is for informational and educational purposes only. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. "Seek the help of a board certified dermatologist or licensed aesthetician to extract, inject or otherwise treat problematic pimples that prove to be persistent and resistant to topical therapies," Hartman said. This condition can lead to blood clots, which increase the chances of stroke and death. The best-case scenario is that its a benign cyst that is easily drained. RELATED: What It Might Mean If You Have Bumps On Your Face. (For more health news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our Daily Dose newsletter.). NOW WATCH: How to pop a pimple yourself, according to Dr. Pimple Popper's tips. Prior to her time at Health, her work appeared in the Observer, Good Housekeeping, CNN, and Vice. At-home pimple popping is generally frowned upon by dermatologists, as it can lead to scarring and more acne. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Mom reveals her vagina is better than ever after childbirth, Men have better sex with emotionally unstable women, First-time mom gives birth in nine minutes flat, Ex-anorexic qualifies for Bodybuilding World Championships, Science figures out that the snooze button actually ruins your day. Yes and no. Instead, seek professional advice. The triangle of death is the area of your face including your upper lip, nose, and between your eyebrows. It's called the triangle of death because hypothetically popping a pimple could cause an infection that would easily reach the bloodstream. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. If a pimple looks or feels different, leave it alone, and observe it. One option? The triangle of death is the area of skin that starts at the middle of your eyebrows, includes your nose, and ends at your top lip. Never pop a zit in the "triangle of death," dermatologists say, no matter how tempting it is. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Our website services, content and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But I sincerely doubt it, As for the triangle of death, I thought that was the Bermuda triangle. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. I searched up the first question on google and all the results started talking abot a triangle of death!! It's ridiculously tempting to pop your pimples during an outbreak of acne. Outside of the ominous danger triangle, popping a pimple can still be a bummer, but not a killer. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. You've likely been told since the first zit cropped up on. The scary name comes from the fact that the blood vessels in this part of the face have a direct link to blood vessels close to the brain. These bacteria can quickly enter your body and cause an infection, and because of the proximity to critical portions of your brain, the infection can lead to serious complications quickly. Search . Its been a tough few weeks. Circumstances would be extreme and truly a perfect storm," she says. Razor Burn In 9 Easy Steps, What It Means If You Have Acne Around Your Mouth, The 3 Things People Immediately Judge You On When You First Meet Them, 5 Immediate Signs Of A Toxic, Passive-Aggressive Person, 10 Little Habits That Make You IRRESISTIBLY Attractive. The triangle of death is the area of your face including your upper lip, nose, and between your eyebrows. Soak a washcloth in hot (not scalding) water, and apply it to the area for 10 to 15 minutes.This helps draw the pus to the surface and can speed up the healing process. There are also important structures around the eyes, nose, and mouth. So yes, popping a pimple (or otherwise picking at your skin) within the danger triangle can be dangerous, but it's more likely to simply aggravate your skin rather than cause a deadly infection. What Are Plantar WartsAnd How Do You Treat Them? Should I be worried? Before popping, thoroughlywash your hands, as Dr. Vij recommended. However it's quite rare, if you are worried about infection take some basic sanitation/antiseptic procedures before hand. Dermatologists recommend using ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids instead of popping. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. If you're wondering whether that's a real possibility or an exaggeration designed to inspire shock, here's what you should know about the danger triangle. However, infections are rare. "If you are going to pop your pimples, do not do it right before bed when you are tired. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Boils on your inner thigh can be painful. But health experts have warned picking or popping pimples in this area could have potentially fatal consequences. this morning i woke up at around 5:30 because i have a pimple just underneath my lips towards the right side. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). On your face, the tip of your triangle is on the bridge of your nose, and the base of your triangle starts at either corner of your mouth and extends across the bottom of your upper lip. If it was infected, you were already infected. Infection in this area can often spread from manipulation, such as nose picking, plucking nose hairs, or anything that breaks the skin barrier.. Hartman said the deeper the pimple and more infected it is, the more likely it is to lead to severe infection or death, though death is still rare. There are plenty of cute shapes or colors to make it look like you have some kind of fun sticker on your face. Elizabeth Millard is a freelance writer focusing on health, wellness, fitness, and food. Your mouth and nose are teeming with bacteria, but your body is designed to protect against them. LOGIN Subscribe for $1. Am I going to get an infection now?? In other words, the infection in a pimple on your nose has a somewhat clear path to your brain. A majority of people just can't resist popping a juicy pimple that's ready to go, even if it is in the so-called danger triangle. When you get a zit slap bang in the middle of your face, your reaction is usually to squeeze it immediately. "Extra" caught up with Dr. Sandra Lee, better known as Dr. Pimple Popper, to learn about the area of the face called the "triangle of death," and why popping. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider But the chances of it really happening are exceedingly low, he says. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel. While it's gotten better over the years, I'm still prone to the odd zit (or seven). Most, Many people have experienced an occasional skin rash or unexplained mark. Avoid picking the nose, plucking nose hairs, popping pimples, and use a sterile technique if you have your nose pierced, Strachan said. Answered May 15, 2022. But that may be easier said than done. Dont pop if you can help it, and if you canthey, weve all been therethen watch for signs of infection. Wash and replace makeup products regularly. Anytime you reach for a big zit on your nose, remember the words "potential brain infection.". If you do, you may push the contents of the pimple deeper into the skin, which canresult in permanent scaring, more painful and noticeable acne, or infection. (, Dr. Shamban says you should always avoid popping zits, anywhere on your face. It's called the triangle of death because hypothetically popping a pimple could cause an infection that would easily reach the bloodstream. And if all else fails, see a dermatologist for help. "The cavernous sinus is the name of a large vein that drains blood to the brain, creating a connection from our outside to our inside," explained Dr. Zeichner. He or she will determine whether you need an antibiotic. i had already tried benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, toothpaste, etc. Even if you're past your teenage years, pimples can still pop up on your skin. The area includes the bridge of the. First of All, What Is the Danger Triangle? Your fingers are now outlining the danger zone the triangle of death.. Popping Pimples On This Part Of Your Face Can Kill You, Photo: A's Images & Getty Images via Canva, What It Might Mean If You Have Bumps On Your Face, 10 Really Weird Reasons You Have Bad Acne, How To Prevent (And Treat!) It's called that because it's the area that is closest and leads to your sinuses. Within an hour, her face was swollen and painful. If you pop a pimple within the danger triangle, the skin can become infected and this infection can permeate these blood vessels. That's the message from Dr. Mehmet Oz, who said you better think twice before pulling out that nose hair or popping that pimple in the "triangle of death"an area on the face around the . This area is connected via blood vessels to areas of the skull where infections can spread very rapidly and become more serious.. But if the zit is particularly bothersome, your dermatologist can inject the area with an intralesional steroid, says Alan Parks, M.D., dermatologist and founder of skincare site DermWarehouse. I popped a pimple of the edge of the triangle of death, it's a little red but when I popped it blood came out. If the pimple persists, resist the urge to squeeze it. As published by the magazine, the veins in the "danger triangle" ultimately lead back to the cavernous sinus, located in our brain. So, how do we stay sane and grounded at this time? Now, a new tale just might make you think twice before putting a bump in the crosshairs of your tweezers or fingernails. Symptoms involve inflammation and may affect multiple. "After picking, apply a topical antibiotic ointment like bacitracin to any open skin. Basically, no worries! First, popping a pimple can push debris deeper into the skin, which may lead to: Inflammation, which can cause redness and swelling that is worse than the pimple itself Pain More pimples Second, squeezing pores can also lead to pits that bleed and become scabs. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. By Rebecca Jane Stokes Written on Jan 09, 2023. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. (. I went to the emergency room and they said it was a very serious case of cellulitis, which is a version of a staph infection, but instead of having a head like staph, it effects the deep cellular tissues with no main source to attack, she wrote in a social media post. The triangle of death, also called the danger triangle, is a specific area on your face where many medical professionals warn against popping pimples. I thought once I kissed my teenage years goodbye that I'd be kissing acne goodbye, too. A condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis can develop in the sinus cavity as a result of the infection. Get answers from Adolescent Medicine Specialists and top U.S. doctors, Our doctors evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, order lab tests, and recommend follow-up care. The teen popped a pimple on the part of her face called the "Triangle of Death". i woke up specifically because it hurt so much that if i touched any of the areas near it on my face, like my chin, it would feel Then, tone the area using witch hazel. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. However, if you can resist popping, Dr. Shamban recommends to first place ice over a zit you notice. The triangle of death is the area of your face including your upper lip, nose, and between your eyebrows. A staph infection is one of the most common types of infection on this area of the body. When it comes to acne, we all have certain spots where we are more likely to get a pimple. When you pop a pimple in this area, the skin might become infected. Another reason to keep your hands off that particular region is that it's more likely to scar, according to Dr. Vij. Could it make me sick? 1 doctor answer 1 doctor weighed in Share Dr. Ed Friedlander answered Pathology 46 years experience Ignore it: The danger of a cavernous sinus thrombosis from this is greatly overrated. 3. So what makes popping a pimple so much more dangerous here than, say, bursting one smack in the middle of your forehead? This story has been shared 115,834 times. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The guilty pleasure of popping is all too real for many people. These types of infections are treatable with antibioticsand they would have to rage on for quite awhile before it could make its way to your brain. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics has, Researchers say a new hydrogel injection may help prevent infections following knee or hip replacement, reducing the need for antibiotics and, Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) affects some children after a COVID-19 infection. This story has been shared 174,941 times. Yeah I washed it afterwards and I will not be doing this again next time. While a deadly infection is within the realm of possibility, the effects of popping a zit in this area are usually not serious, she says. The veins in your "danger triangle" ultimately lead back to your cavernous sinus, located in your brain, he says. For some, acne appears when they hold their phone closest to their face. You can pop all the pimples you want on your forehead, or attack the acne on your chin with ruthless abandon, but leave the deadly triangle alone. (Popping a pimple in other places like your cheeks, chin, or forehead could still lead to an infection, but the effects of that would likely only be .css-16acfp5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#d2232e;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-16acfp5:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:yellow;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}scarring or pigmentation changes, since the those areas lack the direct blood supply route to your brain.). Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. That means keeping the area clean, putting antibacterial cream on it, and not overpicking. Dr. Brauer says the danger of popping in other areaslike the cheeks, chin, or foreheadcould still be infection, but that would lead toward scarring and pigmentation changes, not flirting with death. A cellulitis or staph infection is treated with antibiotics, but it has to be caught early because of the risk of serious problems. The face's 'triangle of death' consists of the area from the nose bridge to the upper lip which is full of blood vessels and nerves that are directly connected to the brain. According to Jeremy Brauer, clinical professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Centre, the veins that are running behind our eye socket lead back to the 'cavernous sinus' which is located in the brain. What Top Skin Docs Do When They Get a Pimple, Here's How Pimple Patches Actually Help Get Rid of Zits, Sweat Pimples Aren't Entirely Caused By Sweat Here's What You Should Know, What You Need to Know About Cortisone Shots for Acne, How to Pop a Pimple Without Causing Future Harm, The Best Body Acne Treatments to Fight Blemishes from Head to Toe, Why You Keep Getting Pimples Inside Your Nose, and What to Do About It, Drew Barrymore Revealed the One Trick That Helps Her "Make Peace" with Maskne, These Are the Best Products for Treating Scalp Acne, All I Want This Holiday Season Is a Lifetime Supply of These Pimple Patches. For that reason, "any infection in that area is a little bit higher risk," addedAlok Vij, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. That can create an open wound, and if bacteria get in theresay, you touch your face without washing dirty handsyou can develop an infection. Its best to get your acne treated., Learn about the differences between MRSA and acne. Watching videos of enlarged cysts, deep-rooted blackheads, and even. ; It sounds terrifying, but doctors say these serious complications are really rare thanks to . Learn how to recognize and treat them, as well as when to see a doctor. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. But this is especially true for the area on your face known as the "triangle of death.". Touch the tips of your thumbs together, then bring your pointer fingers together, forming a triangle. A teenage girl in China has suffered a severe infection inside her brain after she popped a pimple on her nose with her hands.. My mom was hospitalized three times because her blood pressure was dangerously high. Thats because infections in this region, which includes the upper lip and nose, can quickly become severe, even deadly. Bottom line: While the triangle of death has a terrifying moniker and some very real theoretical science behind it, avoiding serious infections is totally doable by adhering to a single rule:. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Pathology 51 years experience. Popping a pimple in the "death triangle" is dangerous is because it's near blood vessels with a direct link to. And while dermatologists and other skin pros typically advise against pimple popping altogether, the internet is home to plenty of pimple popping dos and don'ts for those who can't be stopped. In other words, this operation needs your full attention. Always be sure to wash your hands before putting them anywhere on your face, don't use your nails to pop a pimple, and always practice good aftercare if you've popped a zit. You cant see it, but its there. Since it was on my face, there was a huge risk of it spreading to my brain or my eyes, causing me to go blind., Wrights infection, which was likely caused by a dirty makeup brush, was in an area of the face known as the triangle of death.. Some conditions that cause skin rashes are very contagious. That'll reduce inflammation and any itchiness so you'll resist the urge to pick your face. If there is a break in the skin barrier, cellulitis an infection in the skin furunculosis [boils], or infections in the hair follicles, can occur, Dr. Dina Strachan, a board certified dermatologist in New York, told Healthline.