Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Photo: Flickr user SpooSpa, Face_of_SpooSpa.jpg, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikipedia. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately. The Triangle of Death, also known as the Danger Triangle, stretches from the tip of the nose to a point on either side of the lips, roughly where dimples usually appear. This will reduce inflammation and banish your zit in a couple days. There are other, more common types of infections in this area that you should take steps to avoid. However, infections are rare. I mean, it was already a part of you. It's not a pimple. Important: The opinions expressed in WebMD Blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. Popping them can cause scarring and make the bump worse, you were warned. Infection in this area can often spread from manipulation, such as nose picking, plucking nose hairs, or anything that breaks the skin barrier.. The danger triangle: How squeezing spots can kill you (if you're very This story has been shared 115,834 times. For some, acne appears when they hold their phone closest to their face. The area underneath the triangle contains major sinuses that connect to the brain. Next, you should clean the skin on your face. Danger triangle of the face pimple | HealthTap Online Doctor Some conditions that cause skin rashes are very contagious. The teen popped a pimple on the part of her face called the "Triangle of Death". 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. You'll know the job is done when pus starts oozing out. "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. (For more health news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our Daily Dose newsletter.). Do not try to squeeze or pop any pimples on your face. In fact, many derive pleasure from watching others pop their pimples. Learn about her 3 point plan to help keep it regulated. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. (Note: You should only have to apply gentle pressure. This area is connected via blood vessels to areas of the skull where infections can spread very rapidly and become more serious.. 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. "After picking, apply a topical antibiotic ointment like bacitracin to any open skin. Maggie ONeill is a health writer and reporter based in New York who specializes in covering medical research and emerging wellness trends, with a focus on cancer and addiction. Circumstances would be extreme and truly a perfect storm," she says. It's highly unlikely, but technically possible. (. What is the triangle of death? - Surgical Recovery London Addressing acne in this area of the face should be handled with care. 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. Is It Really Dangerous to Pop a Pimple In the Danger Triangle? (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.). The tip of the triangle is the bridge of your nose, its base starts at the corners of your mouth and extends up to the outline of your upper lip. My mom was hospitalized three times because her blood pressure was dangerously high. The reason for heightened concern here is the blood supply in this particular facial region, according to Jeremy Brauer, M.D., clinical assistant professor in the department of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center. You should do this with one of two instruments: A cotton swab or the soft part of your fingertip. One option? By Rebecca Jane Stokes Written on Jan 09, 2023. That can create an open wound, and if. If the pimple persists, resist the urge to squeeze it. So, skin infections in this area have the potential to spread and cause dangerous complications in reality, though, serious brain infections are incredibly rare. 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. 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. i had already tried benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, toothpaste, etc. But this is especially true for the area on your face known as the "triangle of death.". Learn more about what its made of and how to get rid of it. You cant see it, but its there. One reason? You shouldnt pop a pimple on your face. I popped a pimple on the triangle of death my sister told me that I could get a brain infection is that even possible? Doctors pay special attention to infections in this area. Make sure to wash your hands and use cleanser on your skin. Is the triangle of death real a pimple gets infected there will I die? 3. There's a good reason why the Triangle of Death, has been given such a scary nickname. [skin concern] i tried popping a pimple in the "triangle of death" Even if it doesnt cause a serious problem it can leave scars and discoloration. If the skin inside this triangle is broken from a cut or popped pimple, for example bacteria can enter your body. I popped multiple pimples in the "triangle of death" will I be ok? That'll reduce inflammation and any itchiness so you'll resist the urge to pick your face. First, if it hasn't been made abundantly clear, just stay away from pimples in the triangle of death region. Dont pop if you can help it, and if you canthey, weve all been therethen watch for signs of infection. Still, since it can happen, he advises caution with pimples in this area. Thats because infections in this region, which includes the upper lip and nose, can quickly become severe, even deadly. If you have a pimple, do NOT pop it, no matter how many zit-popping videos you watch! It's dangerous to pop a pimple in the danger triangle of the face not because popping a zit in this area will leave a mark; in fact, it's much more dangerous. Popping a pimple in this area can lead to major infections because of its location. Popping a pimple in the "death triangle" is dangerous is because it's near blood vessels with a direct link to. Prior to her time at Health, her work appeared in the Observer, Good Housekeeping, CNN, and Vice. In some ways, an outbreak of acne pimples and an outbreak of MRSA pimples are very similar. 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. 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. What could this be? "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. In that vein, you could trigger "a multi-layered cellulitis infection [a type of serious bacterial infection] or a boil-type infection in the hair follicle both of which can be more difficult to treat depending on the bacteria," she says. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Your fingers are now outlining the danger zone the triangle of death.. They usually come with symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness, drainage and bleeding, or the spot will keep coming back and filling with pus. Popping pimples is never a good idea, and it's even worse for if they're located in the so-called 'triangle of death'. Yeah I washed it afterwards and I will not be doing this again next time. This sound stupid but I have pretty bad anxiety and this is torturing me right now do you think Ill be ok? These days, many bacterial infections are harder to treat because of antibiotic resistance, especially certain kinds of staph infections, so its best to try to prevent them from happening. Therefore, picking at or scratching pimples on that area isn't wise since it can allow bacteria to enter and cause infection, according to theAmerican Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The phrase "triangle of death" might sound slightly extreme when talking aboutpimple popping. Hello, occasionally have small hard pimples below, popping hurts, they are hard pearl type which bleeds alot after finally coming out? William Truswell, MD, FACS, operates his own cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery practice. "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. As published by the magazine, the veins in the "danger triangle" ultimately lead back to the cavernous sinus, located in our brain. You Should Never Pop a Pimple In the "Triangle of Death" On Your Face, This Coffee Shop Provides Free Therapy for Men, Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel, 5 reasons you still get zits as a grown-ass man, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. The condition, known as Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, kills 30 percent of those who contract it. Warnings on social media claim you should never, ever pop pimples within the area for risk of causing death (yes, really). When you pop a pimple in this area, the skin might become infected. I searched up the first question on google and all the results started talking abot a triangle of death!! Teenage girl, 19, suffers severe brain infection after popping a pimple Instead, seek professional advice. This condition can lead to blood clots, which increase the chances of stroke and death. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. The guilty pleasure of popping is all too real for many people. A teenage girl in China has suffered a severe infection inside her brain after she popped a pimple on her nose with her hands.. Could Popping a Pimple Really Kill You? A Doctor Explains the 'Triangle 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. However it's quite rare, if you are worried about infection take some basic sanitation/antiseptic procedures before hand. You can repeat the ice step if desired, and your pimple should shrink within a few days. 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. When accidentally stuck by a needle, its important to report it and follow up with your doctor for testing afterward. Symptoms involve inflammation and may affect multiple. While infections of this area are rare due to antibiotics the triangle of death is a particular area of the face that if the skin is broken and the inside of our body is exposed to bacteria, it can invade and have access to the bodys control center, Heather Free, PharmD, a spokesperson for the American Pharmacist Association, told Healthline. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. 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. Of the utmost importance is realizing when to stop. The worst-case scenario is that its a severe infection, which can lead to deadly complications if left untreated. Within an hour, her face was swollen and painful. Is It Really Dangerous to Pop a Pimple In the Danger Triangle? Last month, Katie Wright began picking at what she thought was a pimple under the skin of her eyebrow. If you pop a pimple within the danger triangle, the skin can become infected and this infection can permeate these blood vessels. While popping pimples is tempting, it isn't worth the risk for. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Please consult your doctor before taking any action. If you notice them, see your doctor, stat. ThinkConservatively 3 yr. ago. When they do, it can be tempting to squeeze the suckers once they've turned white in hopes of getting rid of them faster. Inflammation of the brain from bacterial infections can result in stroke, hearing loss, or permanent brain damage. When you get a zit slap bang in the middle of your face, your reaction is usually to squeeze it immediately. She was a fellow of the Association of Health Care Journalists 2020 class on Womens Health Journalism and 2021 class on Cancer Reporting. Should I schedule a doctors apt? 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 If a pimple looks or feels different, leave it alone, and observe it. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Dermatologists recommend using ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids instead of popping. It's similar to your chance of buying a single lottery ticket and winning. Search . Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. But it's important to practice safely popping a pimple if you absolutely must take a go at it. Experts dont exactly call it the triangle of deaththey tend to refer to it as the slightly less ominous danger trianglebut theyre referring to the same area: the skin that stretches from the corners of your mouth to the bridge of your nose. Your mouth and nose are teeming with bacteria, but your body is designed to protect against them. Try: The Body Shop Tea Tree Targeted Gel (Buy It, $10, amazon.com) or Innbeauty Project Pimple Paste Overnight Blemish Drying Paste (Buy It, $15, sephora.com). That advice goes foryour entire face, of course. If you've got a pimple in the danger zone and have to get rid of it, though it's not recommended, there are lots of ways to do so without popping it. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 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. Exactly How to Prevent Adult Acne, According to Dermatologists. So lets say you pop a pimple there. The Risks of Popping Your Pimples - GoodRx The veins in your "danger triangle" ultimately lead back to your cavernous sinus, located in your brain, he says. Moisturize your skin regularly to prevent cracking or peeling. "If the blockage does not come out easily, abort the mission," Dr. Zeichner noted, adding that after-care is another crucial part of any successful pimple-popping quest. Even though bacteria traveling to your brain is extremely unlikely, other possible issues are bad enough on their own. The area underneath the triangle contains major sinuses that connect to the brain. .css-13y9o4w{display:block;font-family:GraphikBold,GraphikBold-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13y9o4w:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.3;}}This Coffee Shop Provides Free Therapy for Men, How To Stop Poop From Burning After Spicy Food, What to Do When You Hit Your Head Really Hard, 4 Things Every Man Should Know About Testosterone, The Truth About Testosterone and Your Libido, 20 Minutes of Exercise Lowers Hospitalization Risk. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I have painless lumps between eyebrow, like a triangle shape and it's not going away. Yes and no. All rights reserved. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency. While a pimple and a sign of infection could physically look the same, a triangle of death patient may have more symptoms. Hartman told Insider people should proceed with caution when treating acne in this area because DIY extractions can lead to serious infections and even death. A condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis can develop in the sinus cavity as a result of the infection. Whats the Difference Between MRSA and a Pimple? Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel. U.S. World; The skin around your face, and especially in the triangle of death, is a first line of defense against invading bacteria. Elizabeth Millard is a freelance writer focusing on health, wellness, fitness, and food. Its been a tough few weeks. Popping a pimple above these sinuses can create a chain reaction of infection that leads to the brain, Hartman said. Overnight drying creams are also a great option, along with just plain old steam (from a steam facial machine or just in the shower) to help pores open without putting dangerous force on your face. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Dr. Pimple Popper Removed a 'Triangle of Death' Cyst on Her - Insider 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.. It's called that because it's the area that is closest and leads to your sinuses. Wash makeup brushes regularly, and avoid hands touching the face. First of All, What Is the Danger Triangle? 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.