"Triangle of Death" from the Upper Lip to the Bridge of the Nose
High Risk of Infection Due to Major Arteries and Nerves
An American woman ended up in the emergency room after popping a pimple in the so-called "triangle of death" area on her face.
On August 12 (local time), international media outlets including the New York Post reported that a woman named Rishi Mari recently posted a video on social media warning against popping pimples in the "triangle of death" area. Mari stated, "Four hours after popping the pimple, my face became swollen and painful, so I went to the emergency room." Medical staff prescribed her four types of medication, including steroids and antibiotics, to treat the infection. Mari said it took three days for her to fully recover. In the video, the area below Mari's left nostril appeared red and inflamed, and one side of her face was swollen, causing only one corner of her mouth to lift when she smiled.
After American woman Rishi Mari popped a pimple right below her nostril, one side of her face swelled up, causing only one corner of her mouth to lift when she smiled. TikTok capture
The "triangle of death" that Mari mentioned refers to the triangular area from the bridge of the nose down to the upper lip, where large and important arteries and nerves run from the neck to the sinuses and skull. For this reason, dermatologists warn against touching pimples in the "triangle of death." U.S. health media outlet Health.com explained, "Popping pimples in this area can allow bacteria to enter and cause infection," and added, "In severe cases, this can lead to blindness, stroke, paralysis, or even death."
American dermatologist Dr. Mark Strom explaining the area known as the "triangle of death" in the center of the face. TikTok capture
Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist in New York, added, "The area of the face connecting the nose and mouth is particularly dangerous because it is closely connected to the brain."
Dermatologists recommend that instead of popping pimples, people should use skincare products suited to their skin type and allow pimples to heal naturally. They also advised that if you need to touch your face, you should always wash your hands first, and if acne is severe, you should consult a dermatologist.
Meanwhile, last month in Vietnam, a teenage girl died from a bacterial infection after popping a pimple with her hands and applying medication. The hospital explained, "The girl developed skin inflammation after popping the pimple, which allowed Staphylococcus aureus to enter and cause septic shock." The bacteria rapidly multiplied, causing severe damage to her brain and lungs, and despite intensive treatment including a ventilator, she ultimately died from septic shock.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a dermatologist at the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, warned, "Popping pimples with unclean hands can damage the skin and allow bacteria to penetrate deeply, which can lead to skin abscesses or sepsis." She emphasized, "Do not touch or pop pimples with your hands, avoid using acne treatments from unclear sources, and always seek treatment for skin issues at a specialized hospital."
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