The triangle of death is the area of your face including your upper lip, nose, and between your eyebrows. Wash makeup brushes regularly, and avoid hands touching the face. 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 . In other words, the infection in a pimple on your nose has a somewhat clear path to your brain. Popping pimples can cause scarring, hyperpigmentation or dark marks, and infection, Strachan said. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. 2023byTango Publishing Corporation All Rights Reserved. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Ple. 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. The triangle of death, also called the danger triangle, is a specific area on your face where many medical professionals warn against popping pimples. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). They usually come with symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness, drainage and bleeding, or the spot will keep coming back and filling with pus. Vision loss can also occur. I mean, it was already a part of you. William Truswell, MD, FACS, operates his own cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery practice. 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 This area is connected via blood vessels to areas of the skull where infections can spread very rapidly and become more serious.. While popping pimples is tempting, it isn't worth the risk for. It's highly unlikely, but technically possible. Even though bacteria traveling to your brain is extremely unlikely, other possible issues are bad enough on their own. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better, Jalloh said. Doctors pay special attention to infections in this area. 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. This is because if you pop a pimple here, it can actually lead to an infection in your brain. That advice goes foryour entire face, of course. Is It Really Dangerous to Pop a Pimple In the Danger Triangle? We may earn a commission through links on our site. Am I going to get an infection now?? 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. Our website services, content and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. Your lips aren't included in that area. If you notice them, see your doctor, stat. Is It Really Dangerous to Pop a Pimple In the Danger Triangle? An infection in the. Now bring this triangle to your face so that the tip of the triangle is above the bridge. Still, you definitely shouldn't take the threat lightly. The guilty pleasure of popping is all too real for many people. (For more health news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our Daily Dose newsletter.). 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. Can Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne Actually Prevent Zits? Cover cuts with topical ointments petroleum jelly can work for minor cuts. Hey so I had a white head on my upper lip for a few months, and it wasnt going away so I kind of squeezed it out. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices 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. "It is tempting to pick, but left to its natural cycle it will heal itself in about three to seven days. This will flatten the appearance of the zit making it seem less "popable." Why Is It Dangerous To Pop Pimples in the 'Triangle of Death'? Anytime you reach for a big zit on your nose, remember the words "potential brain infection.". Just try not to make a habit of it and if you're going to pop pimples, do it with clean hands and alcohol wipes. RELATED: What It Might Mean If You Have Bumps On Your Face. 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. Thats why its important to seek out medical attention if you notice a deep bump or cyst under the skin in this area of the face. Get answers from Adolescent Medicine Specialists and top U.S. doctors, Our doctors evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, order lab tests, and recommend follow-up care. You can treat your acne with over-the-counter medicine or consult a dermatologist if your at-home treatments aren't improving after four to six weeks. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately. When you get a zit slap bang in the middle of your face, your reaction is usually to squeeze it immediately. Because the blood vessels in this area drain to the back of your head, if you innocently pop a pimple in the danger triangle and it becomes infected, this can lead to loss of vision, meningitis, a brain abscess, or even death. Before joining WebMD, Pathak worked as a primary care physician at the Department of Veterans Affairs and was an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University in Atlanta. But you really shouldnt pop a pimple in the triangle of death on your face. 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. In fact, many derive pleasure from watching others pop their pimples. I would like to add that it's called the triangle of death to make people afraid. Boils on your inner thigh can be painful. Okay, just gonna be very honest with you. 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. (. Statistically, there is a chance that you will develop an infection and die. The triangle of death is the area of your face including your upper lip, nose, and between your eyebrows. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Think of it like a sterile surgical procedure," said Dr. Zeichner. One reason? 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). By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. "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. Never pop a zit in the "triangle of death," dermatologists say, no matter how tempting it is. This story has been shared 115,834 times. However, infections are rare. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Is This Rash Contagious? No but seriously you'll be fine. 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. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. But if you're determined to pop a zit that's, for instance, on your chin, consider your timing. ", Popping your pimples anywhere on your face is not recommended. Chances are you've popped a pimple at some point but according to dermatologists you should resist the urge - not because it's unhygienic or will leave unsightly scarring, but because it could . But this is especially true for the area on your face known as the "triangle of death.". To learn more, please visit our. The triangle of death is from the area between your eyebrows down the the sides of your nose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it is monitoring an increase in intestinal infections caused by extensively drug-resistant, Theres a new strain of gonorrhea circulating in the United States thats more resistant to antibiotics. If you pop a pimple within the danger triangle, the skin can become infected and this infection can permeate these blood vessels. 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. The triangle of death is from the area between your eyebrows down the the sides of your nose. If you're feeling antsy or have a big event coming up, though, try these no-pick tips for safely getting rid of pimples in the danger triangle: Apply a warm compress. Before popping, thoroughlywash your hands, as Dr. Vij recommended. 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. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. 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. "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. 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. Just make sure everything is clean. 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. Use a tissue to clean your nose, and clean any cuts or sores with a first-aid astringent like hydrogen peroxide. Learn how we can help. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. But if your immune system is reasonably normal, that chance is infinitessimal. It's called the triangle of death because hypothetically popping a pimple could cause an infection that would easily reach the bloodstream. If you do pop a pimple clean it well with a gentle cleanser. I searched up the first question on google and all the results started talking abot a triangle of death!! Important: The opinions expressed in WebMD Blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. 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. Moisturize your skin regularly to prevent cracking or peeling. That'll reduce inflammation and any itchiness so you'll resist the urge to pick your face. Directly beneath the nose and mouth are four major cranial nerves that control functions in and around the face. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. So what makes popping a pimple so much more dangerous here than, say, bursting one smack in the middle of your forehead? The best-case scenario is that its a benign cyst that is easily drained. 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. Learn about some, Pus is a normal part of many common infections, including skin abscesses and tonsillitis. Rebecca Jane Stokes is a freelance writer and the former Senior Editor of Pop Culture at Newsweek with a passion for lifestyle, geek news, and true crime. All rights reserved. 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. But what makes squeezing zits in the triangle of danger so much riskier has to do with its location. Popped pimple inside nose and started (, Dr. Shamban says you should always avoid popping zits, anywhere on your face. Sure, as long as you don't get an infucktion. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Left untreated an infection of the sinus cavity can also cause a total loss of vision, brain abscesses and meningitis. 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. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Yeah, I think I'll take the concealer over the potential death sentence, thank you very much. Its been a tough few weeks. If that happens, the veins that run behind your eye sockets may . You shouldnt pop a pimple on your face. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Pimple patches seem cool, Ive heard of them before but never bought any. It's similar to your chance of buying a single lottery ticket and winning. and it only seemed to be getting worse. It's called that because it's the area that is closest and leads to your sinuses. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel. (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.). While popping your zits isn't recommended, there are a few ways to make the operation less high-risk. If the skin inside this triangle is broken from a cut or popped pimple, for example bacteria can enter your body. The triangle of death is a colloquial term for an area of the face that includes the region of the nose and corners of the mouth, Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, a board certified infectious disease physician at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Pennsylvania, told Healthline. RELATED: What It Means If You Have Acne Around Your Mouth. Dr. Vij recommended applying some warm compresses to it before you begin the picking process. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. i had already tried benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, toothpaste, etc. There are plenty of cute shapes or colors to make it look like you have some kind of fun sticker on your face. Everything seems to be happening at once. While these symptoms certainly arent pleasant, theyre definitely noticeable, so youd probably seek treatment before anything serious occurred. The veins in your "danger triangle" ultimately lead back to your cavernous sinus, located in your brain, he says. The worst-case scenario is that its a severe infection, which can lead to deadly complications if left untreated. The area includes the bridge of the. If you get a pimple in or around the Triangle of Death, don't freak out. What Causes Warts and How Can You Get Rid of Them? Symptoms involve inflammation and may affect multiple. 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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). Watching videos of enlarged cysts, deep-rooted blackheads, and even. .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. Is this bad? (One minute of icing should do the trick.) Basically, no worries! Should I schedule a doctors apt? Long ago, this condition was a death sentence, but now we have medicine to help treat it. 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. Popping a pimple in this area can lead to septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. Then, tone the area using witch hazel. 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. 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.. Yes and no. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. So lets say you pop a pimple there. Yes and no. But I sincerely doubt it, As for the triangle of death, I thought that was the Bermuda triangle. In some ways, an outbreak of acne pimples and an outbreak of MRSA pimples are very similar. You're definitely going to die. If a pimple looks or feels different, leave it alone, and observe it. "Theoretically, it can lead to meningitis and other infections of the central nervous system since there is proximity to the brain," Hartman said. Your fingers are now outlining the danger zone the triangle of death.. The best way to see the triangle is to form one with your fingersconnecting the tips of your thumbs and then the tips of your pointer fingers. Learn about her 3 point plan to help keep it regulated. Because the central triangle of your face, which includes your nose and the upper lip, has another nickname in the medical community: the danger triangle. Is It Really Dangerous to Pop a Pimple In the Danger Triangle? Press J to jump to the feed. Please consult your doctor before taking any action. 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. Exactly How to Prevent Adult Acne, According to Dermatologists. Our first and most important advice is to keep your hands away from it . "I suggest leaving the popping to a pro, but if you must, wait until your pimple has a firm white head," says Dr. Shamban. And if all else fails, see a dermatologist for help. That means keeping the area clean, putting antibacterial cream on it, and not overpicking. 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. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. If you got some pus in your mouth, it's not dangerous in any way, just a bit gross. Wash and replace makeup products regularly. Dermatologists recommend using ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids instead of popping. 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. Last month, Katie Wright began picking at what she thought was a pimple under the skin of her eyebrow. 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. You cant see it, but its there. Popping a pimple in this area can lead to major infections because of its location. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. Symptoms, Treatment, and More, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Everything You Should Know About Boils on the Inner Thigh, CDC Warns About Drug-Resistant Shigella: What to Know, Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea: Experts Concerned After Multiple Cases Identified, Knee, Hip Replacement: New Hydrogel Injection May Help Reduce Infections, How Mouse Poop Can Make You Sick (and Tips for Prevention). ", But if you refuse to take heed for the sake of your skin, you can at least use the best technique possible. Even if it doesnt cause a serious problem it can leave scars and discoloration. Tue, Feb 21, 2023. 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. Still, since it can happen, he advises caution with pimples in this area. 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. There are other, more common types of infections in this area that you should take steps to avoid. 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 sounds terrifying, but doctors say these serious complications are really rare thanks to . Answered May 15, 2022. Is the triangle of death real a pimple gets infected there will I die? It was really close to my mouth so there is s chance that a bit of it went on my lip or inside my mouth. However, if you can resist popping, Dr. Shamban recommends to first place ice over a zit you notice. How to Get Rid of Body Acne, According to Dermatologists, The Best Acne Spot Treatments to Get Rid of a Pimple Fast, How to Get Rid of Whiteheads, According to Dermatologists, A Florida Woman Had to Have Her Leg Amputated After a Pedicure, 'Maskne' Is a Very Real Thing Here's How to Beat Face Mask Breakouts, Why You Keep Getting Styes on Your Eyelids and How to Get Rid of Them, Innbeauty Project Pimple Paste Overnight Blemish Drying Paste. Dr. Sandra Lee aka Dr. Pimple Popper adds that if inflammation from a pimple spreads to the inner part of the brain, theres potential for blindness and a massive stroke. According to The Daily Mail, the triangle of death also known as the danger triangle stretches from the top of the nose to a point on either side of the lips, roughly where dimples usually appear. For me, it's always been around my nose and my upper lip. Popping a pimple in the "death triangle" is dangerous is because it's near blood vessels with a direct link to. 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. As published by the magazine, the veins in the "danger triangle" ultimately lead back to the cavernous sinus, located in our brain. Photo: Adobe Stock - Design: Alex Sandoval. 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. Yes, that means popping a pimple could actually kill you. There are also important structures around the eyes, nose, and mouth. as well as other partner offers and accept our. That said, there are "other lesser complications" that are more common, which can happen when you pop pimples anywhere on your face, says Dr. Shamban. 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. But before you start worrying too much, Brauer explained to Mens Health that the chances of death are exceedingly low.. Popping a pimple in this area can lead to major infections because of its location. Yes and no. Then, Dr. Shamban recommends using a tea tree oil or a bentonite clay product to draw out and absorb excess sebum and oils. It was a type of infection that could have been deadly had she not received treatment quickly. Squeezing a pimple can create an open wound, which can become infected by dirt from our hands and airborne bacteria. Dont pluck nose or ear hairs. I thought once I kissed my teenage years goodbye that I'd be kissing acne goodbye, too. Then, apply a warm compress e.g. a washcloth dampened with warm water to your skin and hold it there for about two minutes. 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.