Popping pimples is a practice dermatologists strictly advise against. However, meddling with one around your nose can result in serious complications, including death.
The urge to pinch and pop pimples is natural. But, trying to get rid of acne on your own never ends well and it’s best to see a professional to get it treated medically.
Don’t pop pimples in the ‘Triangle of Death’
“Triangle of Death” is the triangular region from the bridge of your nose that extends to your upper lip and corners of the mouth. If you’re tempted to pinch a pimple in this region, this article tells you why you shouldn’t do it.
Dermatologist and assistant professor Dr. Jing Liu uses one of her videos on TikTok to explain the dire consequences of squeezing a pimple around your nose including death in rare circumstances.
The triangular region around your nose has a collection of blood vessels interconnected with one another, including some that drain from the brain.
A pimple when popped is prone to infections and if it’s located in the triangle of death, the chances of it spreading to the brain are higher.
The skin expert says life-threatening complications from popping a pimple around the nose are rare, but it’s a possibility.
Dr. Jing specializes in general dermatology for adults and children with a special interest in “dermatologic diseases in patients with skin of color”, according to her bio on Hennepin Healthcare.
She completed her residency at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and is certified by the American Board of Dermatology.
Safer ways to treat a pimple
Popping pimples anywhere in the body can cause several complications, so use the below methods to treat it.
- Warm compression – Apply a cloth soaked in hot water on the pimple for 10 to 15 minutes as it speeds up the healing process, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic.
- Use a pimple patch – A pimple patch helps soak up the pus when applied on an open zit.
- See a skin expert – If you’re unsure of treating the pimple at home, see a dermatologist, who can use methods such as antibiotic injections or cortisone.
