Here's why you should never pop a pimple in 'Triangle of Death'
No one likes to have a pimple on their face and as a result, one may think that the easiest way to get rid of it is by popping it. Even though we know it may leave us with temporary inflammation, unsightly blemishes, and scarring, we tend to go ahead with our idea, anyway. However, one thing people are not aware of is the dangerous consequences of popping a pimple in one particular facial area. This area is known as the 'Triangle of death' or the 'Danger Triangle'. It stretches from the tip of the nose to a point on either side of the lips. Medical experts believe that popping a pimple in this danger zone can have serious implications on a person's overall health.
As reported by Daily Mail, popping a pimple in the danger zone is a cause for alarm due to the blood supply in this region of the face. 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. He stated that when one pops a pimple, dirt from our hands and airborne bacteria can infect the open wound. This could trigger serious infection.
In order to contain the infection, the veins behind our eyes form clots. This, in turn, puts pressure on the brain and could also lead to partial or full paralysis and in some cases even death. If it is left untreated an infection of the sinus cavity can also lead to a total loss of vision, brain abscesses and meningitis.
Meanwhile, Dr Sandra Lee, aka Dr Pimple Popper, explains that it is in the worst-case scenario that one can expect the potential for blindness and massive stroke if inflammation from a spot spreads to the inner part of the brain. It has been reported that nearly 30 percent of the people die if they contract Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. However, she also noted that the chances of this happening are 'slim to none'.
But this does not mean that one must not be careful. Dr Lee recommends dabbing hazel onto stubborn spots in the 'Danger Triangle' to disinfect the area and reduce swelling. However, when it comes to picking at skin inside the triangle, there is far more possibility of experiencing significant facial scarring because infections must be left to develop in severity before they become life-threatening.
Meanwhile, Dr Mehmet Oz cautioned that even plucking a hair from inside your nose can leave you susceptible to infection within the triangle. This is because a tiny volume of blood leaks out from the disrupted follicle. To avoid this, Dr Erich Voigt of New York University suggests that one must trim their nose hair rather than plucking them. So, the next time you think about popping a pimple or plucking nose hair, make sure there is no open wound.