A TikTok video posted by Dr. Ever Arias, a resident doctor at UCI Medical Center, has gone viral with 3.6 million views. The video discusses the dangers of popping a pimple on your nose, specifically in an area known as “the triangle of death”. The video features an AI depiction of a girl sharing her personal story of popping a pimple, which led to a bacterial infection and her eventual death. Dr. Arias cautions against touching pimples in this area, emphasizing the potential risks.
Dr. Muneeb Shah, a board-certified dermatologist, also reacted to the story on TikTok, acknowledging that while this scenario is possible, it is incredibly rare. The AI video is based on a true story about an 18-year-old who passed away in Brazil. This raises the question of how much concern we should have about this issue, so we turned to dermatologists for answers.
“The triangle of death” mentioned by Dr. Arias refers to the nasolabial triangle, an area where pimples and blackheads are common. This area contains vital arteries and nerves that extend from the nose to the upper lip. Popping pimples in this area can lead to serious conditions such as nasal infections, vision loss, stroke, and even death. Dermatologists advise waiting for pimples in this area to heal on their own, rather than attempting to pop them.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York, warns that picking your face with dirty hands or nails increases the risk of a skin infection. The bloodstream in the central face area drains into a collection of veins called the cavernous sinus, which is directly connected to the brain. Bacteria from a popped pimple can potentially spread to the brain, causing a severe infection.
Despite the rarity of serious or life-threatening infections from pimple popping, Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand advises against it. She explains that popping pimples can cause inflammation, pain, and permanent scarring. Dr. Houshmand suggests avoiding popping pimples in the area connecting the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Nasal infections can lead to serious complications if they spread to the brain, such as meningitis, brain abscess, or cavernous sinus thrombosis. The latter condition can cause blood clots in the sinus, affecting optic nerve function and causing severe headaches, eye irritation, and other symptoms. Cavernous sinus thrombosis can also lead to hemorrhaging in the brain, resulting in various complications and potentially death.
Most infections leading to cavernous sinus thrombosis are bacterial, often caused by staph bacteria. Staph bacteria can live on the face and become harmful if they enter a cut caused by popping a pimple. Popping pimples can also result in permanent acne scars and more noticeable or painful acne.
While it is tempting to pop a pimple, dermatologists recommend sticking to a skincare routine to allow breakouts to heal naturally. Washing hands before touching the face is crucial to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Products containing benzoyl peroxide, hydroxy acids, and retinoids can help reduce swelling and infection. Pimple patches with salicylic acid can also decrease inflammation and prevent picking.
Attempting pimple extractions at home using estheticians’ tools can cause more harm than good. It is best to seek professional help from trained estheticians or skin care professionals for extractions. They can perform the procedure safely and effectively.
In summary, popping pimples in the nasal area can lead to serious complications and should be avoided. Following a skincare routine, washing hands, and using appropriate products can help prevent breakouts and minimize the urge to pop pimples.
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