Acne is one of the many downsides of the hormone fluctuations everybody inevitably goes through. It’s embarrassing and ugly, and people often pick at or pop pimples. However, it’s harmful to the skin and, in some cases, can cause long-term health problems.
Experts Warn Against Popping Pimples
Several warnings have been issued over the years regarding popping pimples. For instance, a viral TikTok simulation video went viral last year with nearly 4 million views and gives followers a visual representation of the hazardous effects of popping pimples. The TikTok video shared by Dr. Ever Arias, shows an AI depiction of a girl who popped a pimple, causing a bacterial infection that eventually killed her.
A Second Opinion
Meanwhile, Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand explains: “You can disrupt your skin barrier, and if the pimple has pus, popping a pimple can spread bacteria into other pores and hair follicles. Many times, you are unable to pop the pimple and may end up pushing the contents of your pimple further underneath the skin. This can clog your pores even more, make acne more noticeable, or trigger inflammation under your skin,” she added.
Someone in the Public Eye Weighs in
Lastly, this knowledge proved beneficial when Brooke Hyland, from Dance Moms, posted a TikTok in 2023, complaining of a large pimple on her face. Followers quickly warned her of the dangers mentioned in the video and how something more serious could be an underlying cause. She took their input to heart and ultimately found a safer and more effective solution.
Deadly Area for Popping Pimples
Popping pimples is common because they’re not considered aesthetically pleasing, and some people are fascinated by watching people pop pimples. However, it can cause scarring and damage to the skin, the body’s largest organ, which often requires specialized care. While this isn’t news to most, a particular area of the face known as the triangle of death, can cause more severe health risks and is lesser known.
The “Triangle of Death”
The area of your face, most dangerous for popping pimples is called the “Triangle of Death.” The triangle of death refers to the midsection of the face where your nose is and, is called the nasolabial triangle. This area consists of the bridge of the nose to the upper lip and can be found by “forming a triangle with your fingers, over your nose.
Downsides of Popping Pimples
This area also has several important arteries and nerves going from the neck through the sinuses and up to the skull. As such, popping pimples in that area increases your risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Read More: What Is Frontotemporal Dementia?
Examples of Health Risks
Some complications from popping pimples include:
- Nasal infections
- Brain infections
- Blood infections
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of vision or eye movement
- Stroke
- Death
How Damage Spreads
The sinuses are hollow spaces under the brain and behind each eye socket. If the cavernous sinus becomes infected it can cause blood clots which prevent blood flow to the brain, or cause hemorrhaging as “blood continually leaks into brain tissue.” Alternatively, blood clots can pass to other parts of the body or impact optic nerve function. Either way, various other challenges arise when a blood clot has entered the bloodstream.
The Skin’s Role
Unfortunately, the triangle of death is a hot spot for acne and blackheads, making it even more tempting to pop pimples. On the other hand, the skin is a vital and “complex” organ that plays a major role in maintaining the health and well-being of our bodies. The skin protects the body from pathogens, stores lipids, controls water loss, and creates sensation in the nerve endings that regulate things like touch, temperature, or pain.
Hygiene is Important Too
