Doctors issue warning of 'triangle of death' area on the face that means popping a pimple 'could kill you'
A doctor has issued a warning telling people to avoid popping pimples in the 'triangle of death' area of the face.
Popping a spot isn't usually associated with life-threatening risks - although it's generally not advised because it rarely makes the situation any better, does it?
However, one doctor on TikTok is pretty adamant that popping a spot in a specific area of your face is a huge no-no.
In fact, he's explained that the complications which could arise from popping a pimple in this area may even impact our brains.
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So what exactly is the 'triangle of death' and where is it?
What is the 'triangle of death'?
The triangle of death is the area on your face which stretches from the corners of your nose to the corners of your mouth, including the entire nose itself.
Why is the 'triangle of death' dangerous?
Essentially, the small triangle has direct access to your brain, thanks to the cavernous sinus, which is a network of veins behind your eyes.
"An infection in the danger triangle — like from a picked pimple, or a nose piercing gone wrong — has a small but not impossible chance of travelling from your face right to your brain, without much distance to cover between them," explain Cleveland Clinic.
One doctor, Dr Suraj Kukadia - who goes by Dr Sooj on TikTok - explained that technically, popping a spot in this area 'could kill you'.
What has Dr Sooj said?
Dr Sooj has spoken out about the dangers, explaining in a TikTok video: "Do not pop a pimple in the triangle of death. Don't do it, it could kill you.
"I mean it probably won't, but is it really worth the risk?
"The triangle runs from the bridge of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. The veins here drain backwards into the cavernous sinus and this is a deep vein inside the skull that is very very close to the brain.
"Now, if you pop a pimple in this area, you are opening up that area to new bacteria and if it gets infected, that bacteria can spread into those veins. In very rare cases, this can cause a cavernous sinus thrombosis, which is a blood clot or an infection in the brain and it can be life-threatening."
Dr Sooj explained that if you do pop a spot in the triangle, it's important to be aware of the red flags.
"Now, most pimples won't do this, but it's why we always advise against picking in that zone. So if a spot in the triangle becomes red, swollen or painful, especially if you feel unwell with a fever or a swelling spreading across the face, you need a really urgent medical opinion, perhaps even a visit to the emergency department," he said.
"So please resist the urge to squeeze you can instead treat it with topical creams, warm compresses and let it settle, your brain will thank you for it."
Topics: Health, TikTok, Social Media
Lucy Devine