Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Infection in this area can often spread from manipulation, such as nose picking, plucking nose hairs, or anything that breaks the skin barrier.. The face's 'triangle of death' consists of the area from the nose bridge to the upper lip which is full of blood vessels and nerves that are directly connected to the brain. Popping a pimple within . Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Our first and most important advice is to keep your hands away from it . Never Pop Pimples in This Area on the Face - Health You can find this zone on your own just by making a triangle with your two thumbs and pointer fingers. Breaking the skin's surface anywhere (on your face or body) poses a risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream, which is the main concern with the "danger triangle," she notes. For that reason, "any infection in that area is a little bit higher risk," addedAlok Vij, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Popping a pimple in this area can lead to major infections because of its location.. Use a blue LED device to kill bacteria and promote healing, or go the old school route and place ice on top to reduce inflammation. The best-case scenario is that its a benign cyst that is easily drained. I would like to add that it's called the triangle of death to make people afraid. Dr. Truswell was the first in his area in Western Massachusetts to have an accredited private office surgical suite. Dr. Brauer says the danger of popping in other areaslike the cheeks, chin, or foreheadcould still be infection, but that would lead toward scarring and pigmentation changes, not flirting with death. Don't mess with 'triangle of death,' Dr Oz warns - CNBC Your lips aren't included in that area. Even though bacteria traveling to your brain is extremely unlikely, other possible issues are bad enough on their own. This area has your sinuses right behind it, as well as important nerves and blood vessels that are responsible for the blood flowing to the brain. Yes and no. Thats why its important to seek out medical attention if you notice a deep bump or cyst under the skin in this area of the face. Oh jesus you popped a pimple on your nose or top lip? 1 doctor answer 1 doctor weighed in Share Dr. Ed Friedlander answered Pathology 46 years experience Ignore it: The danger of a cavernous sinus thrombosis from this is greatly overrated. Dermatologists recommend using ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids instead of popping. 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Then, apply a warm compress e.g. [skin concern] i tried popping a pimple in the "triangle of death" There are plenty of cute shapes or colors to make it look like you have some kind of fun sticker on your face. Instead, "apply even, downward pressure around the pimples," said Dr. Zeichner. However, septic cavernous sinus thrombosis can also lead to other more serious conditions like a brain abscess, a brain infection, damage to your facial nerves, paralysis of your eye muscles, meningitis, pneumonia, septic emboli, a staph infection, and even a stroke. New warnings are issued after a woman developed cellulitis after popping what she thought was a pimple on a sensitive part of her face. 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(Popping a pimple in other places like your cheeks, chin, or forehead could still lead to an infection, but the effects of that would likely only be .css-16acfp5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#d2232e;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-16acfp5:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:yellow;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}scarring or pigmentation changes, since the those areas lack the direct blood supply route to your brain.). Man nearly dies after popping 'pimple' in 'danger triangle' as well as other partner offers and accept our. That can create an open wound, and if bacteria get in theresay, you touch your face without washing dirty handsyou can develop an infection. Avoid picking the nose, plucking nose hairs, popping pimples, and use a sterile technique if you have your nose pierced, Strachan said. In fact, many derive pleasure from watching others pop their pimples. If you pop a pimple within the danger triangle, the skin can become infected and this infection can permeate these blood vessels. Treat it like a pimple on any other area of your face. But if your immune system is reasonably normal, that chance is infinitessimal. The triangle of death, also called the danger triangle, is a specific area on your face where many medical professionals warn against popping pimples. Circumstances would be extreme and truly a perfect storm," she says. So if it gets infected it could lead to damage there from infection. Try: The Body Shop Tea Tree Targeted Gel (Buy It, $10, amazon.com) or Innbeauty Project Pimple Paste Overnight Blemish Drying Paste (Buy It, $15, sephora.com). A staph infection is one of the most common types of infection on this area of the body. "Truly, a blemish is best left alone," she says. You can pop all the pimples you want on your forehead, or attack the acne on your chin with ruthless abandon, but leave the deadly triangle alone. Popped pimple in death triangle what do i do? | HealthTap Online Doctor Because the blood vessels in this area drain to the back of your head, if you innocently pop a pimple in the danger triangle and it becomes infected, this can lead to loss of vision, meningitis, a brain abscess, or even death. If it was infected, you were already infected. The triangle of death is the area of your face including your upper lip, nose, and between your eyebrows. Popping a pimple in the "death triangle" is dangerous is because it's near blood vessels with a direct link to areas of the skull where infections can spread rapidly and become serious, says Dr. Shamban. The veins can then form clots to contain infections, which puts pressure on the brain, leading to partial or full paralysis and, in some cases death. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. (Here are 5 reasons you still get zits as a grown-ass man.). It refers to the area of the face that "includes an isosceles [triangle] from the top of the nose between the eyebrows as its pinnacle, and ends at the corners of the mouth around the upper lip as its base," she says. 4 Things Most Guys Get Wrong About Skin Cancer: If there were a serious skin infection in this area that went untreated, and then subsequently tracked back to the brain, it could theoretically prove fatal, says Dr. Brauer. Thats because infections in this region, which includes the upper lip and nose, can quickly become severe, even deadly. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better, Jalloh said. Youve likely been told since the first zit cropped up on your chin that you need to leave pimples alone. "The danger triangle, also referred to as the 'death triangle' is a colloquial skin term," says Ava Shamban, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of Ava MD. i had already tried benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, toothpaste, etc. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. The triangle of death is the area of skin that starts at the middle of your eyebrows, includes your nose, and ends at your top lip. If a pimple looks or feels different, leave it alone, and observe it. Learn how we can help. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Popping a pimple in the "death triangle" is dangerous is because it's near blood vessels with a direct link to. Its been a tough few weeks. Hartman recommends using preventative measure, like a skincare routine that includes acne-fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, hydroxy acids, and retinoids. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. (Yeah, I think I'll take the concealer over the potential death sentence, thank you very much. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Another reason to keep your hands off that particular region is that it's more likely to scar, according to Dr. Vij. The phrase "triangle of death" might sound slightly extreme when talking aboutpimple popping. Should I schedule a doctors apt? (. If you're feeling antsy or have a big event coming up, though, try these no-pick tips for safely getting rid of pimples in the danger triangle: Apply a warm compress. That can create an open wound, and if. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Popping a pimple above these sinuses can create a chain reaction of infection that leads to the brain, Hartman said. Popping a pimple in this area can lead to septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. Most, Many people have experienced an occasional skin rash or unexplained mark. What Is the Danger Triangle of the Face? - Shape