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.
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
Therefore, popping pimples in the “Triangle of Death” isn’t the only cause of concern. Rather, Dr. Joshua Zeichner of the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York, notes that hygiene plays a major role. “If you pick your face with dirty fingers, dirty nails, or have dirty skin, you run the risk of causing a skin infection,” he said. “In the central face, this is particularly risky because the blood in this area drains into a large collection of veins known as the cavernous sinus, which has a direct connection to the brain.”
Treatment Options
While this isn’t great news for people with acne-prone skin, there are a few things that can help.
- Firstly, wash your face twice daily, according to the AADA. Or after sweating, as this helps prevent pores from clogging.
- Be sure to use a mild cleanser to prevent inflammation, dry skin, or an increase in oil production.
- Next, eat a well-balanced diet and consider taking a supplement to nourish skin health.
- Treat pimples with a clean hot compress.
- Use a moisturizer that won’t clog pores.
- Consider applying a moisture-retaining barrier cream.
- Lastly, speak with a medical professional to address your individual skin needs.
Popping pimples is tempting but can cause severe damage. Safer alternatives are worth considering but it’s helpful to know what the cause of acne is for you, as it’s often related to hormone shifts or imbalances and may require additional treatment from your PCP. Either way, it’s best to leave pimples alone, as most go away on their own, or try gentle methods of treatment to minimize damage.
