While it is common knowledge that popping pimples can leave you with temporary inflammation, unsightly blemishes and scarring, many people are unaware of the potentially fatal consequences of picking at spots in one particular facial area.
The Triangle of Death, also known as the Danger Triangle, stretches from the tip of the nose to a point on either side of the lips, roughly where dimples usually appear.
And according to medical experts, picking at skin inside this danger zone can have serious implications for your overall health.
The Triangle of Death, also known as the Danger Triangle, stretches from the tip of the nose to a point on either side of the lips, roughly where dimples usually appear
Popping a pimple within the danger triangle is cause for alarm due to the blood supply in this region of the face.
According to Jeremy Brauer, clinical professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Centre, the veins running behind our eye sockets lead back to the ‘cavernous sinus’ which is located in the brain.
When we pick or pop pimples, dirt from our hands and airborne bacteria can infect the open wound, triggering serious infection.
The veins behind our eyes form clots to contain infections, which in turn puts pressure on the brain leading to partial or full paralysis and, in some cases, even death.
When we pick or pop pimples, dirt from our hands and airborne bacteria can infect the open wound, triggering serious infection
Left untreated, an infection of the sinus cavity can also lead to a total loss of vision, brain abscesses and meningitis.
Dr Sandra Lee aka Dr Pimple Popper added that if inflammation from a spot spreads to the inner part of the brain, there is potential for blindness and massive stroke.
The condition, known as Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis by medical professionals, kills 30 per cent of those who contract it.
Dr Lee recommends dabbing hazel onto stubborn spots in the Danger Triangle to disinfect the area and reduce swelling.
But while picking at skin inside the triangle can certainly lead to grave infection, it is far more likely you’ll experience facial scarring as infections must be left to develop in severity before they become life threatening
But while picking at skin inside the triangle can certainly lead to grave infection, it is far more likely you’ll experience facial scarring as infections must be left to develop in severity before they become life threatening.
Controversial US based celebrity medic Dr Mehmet Oz cautioned that even plucking a hair from inside your nose can leave you susceptible to infection within the triangle, as a tiny volume of blood leaks out from the disrupted follicle.
To avoid this, Dr Erich Voigt of New York University suggests trimming nose hairs rather than plucking them.