Healthy Living - When pimples appear, it's tempting to squeeze and pop them. However, according to many doctors and experts, squeezing pimples, especially in the face triangle area, can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. Let's explore why this is the case and how to properly care for your skin if you suffer from acne.
Get to Know the Deadly Triangle Area on the Face
According to Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, a certified infectious disease doctor from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Pennsylvania, United States, the human face has a special area called the "death triangle." The death triangle, or the triangle of death, is the area of the face that starts from the base of the nose (center of the eyebrows) to the two corners of the mouth.
To visualize this, you can form a triangle with your thumb and forefinger, placing the tip at the base of your nose and the base under your lips. This area is called the triangle of death due to the severe risks associated with infections in this region.
The Danger of Squeezing Pimples in the Face Triangle Area
Squeezing pimples in the face triangle area can lead to serious infections. The blood vessels in this area are directly connected to the brain. If an infection occurs, it can spread rapidly and cause severe complications.
If the pimples in this triangle area are popped, it opens a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. These bacteria can easily move to the blood vessels in the brain, as the distance is short. This can cause dangerous complications, including life-threatening infections.
Moreover, just below the nose and mouth are four main cranial nerves that control functions in and around the face. A severe infection in one of these nerves can lead to partial facial paralysis. In extreme cases, it can disrupt motor functions and lead to vision loss.
This is why squeezing pimples in the face triangle area is so risky. Even if a serious infection does not occur, this habit can result in pockmarked skin, and the area may become darker than the surrounding skin.
Tips for Treating Facial Skin with Acne
After learning about the dangers of squeezing pimples in the face triangle area, it's important to avoid doing so. The most crucial step is to avoid touching your face, especially with dirty hands. If a pimple bursts on its own, clean the wound with a clean tissue or cotton. Then, compress the area using hydrogen peroxide.
You can also apply petroleum jelly to the broken pimple to prevent scarring. Remember to clean your face and the acne-affected area daily with mild soap and warm water.
If the pimples in this area persist, it’s advisable to seek help from a doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of infection, such as redness, pain, or persistent pus.
