We know we shouldn’t do it (and dermatologists strongly advise against it), but we all do it anyway. We’re talking, of course, about popping pimples.
But recent social media posts are calling attention to the possible deadly risks associated with popping pimples in a specific area of your face. “People call it the ‘triangle of death’ or the ‘danger triangle,’” says Natalie Matthews, M.D., M.Phil., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Henry Ford Health. “It’s the area from the bridge of the nose down to the corners of the mouth.”
Is the Triangle of Death Really that Dangerous?
The so-called Triangle of Death has been making headlines thanks to viral TikToks. On the social media platform, influencers are claiming that popping pimples in this zone can lead to facial paralysis or even death.
“This is a sensationalized version of the truth that’s probably inducing more fear than is warranted,” says Dr. Matthews. What is true is that this area of the face contains veins that connect into the cavernous sinus—a system of larger veins that connect into the brain. “If you were to get an infection in your skin, and if it were to go so deep as to infect the cavernous sinus, it could lead to serious complications,” says Dr. Matthews.
Those complications can be life-threatening and could potentially include a blood clot, meningitis, brain infection or stroke. But Dr. Matthews stresses that thanks to modern antibiotics, those sorts of outcomes are rare. A superficial disruption to the skin is unlikely to cause serious infection.
Is it Safe to Pop Pimples?
While it’s unlikely to be a death sentence, there are perfectly good reasons why you should avoid popping pimples. “The skin isn’t just a cosmetic surface,” reminds Dr. Matthew. “It’s a living organ that you need to care for.”
When you pop a pimple or pick at your skin, you are creating open wounds. And those openings give bacteria that live on the surface of your skin the opportunity to dive inside and cause an infection—although not necessarily a life-threatening one. “Those TikToks can be a reminder to be aware and be more careful of how you treat your skin,” says Dr. Matthews.
The more likely result of popping pimples is that it can lead to scarring and pigment changes. That can leave you with marks or darker spots on your skin long after the original breakout has cleared up.
How to Care for Acne-Prone Skin
Better than popping pimples is learning how to prevent them from developing in the first place. That requires taking good care of your skin every day. “A good acne treatment routine should be your first line of defense,” says Dr. Matthews.
Dermatology at Henry Ford
It’s important to get in the habit of a good daily skincare routine that involves gentle cleansing and exfoliating to prevent pores from clogging with oil, dirt, bacteria or makeup—which helps reduce breakouts.
If you do get a pimple, Dr. Matthews recommends using over-the-counter spot treatments or pimple patches. Look for anti-acne ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. She also suggests applying a warm washcloth to the spot for several minutes at a time as an alternative to popping or picking.
When to See a Dermatologist for Acne Care
If you have acne-prone skin—and over-the-counter solutions aren’t delivering results—you should see a board-certified dermatologist. These specialists have advanced training in how the skin works and what keeps it healthy.
A dermatologist can professionally assess your skin to help you better understand how to care for it and prevent breakouts. “They can prescribe stronger, more effective topical medications or oral medications if needed,” says Dr. Matthews.
It can also be helpful to visit the dermatologist when you’re having an acne flare-up. Instead of trying to pop persistent pimples on your own, let a professional handle it. Sometimes, they can use steroid injections into the inflamed area to relieve acne breakouts. Or they might prescribe a short course of oral antibiotics.
What to Do if You Pop a Pimple in the Triangle of Death
Despite your best skincare efforts, you are still likely to experience occasional breakouts, and some will be in the Triangle of Death. If you attempt to pop a pimple there (or anywhere on your face), you do risk causing infection. That infection is unlikely to cause more than some inflammation and scarring. But you do want to be on the lookout for any signs of more serious complications. According to Dr. Matthews, these could include symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Pain
- Rapidly worsening swelling
- Spreading redness
“Those are red flag signs that you should seek medical care promptly,” she warns.
Reviewed by Natalie Matthews, M.D., M.Phil., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Henry Ford Health.
