People who regularly pop their own spots warned about squeezing them within the 'triangle of death'
Those with pimples have been warned about popping the annoying little things.
As the weather begins to fluctuate, a lot of people's skin begins to act up, and right before our long awaited holidays, we're left scrambling, trying to get rid of that pesky spot that weirdly keeps getting bigger and bigger.
And while you may be looking to get rid of them at all costs, it's important to do so in a healthy manner - or risk it getting worse.
A danger area has been highlighted called the 'danger triangle' also known as the 'triangle of death', which could cause a serious infection on your face if you aren't careful.
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What is the 'danger triangle'?
This area consists of the area from the corners of your mouth, up to the bridge of your nose in, that's right, a triangle shape.
If you aren't hygienic when popping a pimple in this area, it can lead to something a lot more serious, an infection called cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST), or even a rare blood clot in your cavernous sinuses, which can delay blood flow to your brain.
Joshua Zeichner, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, told Health: "The area of the face connecting the nose to the corners of the mouth is thought to be a particularly dangerous area of the face because of their close connection to the brain."
To see this danger zone by yourself, connect your thumbs and the tips of your index fingers, and place your index fingers on the bridge of your nose - everything within this triangle is part of the 'triangle of death'.
Possible risks of popping pimples in the 'danger triangle'
Granted, the name may sound extreme, but taking care of your skin in this area is crucial, even picking or scratching at them gives bacteria a chance to enter and cause infection.
Medical professionals generally recommend that you do not pop pimples though, as you risk pushing the contents of the pimple closer into your skin.
However, what exactly can go wrong?
Infection
Popping a pimple in the 'danger triangle' runs the risk of what could possibly be a life-threatening infection - if CST develops - as Dr Zeichner explains: "The cavernous sinus is the name of a large vein that drains blood to the brain, creating a connection from our outside to our inside.
"In the event that you pick a pimple, and an infection develops, the worst-case scenario is that the infection spreads from the skin through this sinus."
Some symptoms of CST are a fever, headache, paralysis of the muscles that control eye movements and swelling around the eyes.
Scarring
It also could cause scarring or even scabs if you aren't careful, which later could become scars.
As the skin heals, it could scar, or you may notice a dark spot forming on your face in the same place.
The dark spots are known to be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, though this may fade over longer periods - sometimes taking up to 12 months.
So how do you treat pimples?
Firstly, keeping your hands away from your face is essential to prevent acne in the infamous 'danger triangle', and if pimples do pop up, it's better to treat them with medicines instead of popping them.
Some Acne medicines are:
- Adapalene
- Azelaic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Glycolic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Sulfur
These help to eliminate bacteria, dry oil or peel the top layer of your skin - things that can cause redness and acne in time.
A water-based moisturiser also helps to prevent dryness and peeling.
Certain foods also worsen acne, so be sure to avoid dairy, high-fat foods and sweet treats (sadly), all of which can trigger acne.
Finally, a skincare routine is key to treating and preventing acne, with a face wash, moisturiser and a specific pimple cream to suit your needs just a few options that you should have in your routine's arsenal.
Joshua Nair