Latest news with #LishMarie
NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Can Popping A Pimple In 'The Triangle Of Death' On Your Face Actually Kill You?
When Lish Marie, a mother of three, popped her pimple, she never realised that she might end up in urgent care, with four different prescriptions. '"That's the warning," says Lish Marie while posting about her experience on social media. Lish did what many of us have done without a second thought: popping a pimple. But this wasn't just any spot. It was in what dermatologists ominously call 'the triangle of death' - and that her casual squeeze could have been fatal. Within four hours of popping it, Lish says things got "bad". The left side of her face ballooned so much that when she smiled, only the opposite side moved. It was "extremely painful" and urgent care doctors immediately put her on a mix of antibiotics, steroids and other medication to control the infection. The reason? The pimple sat inside a danger zone on the face, AKA the triangle of death. What Exactly Is The Triangle Of Death The danger triangle, also called the triangle of death, runs from the bridge of your nose down to the corners of your mouth, forming an upside-down triangle. This area has veins that connect directly to the brain via a blood vessel called the cavernous sinus. Popping pimples in the centre of the face can be particularly dangerous because bacteria from our hands or the air can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain. Dr Vishakha Dhorde, Consultant Dermatologist at Kaya Limited, explains the anatomy, "There is no valve mechanism in this area to prevent retrograde blood flow. If bacteria from an infected pimple enter these veins, they can reach the brain and cause severe infections such as septic cavernous sinus thrombosis, potentially leading to loss of eyesight, stroke, paralysis or even death." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mark Strom, MD, FAAD (@dermarkologist) The Dangers Of A Single Squeeze This risk isn't just theoretical. Several similar instances have been reported over the last few years. Another social media user, Hope (@imlesbianflavored on TikTok), shared in 2023 how popping a spot in the triangle led to a staph infection that was "worse than childbirth" and left her with a scar, according to the New York Post. Post also reported that one parent recalled her daughter spending a week in hospital and undergoing facial surgery after an infected pimple spread, while another person commented that her son was hospitalised with a staph infection. Dr Ajay Rana, Dermatologist, Aesthetic Physician and Founder-Director of ILAMED, says the unique blood vessel structure is what makes this area riskier. "Because of this anatomical pathway, an infection in this zone can, in rare cases, spread from the face to the brain without the protective filtering of other parts of the circulatory system," he says. Such infections can potentially lead to cavernous sinus thrombosis, meningitis, brain abscesses or nerve damage. The complications are rare, but when they occur, they can be devastating. "You're extremely unlikely to die from popping a pimple - even in the triangle - but the risks, however small, are real and avoidable," Dr Rana adds. 'Never, Never Pop' "Not a bit of it - never, never pop, squeeze or pick pimples in the triangle of death. Popping forms an open sore, which enables skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus to get into the bloodstream," Dr Dhorde states firmly. Even if it starts as a minor skin infection, she warns, it can escalate to brain involvement. And while modern antibiotics mean death rates are low (possibly less than 1 percent), the risk of hospitalisation, surgery and lasting damage is enough to justify caution. Dr Jisha Pillai, Dermatologist at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, agrees. "Avoid fidgeting whenever possible. It may cause inflammation, hyperpigmentation and scarring. If unavoidable, it should be done under proper medical supervision to prevent secondary infection and deep scars," she says. The General Rules For Pimple-Popping (If You Must) Even though experts suggest it is safe to pop pimples outside of the danger triangle, dermatologists still advise restraint. "Popping causes debris to go deeper into the skin, escalating inflammation, spreading bacteria and creating risks of scars, pigmentation or cysts," says Dr Dhorde. If you really can't resist, she recommends waiting until a whitehead is visible, washing your hands and face, sterilising tools with alcohol, and using a comedone extractor or cotton swab instead of fingernails. Post-pop, always apply antibiotic ointment and skip makeup until the area heals. Dr Rana advises skipping DIY extractions entirely. "The safest approach is to let pimples heal naturally or use dermatologist-approved treatments like warm compresses, hydrocolloid patches, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or prescription medications," he says. So, Can Popping A Pimple In The Triangle Of Death Kill You? If a pimple is painful, swollen or stubborn, a dermatologist can perform a sterile extraction or administer a cortisone injection, experts say. Ultimately, the best prevention is a good skincare routine and a little patience. Because yes, most of the time you'll get away with popping a pimple, even in the danger triangle. But as dermatologists point out, when the consequences include blindness, paralysis or worse, it's a risk that's just not worth taking. And to address the main question - can popping a pimple in the triangle of death actually kill you - the chances are extremely rare... but not altogether zero.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
The 'Triangle of Death': Pimple popping in this one spot could be deadly; here's why
Lish Marie, a New York mom popped a cyst near her nostril. Within hours, her face swelled so much she couldn't properly smile. She was rushed to urgent care and prescribed four meds: antibiotics and steroids. Talk about a wake-up call. There's more. In China, one man 'massaged' what he thought was a pimple, next thing, he developed sepsis. Doctors cut away infected tissue, drained tons of pus, and saved his life, but not before it got real. A TikToker named Hope ended up with a staph infection 'worse than childbirth' after a pop, and was left with a deep scar. Okay, brace yourself. You know that annoying pimple sitting right between your nose and upper lip, temptation central, right? Dermatologists call that the 'triangle of death' or 'danger triangle.' It's not clickbait, it's a legit risk zone thanks to a direct blood path to your brain. Yeah, a tiny pop could spiral into something serious. So, what's so dangerous about this area? Here's the anatomy breakdown: Veins from the nose and upper lip connect, via the cavernous sinus, to the brain. While older thinking blamed a lack of valves, modern science shows it's the vein network that matters. If bacteria sneak in (hello, finger germs), an infection can use this highway straight to your brain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Secret Lives of the Romanovs — the Last Rulers of Imperial Russia! Learn More Undo That opens the door to cavernous sinus thrombosis, brain abscess, meningitis, paralysis, and in extreme cases. .. death. Dr. Mark Strom (aka @dermarkologist on TikTok) puts it bluntly: never, ever pop pimples in the danger zone. Too many veins, too close to the brain—it's a recipe for disaster, he told the NY Post. What you should do instead Warm compress: Soak a cloth, press gently for 10–15 minutes to coax the zit along, no popping needed. Pimple patches: Those hydrocolloid stickers zap pus and shield the area, way less germy. Topical treatments: Use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid carefully, helps shrink the zit without damage. Call a derm: If it's huge or painful, professionals can drain it safely with sterile tools—or inject a fast-fix cortisone. Is death from a zit common? Nope. But even if 'exquisitely rare,' when the potential payoff is your brain health, isn't it better to skip the squeeze?
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Pimple popping lands woman in hospital. What ‘Triangle of Death' means and why its deadly
Synopsis A New York woman, Lish Marie, was rushed to urgent care and prescribed multiple medications after popping a pimple beneath her nostril in the high-risk 'triangle of death' on her face. The area, which has veins connecting directly to the brain, can allow infections to spread rapidly, potentially causing life-threatening complications. Within hours, her face swelled, making it painful to move. Dermatologists warn against manipulating pimples in this zone and recommend topical treatments or professional care instead. Woman Faces Life-Threatening Infection After Squeezing Facial Blemish. (Representative Image) A simple attempt to squeeze a facial blemish turned into a frightening medical emergency for Lish Marie, a mother of three from New York. After popping a cystic pimple just below her nostril—a region dermatologists refer to as the 'triangle of death'—she was rushed to urgent care and prescribed four medications, including antibiotics and hours, the left side of her face had swollen dramatically, making her unable to move it symmetrically. 'Only one side of my face could move,' she recalled, as per New York Post. Marie described the severe pain of the infection, which prompted immediate medical intervention. The area from the bridge of the nose to the corners of the mouth is medically known as the 'danger triangle of the face,' or the 'triangle of death,' due to its unique vascular connections. In a social media clip, Dr. Mark Strom, a New York-based dermatologist, said that veins in this zone connect directly to the brain via the cavernous sinus. Popping a pimple here creates an open wound that allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to life-threatening complications such as blindness, stroke, paralysis, and even Cleveland Clinic explains that infections in this region, though rare, can travel quickly to the brain, causing conditions like brain abscesses, meningitis, or septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. While modern antibiotics have made such outcomes treatable if caught early, these infections remain experience is not isolated. Another TikTok user, Hope, shared that a pimple in the same area led to a staph infection so severe it left a scar. Commenters online reported similar incidents, including hospitalizations and surgeries due to infections from popped facial pimples. In Australia, Stephanie Warkotsch's attempt to pop what she thought was a simple pimple revealed a growing sebaceous cyst that eventually required surgical removal after becoming consistently advise against manipulating pimples in this high-risk zone. Dr. Mamina Turegano suggests in an Instagram video that if a blemish must be drained, it should be done with sterilized tools, minimal pressure, and preferably under professional supervision. Otherwise, she recommends using topical treatments, pimple patches, or consulting a dermatologist to prevent dangerous per the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Alok Vij also stresses that avoiding popping pimples in the danger triangle minimizes risks of severe infection, scarring, and long-term facial complications. For minor blemishes, warm compresses, overnight zit stickers, or professional treatments can help manage them Marie noted that early medical attention saved her from more serious consequences. Within three days, she was fully recovered, though she emphasized the pain and risk involved in what seemed like a simple cosmetic choice.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Pimple popping lands woman in hospital. What ‘Triangle of Death' means and why its deadly
A simple attempt to squeeze a facial blemish turned into a frightening medical emergency for Lish Marie, a mother of three from New York. After popping a cystic pimple just below her nostril—a region dermatologists refer to as the 'triangle of death'—she was rushed to urgent care and prescribed four medications, including antibiotics and steroids. Within hours, the left side of her face had swollen dramatically, making her unable to move it symmetrically. 'Only one side of my face could move,' she recalled, as per New York Post. Marie described the severe pain of the infection, which prompted immediate medical intervention. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Understanding the 'Triangle of Death' The area from the bridge of the nose to the corners of the mouth is medically known as the 'danger triangle of the face,' or the 'triangle of death,' due to its unique vascular connections. In a social media clip, Dr. Mark Strom, a New York-based dermatologist, said that veins in this zone connect directly to the brain via the cavernous sinus. Popping a pimple here creates an open wound that allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to life-threatening complications such as blindness, stroke, paralysis, and even death. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 21st Century Skills Start with Confident Communication Planet Spark Learn More Undo Similarly, Cleveland Clinic explains that infections in this region, though rare, can travel quickly to the brain, causing conditions like brain abscesses, meningitis, or septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. While modern antibiotics have made such outcomes treatable if caught early, these infections remain serious. Cases of Severe Complications Lish's experience is not isolated. Another TikTok user, Hope, shared that a pimple in the same area led to a staph infection so severe it left a scar. Commenters online reported similar incidents, including hospitalizations and surgeries due to infections from popped facial pimples. In Australia, Stephanie Warkotsch's attempt to pop what she thought was a simple pimple revealed a growing sebaceous cyst that eventually required surgical removal after becoming infected. Expert Advice on Safe Care Dermatologists consistently advise against manipulating pimples in this high-risk zone. Dr. Mamina Turegano suggests in an Instagram video that if a blemish must be drained, it should be done with sterilized tools, minimal pressure, and preferably under professional supervision. Otherwise, she recommends using topical treatments, pimple patches, or consulting a dermatologist to prevent dangerous infections. As per the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Alok Vij also stresses that avoiding popping pimples in the danger triangle minimizes risks of severe infection, scarring, and long-term facial complications. For minor blemishes, warm compresses, overnight zit stickers, or professional treatments can help manage them safely. Lish Marie noted that early medical attention saved her from more serious consequences. Within three days, she was fully recovered, though she emphasized the pain and risk involved in what seemed like a simple cosmetic choice.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
I popped a pimple in the ‘triangle of death' and ended up in urgent care on 4 prescription drugs
Please don't squeeze. That's the warning from mom of three Lish Marie, who ended up in urgent care — and filling four different prescriptions — after simply popping a pimple on her face. But the spot in question sat in what dermatologists call the 'triangle of death' — and her blemish blunder could have actually killed her. 5 Lish Marie is warning people against popping a pimple in the 'triangle of death' after it landed her in urgent care. TikTok/lishmarie1 5 Her face got swollen and her smile was crooked within hours of popping the pimple just below her nose. TikTok/lishmarie1 Lish (@lishmarie1) tried to pop a cyst pimple just below her nostril, a pretty common place for zits to grow. Within four hours, things got 'bad,' she said, with that side of her face swelling so much that when she tried to smile, only the opposite side actually raised into a grin. She said the results were 'extremely painful' and doctors at urgent care put her on four medications to take care of the infection, including steroids and antibiotics. Lish's pimple fell inside the 'triangle of death,' an area of the face where a popped pimple can release bacteria into the brain, leading to potentially life-threatening infections. 'Popping pimples in the center of the face can be particularly dangerous,' NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Mark Strom said in a TikTok last year. 'The area of the face from the bridge of the nose down to the corners of the mouth has veins that connect directly to the brain via a blood vessel called the cavernous sinus,' he said. 5 Fortunately, after four medications, she was back to normal within a few days. TikTok/lishmarie1 When you squeeze a zit there, you leave a small open wound through which bacteria (like from your hands or the air) can enter the bloodstream. This can lead to infection, which may then be carried to the brain. Complications can include blindness, stroke, paralysis and even death. Another TikTokker named Hope (@imlesbianflavored) revealed in 2023 that in her case, it lead to a staph infection that was 'worse than childbirth' and left her with a scar. Well aware of the 'triangle of death,' Lish knew she got lucky: 'I think I caught mine extremely quick, within hours so I'm on a ton of meds,' she said. Twenty-four hours later she was doing better, though she noted that her smile was still a bit 'crooked,' and three days later she was '100% back to normal.' While lots of commenters chimed in to say that they'd popped plenty of pimples in the area without incident, others shared similarly scary experiences. 'Happened to my daughter. We spent a week in the hospital and she had to have surgery on her face,' wrote one mom, while another said her son was hospitalized when his turned into a staph infection. 'I almost died from this. It's no joke, was hospitalized for a week and a half and had surgery,' wrote yet another commenter. 5 'Popping pimples in the center of the face can be particularly dangerous,' NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Mark Strom said in a TikTok last year. TikTok/dermarkologist 5 The triangle is 'the area of the face from the bridge of the nose down to the corners of the mouth,' Dr. Strom explained. Khunatorn – If you absolutely must pop a pimple — after trying a spot treatment or pimple patches — dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano says to begin by sterilizing your hands and the area with rubbing alcohol. 'Then poke the pimple with a diabetic lancet, which has a very tiny needle, to open the surface with a small prick that 'won't cause too much damage,' she said in an Instagram video. Apply slight pressure with two cotton swabs to let the contents drain out. 'When popping a pimple it's very important that you're not applying a lot of pressure otherwise you're gonna get a lot more inflammation and result in scarring,' Turegano advised. But she, too, advises against touching anything in the 'triangle of death.' 'Really, don't mess with it. Spot treatment it or see a derm,' Tuergano insisted.
