Put Your Best Face Forward by Sandra Lee M.D

Author:Sandra Lee, M.D.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2018-11-11T16:00:00+00:00

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What Exactly Is the Triangle of Death?

Have you heard about the dreaded area on the face labeled the “triangle of death”? The three points of the triangle are the two corners of your lips and the place right between your eyebrows. Some of you may have been warned that you could die instantly of an infection if you squeezed a blackhead or tweezed a nose hair in this facial region. I was told about this in medical school too, in my gross anatomy class, and I understand why it’s called the triangle of death, but I’m here to reassure you that I have never heard of anyone dying from squeezing a zit there!

You see, this triangular area in the center of our face is particularly prone to infection because there is a shorter distance for an infection to spread to very important structures, via an area in the center of our head called the cavernous sinus. This space is nestled just under our brain, and important nerves and blood vessels pass through it. Infection in this area can cause cavernous sinus thrombosis (a blood clot) and swelling, which can affect these important nerves and vessels, increasing the chances of meningitis, blindness, stroke, a brain abscess, and even death!

All of this said, we never see breaking news or bold-print headlines announcing, “Another person has died from a pimple on their nose!” In this day and age with our access to doctors, emergency rooms, and antibiotics, a dangerous and life-threatening case arising from pimple popping would be very rare. This doesn’t mean you should have at it and start squeezing pimples and blackheads with abandon. If you have a large, sore pimple in this area that is increasing in size and becoming more painful, red, and swollen, the best course of action is to seek out a dermatologist or other physician who may treat you with antibiotics or injections of corticosteroids. As far as at-home treatment, my best advice is to stay on the safe side and try not to pick or squeeze eruptions especially in the triangle of death. A small pimple can be left alone to dry up; a daily swab with rubbing alcohol or over-the-counter acne spot treatment can help.

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