A TikTok with 3.6 million views posted by Dr. Ever Arias, a resident doctor at UCI Medical Center, went viral last year, scaring everyone about what can happen if you pop a pimple on your nose.
The TikTok video shows an AI depiction of a girl telling her personal story of squeezing a pimple that was bothering her, which caused a bacterial infection and eventually killed her. Arias reacts in a video alongside, noting that you should not touch pimples on a part of your face called “the triangle of death.”
Dr. Muneeb Shah, a board-certified dermatologist, also reacted to the story on TikTok, saying in the caption, “This is possible but incredibly rare.”
The AI video appears to be based on a true story about an 18-year-old who died in June in Santa Catarina, Brazil. But it got us wondering ― how much should we worry about this? So we asked dermatologists.
“The triangle of death” that Arias refers to in the TikTok video refers to the nasolabial triangle, whichextends from the bridge of your nose down to your upper lip — a place where breakouts, including pimples and blackheads, commonly occur. It’s also an area where large and vital arteries and nerves run from your neck to your sinuses and up to the skull.
Although tempting, popping pimples on this part of your face can cause serious conditions, including nasal infections, vision loss, stroke and even death — so you are better off waiting for any pimples to go away on their own.
“If you pick your face with dirty fingers, dirty nails or have dirty skin, you run the risk of causing a skin infection,” said Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York.
“In the central face, this is particularly risky because the blood in this area drains into a large collection of veins known as the cavernous sinus, which has a direct connection to the brain,” Zeichner said. “So theoretically, bacteria in the bloodstream could spread to the brain, causing a severe, systemic infection.”
Echoing Arias and Shah, Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand told HuffPost that getting a serious or life-threatening infection due to pimple popping is rare.
However, Houshmand, a double-board certified dermatologist and fellow at the American Academy of Dermatology, noted that “pimple popping does not help and can cause inflammation, pain and potentially permanent scarring.”
“I would recommend avoiding popping pimples in the area of the face connecting the nose to the corners of the mouth,” she said.
Here’s how popping pimples in your nasal area can cause problems.
Your sinuses are hollow spaces located under the brain, behind each eye socket. The cavernous sinus has major arteries and nerves that receive blood from the facial veins — one of which is the internal carotid artery, the most vital supply of blood to the eyes and brain. The jugular vein carries blood from the sinuses away from the brain.
Rarely, nasal infections can lead to serious outcomes. As your blood flows from your nose to other areas of the face, it’s possible for infections from the nasal area to spread to the brain, potentially causing meningitis, brain abscess, or cavernous sinus thrombosis.
When the cavernous sinus is infected, blood in the sinus can clot, which affects the optic nerve function and can cause severe headaches, eye irritation, drooping eyelids, inability to move the eyes, pain or numbness in the face and eyes, fatigue, fever, vision loss or double vision and seizures. Additionally, a blood clot in the sinuses can prevent blood from draining from the brain, which can lead to hemorrhaging as blood leaks into the brain tissues.
A blood clot in the sinuses can also cause complications like impaired speech, difficulty moving the body, fluid pressure in the skull, nerve pressure, brain injury, developmental delays and even death. The mortality rate for septic cavernous sinus thrombosis is 20% to 30%, and complete recovery is rare.
Most infections that cause cavernous sinus thrombosis are bacterial, usually caused by a staph infection. Staph bacteria can live on the face and are usually harmless until a cut (perhaps caused by pinching or squeezing a pimple) causes an infection. More serious staph infections can cause blood poisoning or toxic shock syndrome.
Aside from these more serious consequences, trying to pop a pimple yourself can also lead to permanent acne scars and more noticeable or painful acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
“You can disrupt your skin barrier and if the pimple has pus, popping a pimple can spread bacteria into other pores and hair follicles,” Houshmand said. “Many times, you are unable to pop the pimple and may end up pushing the contents of your pimple further underneath the skin. This can clog your pores even more, make acne more noticeable, or trigger inflammation under your skin.”
The Do’s And Don’ts Of Pimple Popping
Despite these risks, some people can’t resist the urge to pop a pimple. What if you do end up popping that pimple on your face? Are there preventative measures you can take to avoid a bacterial infection?
Unfortunately, there is no correct way to pop a pimple, Houshmand says. Instead, dermatologists recommend sticking to a skin care routine to help breakouts go away on their own, washing your hands before you touch your face, and seeing an esthetician if a pimple is really bothering you.
DO use products that might reduce swelling and infection.
Having a skin care routine that works for you can not only help prevent acne but can also prevent you from picking your face.
“Use preventative measures, like a skin care routine that includes acne-fighting ingredients such as BPO [benzoyl peroxide], hydroxy acids and retinoids,” Houshmand said. “Pimple patches with salicylic acid help to decrease inflammation and because the pimples are covered you won’t be able to pick. If a pimple is inflamed, use a cold compress or ice to help.”
Applying benzoyl peroxide, an over-the-counter medication with anti-bacterial properties, can help metabolize the skin.
“Stick to a benzoyl peroxide, which works by lowering levels of acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation in the skin,” Zeichner said.
DON’T try to use estheticians’ tools at home.
Trying pimple extractions on your own can do more harm than good. According to the Associated Skin Care Professionals, attempting home extractions can damage your pores, spread bacteria and spread the breakout.
Instead, visit a trained esthetician or trained skin care professional, who will do extractions using the proper skin care products and devices.
“When performed the right way, with clean instruments and without applying too much pressure as to cause trauma to the skin, they can effectively improve the complexion,” Zeichner said. “Trying to pop red, angry pimples or painful undergrounders inevitably leads to more harm than good. These are not poppable pimples, so attempts will result in inflammation, potential infections, or even scars.”
DO wash your hands.
Since infections are caused by spreading bacteria, it’s important to wash your hands before touching your face to make sure harmful bacteria don’t enter the skin barrier. Using a tissue or wet towel can help protect your face.
Touching your face with unwashed hands will not help clear breakouts any faster. Generally, keeping your hands clean can keep unwanted bacteria away from your face.
“Most pimples will resolve on their own,” Shah said.
Looking for better pimple-blasting solutions? Reviewers love the patches below.
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Target rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
When you want a patch that will cover a larger surface area, these non-drying hydrocolloid patches by Rael can do the trick. Designed to gently draw out pus and impurities from surfaced blemishes like whiteheads and pustules, these stickers feature seamless tapered edges and a contoured design that works for areas like the nose, chin, cheeks or forehead. This pack includes 10 patches.
Promising Target review: “I don’t break out much usually, but I got some bad cystic acne on my chin the other day (pretty sure it was stress acne rip). But I got these yesterday, and after 2 patches (one overnight, one in the day), it’s basically all gone! They stay on very well and weren’t too noticeable imo (I have fair skin, they are translucent white, so that probably won’t be the case deeper skintones). I just have one small, mostly flat bump left that I could probably knock out with a single microneedle patch. These seriously work! :D” – emy
Amazon rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
These thin and transparent hydrocolloid patches claim to shrink surfaced zits overnight and come infused with redness-reducing calendula and tea tree to minimize swelling along with centella asiatica, an ingredient popular in K-beauty products for reducing redness and irritation. The pack comes with 40 patches in three assorted sizes to cover blemishes big or small.
Promising Amazon review: “I love this brand! I have tried all their products- the variety of sizes they offer are wonderful for different needs. I was moving 2 weeks ago and between the stress, dust and sweat both my cheeks broke out- I used the xl patches and it took care of those clusters overnight! I’m 46 so I definitely don’t get as many pimples as I used to (aside from when I’m moving) but as a professional woman having a breakout is embarrassing. I love that these take care of my blemishes right away. My son is 10 and just starting to get an occasional blemish- he also loves these and they work. My niece is 19 and she loves them too! Great for all ages and stages of skin breakouts. Definitely recommend this product and this brand as being reliable and very effective! It’s my go to!” – Laura
Ulta rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Unlike traditional acne patches, this sulfur-based treatment applies as a liquid and transforms into a lipid-based, skin-mimicking film that appears invisible, yet offers a breathable barrier that protects pimples and allows them to heal. In addition to 5% colloidal sulfur, Dermalogica’s liquid patch contains niacinamide to reduce redness and fade post-breakout marks, as well as camphor intended to help soothe any zit-related discomfort.
Promising Ulta review: “I have very sensitive and acne prone skin and i have tried so many spot treatments and have gone through numerous pimple patches. This stuff makes sure deep underground pimples never reach the surface. I would say depending on the size of the pimple this product eliminates it in just a few days. Awsome product!” – mya
Amazon rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
For fast-acting blemish healing, these extra strength patches by ZitSticka are specifically formulated to heal deep-rooted pimples before they’ve had the chance to surface. They offer self-dissolving microdarts to deliver acne-fighting ingredients like 2% salicylic acid, niacinamide and peptides, which can help promote wound healing and skin health. This pack comes with four patches.
Promising Amazon reviews: “Totally recommend this product, specially if you have a big pimple/cyst coming out. I placed it overnight and the next day the pimple was flat.” — noemi flores
“I have normally used one of the salicylic acid and sulfur concoctions on the blemishes you can feel coming under the skin. Works well, though messy and smelly. These patches from ZitSticka serve the same function but without the mess or the smell! They work within a few hours to reduce or eliminate that coming blemish.” — Pupspicacious
Amazon and Ulta rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
This highly rated patch that also uses a microdart delivery system is made by Peach Slices, another well-known K-beauty brand. These nine fast-acting patches each have 176 microdarts containing actives like salicylic acid, tea tree and niacinamide, which can help quell inflammation and fade post-mark scarring. These patches are ideal for early-stage blemishes or for pimples that are deep below the surface of the skin.
Promising Amazon review: “These are great when you catch the pimple at the early stage- the ones that are just becoming painful and red, but haven’t come to full fruition yet. Use these little suckers ( make sure to press on it for at least 15 seconds when applying) and usually the next day the guy is much smaller or almost gone. Love them- they are a staple in my beauty routine.” — Samantha F.
Amazon rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Made by the same brand that brought us the viral and skin-transforming snail mucin essence, these assorted-sized patches by Cosrx are made with hydrocolloid to create an ideal level of moisture for accelerating recovery while also preventing the acne area from scarring.
Promising Amazon review: “This is my go to pimple patch. I have been using it for many years and always have extra in the house. I usually put it overnight on clean skin( no toners ) and leave it there. It’s not water proof but if you use it on your body you can totally keep it for couple days and even take shower with it, it won’t come out. Works best if your pimple about to pop or already did and needs a little more drying. Highly recommend!” — Galina B.
Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
These cute zit stickers from Starface use their unique star shape to hug more difficult contours of the face, like around the nose and lips, to ensure the best adhesion possible. They are made just using hydrocolloid to absorb fluid, reduce inflammation and shrink spots and come perfectly packaged in this refillable compact, which holds 32 stickers.
Promising Amazon review: “Decided to make the purchase after seeing them advertised. Applied overnight before a formal event and my pimples were flat and less red (like the packaging instructions, I applied after washing my face). Definitely recommend. I even wear these under my mask at work on nightshift. They don’t fall off, just don’t pick at them! 100% will be buying the refills when I run out!” — Jessica Curtis
Ulta rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Mighty Patch’s original pimple patches are one of the most-purchased patch options on Amazon and promise to blend seamlessly into skin using a translucent matte finish and an ultra-strong adhesion. Each box comes with 36 UV-sterilized and medical-grade hydrocolloid dots that draw out impurities and keep out bacteria.
Promising Ulta review: “I have the type of rosacea that causes acne. Two days before the the most important job interview of my career I had one of the worst breakouts of my life. I put these patches all over my face, went to bed, and woke up the next morning with a dramatic reduction in pustules. My skin looks nearly perfect. Of everything I’ve tried in the past to treat a flare up these patches stand head and shoulders above all other products. I’m going to make sure I always have some of these on hand from now on.” — Jamie
Ulta rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
This 20-pack of acne healing dots are medicated with encapsulated salicylic acid, a highly efficient form of this loved acne-fighting ingredient that deep cleans pores to help treat and prevent new breakouts, without causing excess irritation. The hydrocolloid polymer is also infused with time-honored ingredients like retinol and aloe vera leaf extract for soothing benefits.
Promising Ulta review: “I’ve used hydrocolloid patches from a well-known K-beauty brand before and was never very impressed with the results. Ordered these Peace Out ones on a whim thinking they were overpriced and probably wouldn’t do much but might as well try. This morning I woke up with a huge pimple on my cheek so I decided to test these out and washed my face and stuck one on. First off, they stick super well compared to the other brand I tried. Second, and most importantly, it started absorbing the gunk almost immediately. I took it off after four hours to see the results and my pimple had decreased significantly in size and redness. I applied another one just to be safe but its barely noticeable at this point. Will reach for these in the future!” — Christine