A 25-year-old creator from Louisiana recently shared their cautionary experience after contracting a staph infection from popping a pimple on their face. The creator, known as Hope (@imlesbianflavored) on TikTok, posted a video showing the consequences of their actions.
In the video, Hope warns viewers not to pop their pimples as they recount their experience. They mention how the pimple they popped on their upper lip turned into a staph infection overnight, causing their face to become swollen and painful. A visit to the doctor confirmed the staph infection, leading Hope to emphasize the importance of avoiding pimple-popping.
TikTok users, such as @baboopy, @moongoddess33.33, and @marinalynne666, pointed out that the area where Hope’s pimple was located is commonly called the “triangle of death.” Another creator, @ravenesky, shared a similar experience, expressing that they were “close to sepsis.”
According to Dr. Amesh Adalja from Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Pennsylvania, the triangle of death refers to the region of the nose and corners of the mouth. This area is known to be a hot spot for infections because it is connected to the skull through blood vessels, allowing infections to spread rapidly.
Dr. Teresa Song, a Board Certified Dermatologist, explained that popping a pimple breaks the protective barrier of the skin, making it susceptible to bacterial entry and infections. The triangle of death poses a higher risk because of the important blood vessels in this area, which can lead to deeper infections.
To prevent such complications, Dr. Song suggested using hydrocolloid patches or spot treatments containing sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid for treating pimples. For deep and painful pimples, warm compresses can be helpful, and cortisone injections can be considered for select cases.
It is essential to be cautious when dealing with pimples and to avoid popping them, especially in the triangle of death area. Hope’s experience serves as a valuable lesson to others, encouraging them to explore alternative and safer methods for treating acne.
Sources:
– Healthline
– In The Know by Yahoo
