Woman Hospitalised After Popping a Pimple Most People Wouldn't Think Twice About — What Is the 'Triangle of Death'?

What seemed like an everyday blemish left a 32-year-old Michigan mother in the hospital after a frightening chain of events.

Alisha Monaco, a mum of three, squeezed a pimple just under her nostril, only to wake hours later with swelling, severe pain, and dizziness so alarming that she rushed to urgent care.

'The whole right side of my face was swollen, my smile was crooked, and my ear felt clogged on the right side,' Monaco said. 'I was in so much pain just trying to smile or talk.'

Doctors diagnosed her with a facial infection in a region known medically as the 'danger triangle'—or more ominously, the 'Triangle of Death.'

What Is the Triangle of Death?

The Triangle of Death refers to the area of the face stretching from the bridge of the nose to the corners of the mouth. This region contains veins that connect directly to the brain via the cavernous sinus—a network of large veins located behind the eye sockets.

Due to this unique anatomical pathway, infections in this zone can bypass the body's usual filtering mechanisms and travel directly to the brain. This can lead to serious complications such as:

• Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST)
• Meningitis
• Brain abscesses
• Facial paralysis
• Vision loss or stroke

'There is the possibility for a facial infection to become an infection that impacts the rest of your body,' said Dr Alok Vij, dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic.

Why Popping Pimples Here Is Risky

Popping a pimple in the 'Triangle of Death' can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, especially if done with unsterilised tools or fingers. The risk is heightened if the spot is already inflamed or cystic. In Monaco's case, she used a sanitised needle tool, but still experienced severe symptoms within hours.

'I knew I'd messed up,' she said. 'The pain was all on the right bottom side of my nostril, down to my lip and even up the side of my face. I woke up four or five hours later in excruciating pain on my right side of my face.'

Doctors prescribed four medications to control the infection and prevent it from spreading. Monaco later shared her experience on TikTok to warn others about the dangers of picking at spots in this area.

Expert Advice: What You Should Do Instead

Dermatologists strongly advise against popping pimples in the Triangle of Death. If a blemish appears in this zone, experts recommend:

• Applying a warm compress to reduce inflammation
• Using hydrocolloid patches or topical treatments like salicylic acid
• Seeking professional help for extraction or treatment
• Monitoring for symptoms such as fever, swelling, or facial asymmetry

'[Popping pimples in Triangle of Death] is extremely dangerous and should be avoided due to the high risk of serious infection that can lead to blood clots, as well as the spread of infection through the bloodstream, and other serious health risks,' said Dr Jodi Logerfo of the Orentreich Medical Group. 'You should never squeeze or manipulate pimples or other lesions in this high-risk area.'

Should You Be Concerned?

Cases like Monaco's are rare, but dermatologists stress that the Triangle of Death is not a myth.

It is a medically recognised danger zone where infections can spread rapidly and cause life-threatening complications.

'Thankfully, it's relatively unlikely,' Dr Vij noted. 'But whenever there's a break in the skin, bacteria can enter—and in this region, the risks are far greater.'

For everyday blemishes, doctors say the safest advice is simple: hands off, especially when spots appear between your nose and mouth.

Originally published on IBTimes UK