Dermatologist explains why you should never attempt to pop a spot in ‘triangle of death’ location
An expert has explained why you should avoid popping pimples in a certain area on your face.
Affectionately nicknamed the 'triangle of death', you might want to steer clear of the area - for your own health.
It is advised that you keep this area untouched, and allow any spots that pop up here to heal on their own.
What is 'the triangle of death'?
The area on your face can be defined as the section in the centre of your face, in what is known as the nasolabial triangle.
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It extends from the bridge of your nose down to your upper lip, and you may have noticed that it's a hotspot for pimples and blackheads to form.
However, it's also where crucial arteries and nerves run from your neck, through your sinuses and up to your skull.
To see exactly where the area is, form a triangle with your fingers and place it over your nose.
What happens if you pop spots in this area?
Simulations of what can happen to your body have gone viral in the past on social media, but the claims have been heavily backed up by skin experts across the world.
Dr. Mark Strom, who is based in New York City, explained to the Daily Mail: "Popping pimples in the centre of the face can be particularly dangerous.
"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."
Transferring bacteria from your fingers to your veins behind your eye sockets could lead to it travelling to your brain, which in extreme cases, can lead to partial/full paralysis, or even death.
In the best case scenario, nothing happens, but you may scar your skin - so it's always best to leave those pesky spots be.
What are the long-term health risks?
An infection of the sinus cavity, if left untreated, can lead to a loss of vision, meningitis and brain abscesses.
Blindness or massive stroke can also be caused if an inflamed spot spreads to an inner part of the brain.
The condition is called Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis (CST) by those in the medical world, while having a death rate of 30 percent.
Although the chances of you actually getting the infection are described as 'slim to none', you should still take precaution when dealing with your spots and blemishes
Joshua Nair