A stark health warning has been issued over the common habit of squeezing spots on a specific and dangerous part of the face, known by medical professionals as the 'triangle of death'.
What is the 'Triangle of Death'?
This high-risk facial area extends from the bridge of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. Professor Adam Taylor of Lancaster University has explained that causing injury here, whether by squeezing pimples or even plucking nose hairs, can have unexpectedly severe consequences. The danger was highlighted on Tuesday 25 November 2025.
How a Simple Squeeze Can Turn Deadly
The extreme risk stems from the unique anatomy of the veins in this region. Some of these veins lack valves, which normally prevent blood from flowing backwards. If an infection enters the bloodstream through a cut or tear in the skin, it can travel in reverse directly towards the brain.
Professor Taylor detailed that these infectious agents can reach the cavernous sinus, a critical blood-filled space at the base of the brain. This can lead to devastating conditions including:
- Severe brain infections
- Sepsis
- Dangerous blood clots
Urgent Advice from Medical Experts
While such catastrophic infections are rare, the potential outcome can be fatal if not identified and treated with urgency. The clear medical advice is to avoid squeezing spots in this area altogether.
Instead of taking matters into your own hands, experts strongly recommend seeking professional dermatological care for persistent skin issues. A simple squeeze is not worth the potentially life-altering risk.
