It can have devastating consequences: You should not pop pimples in this area

“The area around the nose is a high-risk area,” says Meli. The reason for this is in the blood vessels: The blood vessels located under the skin in this area of ​​the face are directly connected to the eyes and brain. According to Meli, if these blood vessels become contaminated, this can lead to the spread of infection. In the worst case scenario, there is a risk of sinus vein thrombosis (blockage of a blood vessel leading to the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the meninges), which are serious and sometimes fatal diseases.

Bacteria enter the bloodstream

According to Meli, this type of contamination can occur at any time if manipulated incorrectly. If small wounds form as a result of working on acne, bacteria on the skin or fingers enter the bloodstream. “While this can cause local infections in the neck or chin, for example, it is more critical around the nose,” says the dermatologist.

Although such an infection is very rare after squeezing a pimple, Meli recommends avoiding carelessly touching pimples on and around the nose with your fingers. “At the very least, you should wash your hands beforehand and thoroughly clean the skin on and around the pimple.” For example, with disinfectant lotion. It is also better to squeeze the pimple with a clean tissue rather than directly with your hand. Just like beauticians do as standard. “They also wear gloves,” says Meli.

Prevention with proper care

Meli says the problem mainly affects purulent acne. “Pus usually means the body is using it to defend itself against a bacterial infection.” By acting on acne, you can unconsciously contribute to the transfer of bacterial infection already present on the skin to the blood vessels leading to the brain. Simple blackheads (pores on the skin clogged with sebum) are less sensitive and do not become inflamed.

“It’s best to take good care of your skin as a standard to prevent acne from occurring,” says Meli. There are also many powerful products and lotions. Those with oily skin that contains a lot of sebum are more susceptible to acne. Why: Sebum acts as a good breeding ground for acne bacteria. That’s why Meli recommends purchasing oil-free products, which are often labeled as “oil-free,” “mattifying,” or “non-comedogenic,” meaning they won’t clog pores. Additionally, the dermatologist says pore-opening ingredients like salicylic acid or regular peels are recommended. According to Meli, aesthetic products containing fruit acids such as glycolic acid also have an anti-inflammatory effect and help eliminate acne from its initial stage.