News

Life Tips 01/07/2025 14:47

Girl d!es after popping a pimple; Doctors caution about the serious dangers of this common habit

Despite being on a ventilator and undergoing continuous dialysis, the 15-year-old female student has died due to severe septic shock from popping her pimples.
On June 27, the Central Tropical Disease Hospital in Hanoi reported that they had recently treated a 15-year-old female patient infected with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The bacteria entered her system through inflammatory acne lesions on her face, after she attempted to squeeze the pimples and applied an unverified medication.
According to the hospital, once the bacteria entered the body through the acne, the patient quickly developed a severe infection that led to brain and lung damage. Despite being placed on a ventilator and undergoing continuous dialysis, her prognosis remained extremely poor. After returning home, the patient tragically passed away due to septic shock.
This case serves as a serious warning, particularly to young individuals going through puberty—a time when acne is common and when individuals may neglect proper skincare practices.
Earlier, the hospital also treated a 32-year-old woman who had the habit of squeezing pimples with her hands. She was admitted with severe cellulitis, at risk of sepsis if not treated promptly. Six days before being hospitalized, she had used her hands to squeeze a pimple on her forehead, followed by applying acne treatment cream. A few days later, the area became swollen, red, and pus-filled, spreading to her left eye along with fever and severe pain.
After two days of ineffective treatment at a private clinic, she was transferred to the Central Tropical Disease Hospital in a weakened condition. The area on her forehead was swollen and painful, with an abscess filled with pus. The patient was diagnosed with subcutaneous cellulitis of the face.
Dr. Hoang Huy Tu, from the General Internal Medicine Department, explained: "Starting from a single pimple on the forehead, infected and swollen due to squeezing with unclean hands, the patient was diagnosed with subcutaneous cellulitis."
Cellulitis is an acute soft tissue infection commonly caused by bacteria like Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria can penetrate through small abrasions on the skin and spread rapidly. This condition begins suddenly, and if left untreated, it can lead to dangerous complications like sepsis or even death.
Fortunately, the patient was admitted in time and received intensive treatment, and her health is gradually improving.
According to BSCKI Nguyen Thi Hoa, a dermatology specialist at the hospital, acne is a common dermatological condition, especially among teenagers, but it can also affect adults. Several factors influence acne formation, such as the environment, hormonal changes, stress, diet, and most notably, improper skincare habits.
"Attempting to squeeze pimples, especially with unclean hands, can allow bacteria to penetrate deep into the skin, causing cellulitis, abscesses, and even sepsis," Dr. Hoa warned.
She emphasized that proper skincare is key to controlling acne and preventing complications and scars. Individuals should avoid touching or squeezing pimples with their hands, maintain clean facial hygiene daily, refrain from using unverified acne treatments, and if pimple extraction is necessary, it is important to seek professional medical help. When applying makeup, people should choose non-comedogenic products and remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day.
Cellulitis and the dangerous complications from squeezing pimples are not distant risks. Doctors advise the public, especially the youth, to follow scientific skincare practices and consult dermatologists when dealing with severe skin issues, instead of attempting self-treatment. A small act, like squeezing pimples with unclean hands, could lead to life-threatening consequences.

News in the same category

News Post

[email protected]