Makeup Brushes and Pimple Popping: A Deadly Combination

Beauty
6 Apr 2023 • 5:00 PM MYT
FlyingBird
FlyingBird

Passionate about sharing authentic local news.

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Image credit: Seventeen

When Katie Wright noticed a painful pimple developing next to her eyebrow, she did what most people do and popped it. However, she soon found herself in a hospital emergency room with a swollen and painful face, and doctors warned her that she was lucky to be alive. Now, Wright is sharing her story with the world, in the hope of raising awareness about the dangers of popping pimples and the importance of cleaning makeup tools.

In a post on social media, Wright recounted how she had picked at what she thought was a large under-the-skin pimple. Within an hour, her face had become painfully swollen, and she was rushed to the hospital. There, doctors told her that she was suffering from cellulitis, a deep tissue infection caused by a type of staph bacteria. The infection was particularly serious because it was located on her face, with a high risk of spreading to her brain or eyes and causing blindness or death.

Wright shared before and after pictures of her face, showing the dramatic effect of the infection. She also explained the likely cause of the infection: germs that had contaminated her eyebrow pencil brush. Despite being careful to wash her face and other makeup tools, Wright had neglected to disinfect her eyebrow brush.

In addition to warning others about the dangers of popping pimples, Wright urged people to make sure they clean their makeup brushes regularly. “It’s a tiny thing to do to prevent an illness on your face that would be unpleasant, costly, and upsetting,” she wrote.

The practice of popping pimples is a common one, with many people finding it satisfying to get rid of unsightly blemishes. However, the risks associated with this practice are often overlooked. As Wright’s story shows, popping pimples can lead to serious infections that can be life-threatening.

The bacteria that cause pimples can easily spread to other areas of the skin, leading to infections of the surrounding tissue. In some cases, these infections can be severe and cause lasting damage. In addition, popping pimples can lead to scarring and other cosmetic issues.

Despite the risks, many people continue to pop pimples. In fact, there are even social media accounts dedicated to the practice, such as Dr. Pimple Popper, who has millions of followers on Instagram and YouTube. While these accounts can be entertaining, they also perpetuate the idea that popping pimples is a harmless activity.

To avoid the risks associated with popping pimples, experts recommend leaving them alone and allowing them to heal naturally. If a pimple is particularly bothersome or painful, there are other ways to treat it, such as applying a warm compress or using over-the-counter acne treatments.

In addition to avoiding popping pimples, it’s also important to make sure that makeup tools are kept clean and free from bacteria. This can be done by regularly washing brushes and sponges with soap and water, and disinfecting them with a cleaning solution.

Wright’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of popping pimples and the importance of taking care of our skin. By sharing her experience, she has helped to raise awareness of these issues and encourage others to be more mindful of their skincare practices.


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