Plucking nose hair can be hazardous! According to Dr. Craig Maxwell from Ohio, USA, frequently removing nose hairs can create a “triangle of death” situation. While the term sounds alarming, the actual consequences are even more concerning. To prevent any potential harm, it’s best to avoid plucking nose hair.
In a 2013 post on his website AskDrMaxwell, Dr. Maxwell discussed a case involving a 12-year-old girl who contracted a rare and deadly form of meningitis caused by an amoeba found in warm rivers, lakes, and streams. The girl developed primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) after swimming at a local water park. Dr. Maxwell suggested that the parasite likely entered her nostrils and reached her “triangle of death” region, leading to the fatal infection.
The “triangle of death” refers to an area on the face where infections can rapidly spread to the brain and other parts of the head. To reduce the risk of infection, it’s crucial to avoid plucking nose hair or inserting foreign objects into this area.
Dr. Maxwell, a seasoned medical professional with over 40 years of experience, advises against tweezing nose hair due to its location within the “triangle of death.” This area, situated between the corners of the mouth and the bridge of the nose, contains blood vessels that lead directly to the brain.
Consequently, infections in this region can bypass other bodily systems and reach the brain more easily, potentially causing serious health issues such as headaches, vision loss, permanent paralysis, or even death. It’s advisable to use safe and medically-approved methods for nose hair removal, such as trimming or using specialized nose hair removal tools.
Dr. Maxwell has highlighted the dangers of tweezing nose hairs, explaining that it can be painful and create an open wound. If bacteria like staph (including MRSA) are present in the nasal passage, they can enter the wound and potentially cause a severe brain infection. To avoid these risks, it’s recommended to use an electric trimmer or rounded scissors to trim the hair rather than completely removing it.
Electric trimmers are ideal as they only remove the necessary amount of hair with minimal effort and maintenance. Waxing and plucking should be avoided, as they can do more harm than good.