A 15-year-old girl in Hanoi, Vietnam, died after squeezing her pimples and applying an unverified topical product at home.
15-Year-Old Girl Dies from Fatal Acne Squeezing Complications in Hanoi
On 27 Jun 2025, the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases stated that she had developed septic shock caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
The bacterium reportedly entered through inflamed acne lesions on her face.
Vietnamese news outlet Hoa Học Trò reported that the bacteria spread rapidly throughout the girl’s body. The infection damaged both her brain and lungs.
Medical staff provided intensive care, including mechanical ventilation and continuous blood filtration. However, the girl did not respond to treatment and passed away.
32-Year-Old Woman Survives Similar Acne-Related Infection After Hospital Treatment
In a separate incident, a 32-year-old woman, Ms D.T.L., was admitted to hospital with severe facial infection.
Six days before hospitalisation, the woman squeezed a pimple on her forehead with her fingers and applied acne cream herself.
The affected area became red, swollen, and filled with yellow pus within a few days. The infection spread to her left eye and was accompanied by high fever and pain.
She first sought treatment at a private clinic, but her condition did not improve.
She was transferred to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, where she arrived in a weakened state with severe forehead swelling and a large pus-filled abscess
Doctors diagnosed her with subcutaneous cellulitis, a dangerous soft tissue infection that can lead to sepsis, multiple organ failure, or even death.
Timely medical intervention and intensive antibiotic therapy led to significant recovery, according to Vietnamese news media Soha.
Medical Experts Warn Against Home Pimple Squeezing and Recommend Professional Treatment
A dermatologist at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases explained that popping pimples with unclean hands can damage the skin. Bacteria can penetrate deeper and potentially cause cellulitis or sepsis if not promptly addressed, Vietnam’s news site Tin tức 24h reported.
“People should avoid squeezing pimples at home and instead seek treatment at reputable medical facilities if extraction is needed,” the dermatologist said.
The medical expert advised practising good hygiene and avoiding touching the face. She also warned against using acne products of unknown origin.
For those who need to wear makeup, she emphasised choosing non-comedogenic products. Proper skin cleansing afterwards is essential.
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