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Teen hospitalized with sepsis after popping pimple

Geraint Mullins shares his near-death experience to raise awareness about sepsis.

July 21, 2025 at 05:59 PM

Man Hospitalized with Deadly Sepsis After Popping a Pimple on His Neck and Developing Golfball-Sized Abscess

Sepsis is often overlooked, and Geraint Mullins' story highlights its risks.

A young man's sepsis scare exposes hidden dangers

Geraint Mullins, now 24, shared his alarming experience of developing sepsis after popping a pimple on his neck at 16. Shortly after this seemingly innocent act, he found himself hospitalized, recovering from multiple surgeries to drain a golfball-sized abscess. His story reveals the critical nature of sepsis, as the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that it accounts for one in five deaths globally. Despite his youthful resilience, Mullins faced life-threatening consequences and now endeavors to educate others about recognizing the signs of this deadly infection. Sepsis can arise from any infection, and early symptoms include lethargy, slurred speech, severe breathlessness, and mottled skin. Dermatologists, like Dr. Sandra Lee, caution against popping pimples without proper technique, emphasizing sterility and awareness of potential complications.

Key Takeaways

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Geraint Mullins developed sepsis from a pimple pop at age 16.

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Sepsis is a major health threat, causing one in five deaths globally.

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Symptoms of sepsis can include lethargy, slurred speech, and mottled skin.

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Public awareness of sepsis remains critically low, leading to late diagnoses.

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Health professionals stress the importance of safe practices when managing skin infections.

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Education on sepsis prevention could significantly reduce fatalities.

"Sepsis is a major health threat, causing one in five deaths globally."

This emphasizes the gravity of sepsis as a public health issue.

"If I wasn't as fit, I could have been dead."

Mullins reflects on his close call with death due to sepsis.

"The world must urgently step up efforts to improve data about sepsis."

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasizes the need for better tracking of sepsis cases.

"Make sure you have rubbing alcohol and clean the area when popping a pimple."

Dr. Lee provides important advice for those who choose to pop pimples.

Mullins' story serves as a stark reminder of how everyday actions, like popping a pimple, can escalate into serious health issues. There is a troubling lack of public awareness about sepsis, contributing to delayed diagnoses and fatalities. The WHO's call for improved tracking underlines a critical public health need. Public awareness campaigns must be prioritized to inform people about sepsis signs and preventive measures, urging individuals to seek immediate medical help for infections before they progress. Education on this topic is essential to save lives. Dr. Lee's guidance on safe pimple popping reinforces the idea that minor health actions can have serious repercussions.