Pimple Inside Your Nose: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
Everything you need to know about those painful pimples inside your nose—from causes and risks to safe home remedies and prevention tips.
Most people are familiar with the frustration of facial acne, especially on oily areas like the outer nose. But getting a pimple inside your nose can be a distinctly painful—and sometimes risky—surprise. In this guide, learn what causes bumps inside the nostril, why this skin reacts differently than the rest of your face, and best practices for safe at-home care.
Why Do I Have a Pimple Inside My Nose?
While clogged pores and pimples on the outer nose are common because of high oil production, pimples inside the nose are often triggered by unique factors:
- Bacteria entering hair follicles: The inner nose contains hair follicles, and bacteria can travel down these follicles, much like anywhere else on the body, resulting in inflammation, redness, and pain.
- Allergies and frequent nose blowing: Dr. Neda Mehr explains that excessive nose blowing or rubbing, often due to allergies, can introduce bacteria deeper into the nostril’s delicate tissue.
- Nose hair trimming or plucking: Tweezing or using a trimmer with internal razors can cause ingrown hairs or small lesions, increasing the risk for pimples and infection.
- Nose picking: Fingers (and what lives under fingernails) are notorious for bringing bacteria directly into the sensitive nasal skin.
- Pore clogging: Just as with facial acne, dead skin cells, oil, and debris can accumulate in tiny pores and trigger pimples within the nose.
How the Skin Inside Your Nose Differs
The skin inside the nose is not like your outer epidermis, which has a tough, protective layer. Instead, it is lined with mucosa—thin, fragile tissue designed for moisture, not for acne-fighting. Dr. Mehr notes: “Its straight mucosa, meaning it’s mostly just the inside world”. This lack of protective barrier means typical acne treatments may actually worsen irritation and damage.
Other Potential Causes of Bumps in the Nostril
- Folliculitis (Nasal Vestibulitis): This is an infection of the hair follicle that results in red or white bumps, often near the nostril openings. It is commonly caused by Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria, and habits like nose picking or excessive blowing can trigger folliculitis.
- Ingrown Hairs: After trimming or plucking, a hair may get trapped in the pore, growing inwards. This can create a painful, pimple-like bump; if worsened by inflammation, it may lead to infection.
- Nasal Furuncles and Cellulitis: More serious than simple pimples, furuncles are boils that represent deeper, potentially dangerous infections. Cellulitis is a rapidly spreading infection that can enter the bloodstream and require urgent care.
| Cause | Symptoms | Severity | When To See Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pimple (acne) | Painful bump, sometimes red, tender | Mild | If not improving in a few days |
| Folliculitis | Red or white bump(s) at nostril opening | Moderate | If spreads or worse pain develops |
| Ingrown hair | Painful bump, may look like a pimple | Usually mild | If inflammation grows |
| Nasal furuncle/cellulitis | Large red swellings, skin dimpling, fever | Severe/emergency | Immediate medical attention |
How to Get Rid of a Pimple Inside Your Nose
Typical acne treatments (like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol) can be too harsh for the mucosa inside the nose. For safe at-home care, board-certified dermatologists recommend the following steps:
- Warm compress:
Use a warm, damp cotton swab to gently hold against the sore area. This can reduce swelling and help draw out bacteria. Hold the swab to each side for a few minutes, repeat as needed. - Topical antibiotic ointment:
Apply a thin layer of an over-the-counter bacitracin ointment (or similar topical antibiotic) inside the nostril up to three times a day, as recommended by Dr. Mehr. This helps sterilize the surface cells. - Keep hands away:
Do not pick, squeeze, or rub the pimple inside your nose. Further trauma introduces more bacteria and increases the risk for infection.
Recommended Products for Treating Pimples Inside the Nose
- First Aid Antibiotic Ointment: Bacitracin, Neosporin, or equivalent (apply gently at nostril edge).
- Cotton Swabs: Use organic or gentle cotton swabs soaked in warm water for compresses.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If the bump grows more painful, becomes swollen, spreads, or is accompanied by fever, see a doctor promptly. Severe infections like nasal furuncle or cellulitis may require antibiotics or even surgery. Individuals with compromised immune systems (e.g., diabetes, recent illness) should monitor symptoms closely and consult healthcare providers early.
What others are reading
What Not to Do
- Do not use harsh acne treatments on inner nostrils: These can excessively irritate fragile mucosa, worsening pain and risk.
- Avoid picking or squeezing: Trauma often introduces more pathogens and worsens inflammation.
- Don’t ignore worsening symptoms: Escalating pain, redness, or fever signal deeper infection and need for diagnosis.
How to Prevent Pimples Inside Your Nose
Dermatologists recommend several prevention strategies to keep your nostrils bump-free:
- Maintain nasal hygiene: Clean gently with saline sprays if needed, and avoid introducing foreign objects.
- Trim hairs with care: Use sanitized tools and avoid trimming hairs too close to the follicle. Never pluck aggressively.
- Avoid nose picking: Especially when hands are dirty or nails are long, as this rapidly seeds bacteria.
- Manage allergies and colds: Use tissue gently and avoid repetitive trauma from excessive rubbing/blowing.
- Boost immune health: Individuals with compromised immunity should minimize nose trauma and seek care early if any issue develops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are pimples inside the nose dangerous?
A: Most are minor and resolve with home care, but some can become serious if infected. Watch for worsening pain, spread, or fever and seek medical attention if any symptoms escalate.
Q: How can I tell if a bump inside my nose is just a pimple or something worse?
A: Simple pimples are painful but don’t usually enlarge rapidly. Bumps that grow, spread, cause fever, or create dimpling/swelling may be furuncles or cellulitis—these require urgent evaluation by a doctor.
Q: Can I use regular acne creams inside my nose?
A: No. Products like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are too harsh for the mucosal tissue and may cause damage. Opt for a gentle warm compress and topical antibiotic instead.
Q: Will nose pimples go away on their own?
A: Most mild cases resolve in a few days if left untouched, but monitor closely for any signs of infection or escalation.
Q: What should I do with recurring nose pimples?
A: Consider routine hygiene, change how you trim nose hairs, and consult a dermatologist if the problem persists.
Expert Dermatologist Tips
- “Keeping it simple is key: warm compress, antibiotic ointment, and hands off,” advises Dr. Neda Mehr.
- Only use product on the edge of the nostril, never deep inside where it could be inhaled.
- If you have diabetes, immune deficiency, or a history of serious infections, monitor bumps in the nose more closely and seek care early.
Quick Summary Table: Dos & Don’ts for Nose Pimples
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use warm compress with clean cotton swabs | Use facial acne products inside nostril |
| Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment | Pick or squeeze the bump |
| Practice gentle hygiene and safe hair trimming | Ignore increasing pain, swelling, or fever |
| Consult doctor for severe or worsening cases | Delay medical attention in case of spreading infection |
Conclusion
Pimples inside the nose are a common frustration that can become painful, but with gentle at-home approaches and attention to symptoms, most people can resolve the issue safely. Always be mindful of escalating pain, spreading swelling, or fever, which indicate a need for professional care. Practicing smart hygiene and prevention can help keep those inner nose bumps at bay.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a39469182/pimple-in-nose/
- https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/pimples-inside-the-nos
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pimple-inside-nose
- https://www.puredermoc.com/pdf/cosmopolitan.pdf
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a28844206/blind-pimple-under-skin/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323322
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPH8RcQEv30
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