Pimples on the nose are a common source of frustration, often appearing red, inflamed, and painful. Because the nose is a prominent feature, these blemishes are difficult to conceal. Understanding why a pimple forms here is the first step toward effective treatment and prevention. The cause and appropriate remedy depend entirely on whether the pimple is located on the outer skin or deep inside the nostril.
Understanding Pimples on the Outside of the Nose
The external skin of the nose is part of the face’s T-zone, characterized by a high concentration of sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, the skin’s natural oil. The nose’s large pores easily become clogged when sebum mixes with dead skin cells and dirt. This blockage creates an ideal environment for Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, a common resident on the skin, to multiply, resulting in typical acne like blackheads, whiteheads, or inflammatory papules.
Various external factors can trigger or worsen these surface-level breakouts. Constant friction from wearing glasses, sunglasses, or a face mask creates pressure and irritation that pushes oil and bacteria deeper into the pores. Frequently touching or wiping the nose introduces new bacteria and debris from the hands, contributing to the cycle of clogging and inflammation. Hormonal fluctuations, which stimulate increased sebum production, also influence breakouts in this oil-rich area.
Understanding Bumps and Boils Inside the Nose
A bump or boil inside the nostril, known as nasal vestibulitis or folliculitis, is distinctly different from common acne and is generally more serious. These internal blemishes are usually caused by a bacterial infection of the hair follicles lining the nasal vestibule. The most frequent culprit is Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria commonly found on the skin and in the nasal passages.
This infection often begins when the delicate skin or hair follicles inside the nose are traumatized. Minor injuries from aggressive nose blowing, plucking or waxing nose hairs, or frequent nose picking can create tiny breaks in the skin. This allows Staphylococcus bacteria to enter and cause an infection. The resulting bump is typically a painful, red, or white pustule, or in severe cases, a deep, infected boil known as a furuncle.
The location of these internal infections carries an important risk due to the anatomy of the face. The veins that drain blood from the nose and surrounding area connect to the cavernous sinus, a major vein network behind the eye sockets that leads directly to the brain. This connection allows for the potential spread of bacteria backward toward the brain. An uncontrolled infection in this area, sometimes called the “danger triangle” of the face, can lead to rare but life-threatening complications like cavernous sinus thrombosis. Therefore, a painful, deep infection inside the nose should never be squeezed or picked.
Safe Ways to Treat and Prevent Future Breakouts
Treatment for external nose pimples focuses on clearing clogged pores and reducing inflammation, often starting with over-the-counter options. Topical treatments containing salicylic acid help exfoliate the pore lining to dissolve oil and dead skin cells, while benzoyl peroxide works to kill the acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface. Maintaining a consistent cleansing routine twice daily with a non-comedogenic wash is also helpful for managing the nose’s high sebum production.
For a painful bump inside the nose, the approach is different and centers on managing the bacterial infection and preventing its spread. Applying a warm compress to the area for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day helps relieve pain and encourages the localized infection to heal. It is crucial to avoid attempting to pop or drain internal bumps, as this can push Staphylococcus bacteria deeper into the tissue or bloodstream.
Preventing both internal and external nose pimples involves gentle habits and good hygiene. Avoiding aggressive manipulation of the nose, such as picking or excessively forceful blowing, reduces trauma to the delicate lining of the nostril. Regularly cleaning items that touch the nose, including cell phones, eyeglasses, and face masks, limits the transfer of bacteria and oils to the skin. If an internal bump is large, increasingly painful, or accompanied by signs of a spreading infection like fever or swelling, immediate medical attention is necessary. This may require prescription topical or oral antibiotics or professional drainage.