A pimple in nose may feel like a bump inside your nose and may be painful or painless. It may lie under the nose, inside the nose, at the opening of the nostril or on the nose cartridge. An ordinary pimple in nose may simply be an annoyance. However, the pimple might be a sign of a more serious infection inside your nose. Explore pictures, causes, signs and symptoms of pimples inside nose and how to get rid of them with medical treatment and home remedies.
What Is a Pimple in or Inside Nose?
A pimple is a small lesion on your skin that is formed when pores get clogged. Depending on its nature and appearance, a pimple may refer to a papule or a pustule, Pimples constitute a mild form of acne.
The other forms of acne include whiteheads and blackheads which are together known as comedones. Severe acne is mainly composed of nodules which are the main components nodular acne and acne cysts, which are the main components that make up a cystic acne.
Although pimples can develop anywhere on your skin, they usually develop in areas such as the face, neck, scalp, cheeks, and chin. However, they can also develop on nose or inside the nose.
A pimple inside the nose can be located on the upper part of the inside of the nose or on the bottom area of either of the nostrils. It can also appear on the flesh tissue or on the cartridge, especially the one separating the two nostrils.
In some cases, a pimple inside nose may not be just the ordinary pimple but rather a symptom of a very different condition. The various possible conditions than may appear as a pimple in the nose are discussed in later sections of this post.
Signs and Symptoms of Pimple in Nose
Pimples inside usually manifest the following signs and symptoms:
- Nose swelling
- Redness and inflammation inside nose
- Slight tenderness or throbbing pain
- Tenderness or slight pain on the nose
- Nasal obstruction due to the pimple in nose
- Impaired sense of smell
- Hot and burning sensation inside nose
If a pimple in nose gets infected, it might cause the following symptoms
- Fatigue (a feeling of tiredness)
- High fever
- Headaches
- Malaise (a general feeling of sickness, uneasiness and discomfort)
Causes of Pimple Inside Nose
Basically, a pimple forms when the hair follicle becomes clogged with sebum, dead skin and/or bacteria. Therefore, the causes of pimples inside nose revolve around factors that promote clogged hair follicles. The factors that encourage clogged pores in the nose include:
- Nose Picking: During nose picking, the nerve endings and blood vessels in the nose lining may get damaged. This leads to minor injuries and scratches in the nose, which can get infected and lead to the formation of pimples.
- Hair Removal: Pimple may also develop in nose an s a result of infections caused by nasal hair removal. In the process of trimming the hairs inside the nose with scissors or pulling them with tweezers, small injuries usually occur on the nose lining. The small incisions may become infected with bacteria eventually cause the development of pimples.
- Poor Nasal Hygiene: Failure to keep your nose clean may lead to attachment of virus or build-up of bacteria on the nose lining. Such infections can irritate the nose lining and sometimes lead to the development of pimples.
- Foreign objects. If foreign bodies are inserted into the nose, for example, toys by babies, they may leave germs or dust inside the nose. If the nose is not cleaned, the dust and particles in the nose may damage the nose lining and cause infections like bacterial, which in turn may lead to the formation of pimples.
- Physical Trauma: If you get a physical injury in the nose, it can lead to infections that can cause pimples inside the nose. Injuries in nose can be sustained from physical impact to the nose, in setting objects in nose or during nasal hair removal.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal changes usually occur at various stages of growth. It may also occur during periods, pregnancy or as a result of stress. This may trigger secretion of excess sebum by the skin, causing clogged hair follicles on various parts of your body, including inside the nose.
- Stress: Prolonged high-stress level can also lead to the formation of a pimple inside the nose. Such stress usually leads to physiological changes that might trigger imbalance. If excess serum is secreted, it may lead to blockage of follicles and hence the formation of pimples on the skin, including inside nose.
- Environmental Irritants: During breathing, we may inhale irritants that may cause pimples to develop inside the nose. Environmental irritants that can be inhaled during breathing include dust, chemicals. These irritants get into the nose where they are absorbed by inside lining of the nose. This may cause pimples to form within hours of exposure.
- Excessive use of antibiotics: Although antibiotics are vital in treating infections, they can be harmful to the body, especially when they are used for long periods. For example, they can kill important bacteria found in the nose or other areas such as the mouth. As a result, the harmful bacteria may get a chance to grow spread inside the nose, leading to the formation of pimples.
Causes of a Pimple-like Bump in Nose
A pimple in your nose means that there could be a health problem in the nose. Sometimes, a sore spot or bump inside your nose could be an indication of a more serious condition rather than just an ordinary pimple. In such cases, the condition should be examined by a doctor. Although rare, some of the likely are serious medical conditions in your nose include:
1. Nasal Vestibulitis
Nasal vestibulitis is a condition that is also known as folliculitis. The condition can cause an inflamed red pimple-like bump or a group of red or white bumps that are usually located at the opening of the nostril. Each of the bumps involves a hair follicle and sometimes has a small dot of pus on top of the bump.
Nasal Vestibulitis is caused by staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. The bacteria usually enter the skin through a cut, scrape or a break in the skin, especially near a hair follicle. The habits that contribute to this condition include picking your nose or blowing your nose often.
It usually clears on its own without treatment. Otherwise, it easily curable in most cases with l over-the-counter antibacterial medications that contain benzoyl peroxide. It can be prevented by observing good nasal hygiene and use of proper techniques to trim your nasal hair.
2. Nasal Furuncles
A nasal furuncle is a boil that forms inside the nose. This usually happens when a pimple in the nose becomes infected with staphylococcus aureus bacterium. A furuncle looks like a red, raised bump which later ruptures and discharges fluid.
A furuncle forms when a hair follicle gets infected. At the beginning, a furuncle may resemble a pimple but with time it becomes hard and painful. The skin around furuncle becomes inflamed (red, swollen, and tender. In addition, scarring may occur.
A nasal furuncle can lead to nasal cellulitis and for that reason, it is considered a serious condition. Furuncles generally heal on their own. However, if a furuncle fails to rapture or remains large and painful, it may require treatment.
3. Nasal Cellulites
The pimple-like bump in your nose might be nasal cellulitis. Cellulitis is a medical term that refers to an inflammation of the tissue just under the skin. When this condition occurs inside the nose, it is referred to as nasal cellulitis.
Nasal cellulitis makes some areas inside the nose feel uncomfortable because it becomes thick, sore or swollen with blisters. In case it spreads to the sinus membranes around the eyes, it may cause headaches
Cellulitis is caused by either streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. These bacteria usually exist on our bodies without causing any problems until they get inside the bodies.
Like any other cellulitis, nasal Cellulitis may cause serious complications and can cause sudden death. Therefore, it needs to be quickly tested and treated to prevent the complications and its consequences.
4. Sinus Infection
A sinus infection can lead to the development of pimples in nose. Sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is inflammation or swelling of the tissues that line the air cavities within the passages of the nose (sinuses). The inflammation leads to the blockage of the sinuses which are then get filled with fluids.
Sinus infection is manifested by cloudy discolored nasal discharge, a stuffy nose. Bacterial sinusitis is usually treated with antibiotics while fungal sinus infections can be managed and prevented by fungal vaccines
5. Nose piercing
If a nose piercing becomes infected, it may lead to the formation of a pimple-like bump or a blister near the piercing. The lesion is usually characterized by pain and inflammation, and often produces pus (a yellowish discharge).
A nose piercing bump known as a keloid may also develop on a nose piercing. It is a thick scar that develops at the piercing site when there is an overgrowth of tissues as the body tries to repair and heal the piercing.
Pimple in Nostril
A pimple in nostril is usually very painful because there are many tiny blood vessels and nerve endings inside the nose with. The best way to care for a nostril pimple is to avoid trying to scratch or pick it. Doing this might irritate the nose lining and cause more infections, worsening the situation. However, you can try to treat the pimple with home remedies or pharmaceutical medications.
Complications of Pimple Inside Nose
When a pimple in nose gets infected, it may be dangerous because the veins inside the nose lead to the brain. In rare occasions, an infection of a pimple in the nose may spread and lead to a condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis. This is a condition whereby blood clot forms in the large vein at the base of the skull called the cavernous sinus. The typical symptoms of this condition include:
- experiencing pain in the head or a headache
- having difficulty in seeing
- feeling drowsy
- having bulging eyes
- experiencing eye pain
- having an occasional double vision
- having uneven pupils
- experiencing abnormally high fever
To diagnose cavernous sinus thrombosis, doctors use brain scans, including CT and MRI scans. They may also check for the symptoms of the condition by testing your blood or spinal fluid.
Usually, doctors use high-dose antibiotics, blood thinners to treat this condition. However, a surgery may be conducted to drain the affected area.
Painful Bump Inside Nose
A pimple in nose is likely to be very painful because there are many tiny blood vessels and nerve endings inside of the nose. Therefore, a pimple inside the nose hurts so bad because the sensitive nerves convey any slight physical distress on the pimple.
The pain of a pimple inside the nose may be aggravated if it gets infected. An infected pimple also becomes red swollen and may get filled with pus. Pimples commonly get infected with bacteria, which can be easily treated using antibiotics.
In some cases, it is a pimple-like that is actually a different condition rather than an ordinary pimple. Always see your doctor whenever a pimple inside your nose becomes painful. The doctor will be able to examine and diagnose the real problem and have you properly treated.
Small Pimple in Nose
The size of pimples varies depending on various facts such as genetic makeup and the causes of the pimples. If you have a small pimple in the nose, let it heal slowly on its own so long as it is not infected.
In case it gets infected, use antibacterial home remedies or over-the counter medications to treat it. There is no need of popping a small pimple inside your nose because it is not likely to cause much discomfort or pain.
In case you suspect another condition that is associated with the small pimple in your nose, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Big Pimple Inside Nose
When you have a big pimple in your nose, it will definitely cause much discomfort. If it gets infected, it usually builds up pus and may become inflamed and painful.
A large pimple in nose should be treated quickly or popped to get rid of the discomfort it causes, especially when it is infected. In case you are not sure whether the big lesion in your nose is an ordinary pimple, see your doctor for diagnosis.
Blind Pimple in Nose
A blind pimple is one that is located deep beneath the skin such that it does not have a visible head. It feels like a lump under the skin. It can be more painful than other pimples because it located under the skin where there are many nerve endings
You should not poke or squeeze a blind pimple inside your nose as this will only increase the risk of it getting infected. Applying a warm compress will help ease the pain and discomfort it causes. In addition, a warm compress will help bring the head of the pimple out and hence speed up the healing process.
How to Get Rid of Pimple in Nose
There are various home remedies and medical treatments for a pimple inside nose.
Home Remedies for Pimple in Nose
Home remedies can be used to speed up the healing process of a pimply in your nose. However, if the pimple is associated with other serious conditions, home remedies may not be effective. Generally, if you realize that the pimple in your nose fails to heal within one or two weeks or keeps recurring, it could be an induction of a more serious condition. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
1. Common Salt Solution
Use of a salt solution is the common and effective way of treating an ordinary pimple inside nose at home. Salt dries up the pimple making it heal faster.
Procedure
- Add a small quantity of common salt in a small amount of hot water in a bowl and let it cool.
- Using a clean cotton bud, carefully dab the solution on the pimple inside your nose repeatedly until it is completely covered by the solution.
- Now use another clean dry cotton bud to gently remove as much moisture from the pimple as you can. This is to ensure that no salt solution remains in the nose as it may cause discomfort.
2. Warm Compress
Apply a warm compress using a cotton ball soaked in warm water. Besides speeding up the healing process. A warm compress will help soothe the pimple and relieve pain.
3. Cold Compress
In case the pimple in your nose is swollen, apply a cold compress on it. Use an ice cube wrapped in a piece of clean fabric. This will help reduce the swelling, pain or inflammations on the pimple.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
Apply aloe Vera gel on the affected area it for 20 minutes before removing it with a cotton bud soaked in warm water twice a day. Aloe Vera has antibacterial and inflammatory properties that will ease the inflammation and pain and speed up the healing process of the pimple.
5. Teat tree oil
Using a cotton ball, apply diluted tea tree oil on the pimple for 5 minutes before washing it out twice every day. Tea tree oil contains antibacterial properties that help speed up the healing of the pimple.
6. Epsom Salt Solution
Epsom salt helps fight bacteria and is especially good to use on a deep or a blind pimple in nose, as it can help bring it to the surface of the skin. Apply it on the pimple for 15 minutes using a cotton ball before washing it out twice a day
7. Toothpaste
Apply white toothpaste contains mint and clove directly on the pimple to dry it out and to relieve the inflammation and swelling. This is best done overnight. Repeat it each night, washing out the paste each morning.
8. Lemmon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice works as an astringent that dries out pimples. Apply the lemon juice carefully using a cotton ball for 20 minutes before washing it out using another cotton ball soaked in lukewarm water. Do this daily.
9. Rubbing Alcohol
Apply rubbing alcohol on the pimple using a cotton ball twice daily. Rubbing alcohol will speed up the healing process because it has antiseptic properties that will destroy the bacteria on the pimple.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Use a cotton ball to apply apple cider vinegar on the pimple twice daily. Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial properties that destroy bacteria and speed up the healing process.
11. Mixture of Apple and Honey
Apply a paste made from a mixture of apple and honey for 20 minutes twice daily. Apple and honey have antibacterial properties that help speed up the healing process of the pimples.
Treatment for Pimple in Nose
Over the counter medications for a pimple in nose are generally available as gels, lotions, and creams. They include:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Resorcinol
- Salicylic acid
- Sulfur
- Azelaic acid
- Retin A
In case there are other serious conditions that are associated with pimples in your nose, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. You will suspect an underlying problem if the pimples fail to heal fast or if they recur after treatment
Should You Pop a pimple Inside Nose?
It is highly recommended that you do not pop a pimple inside your nose or anywhere else. This is because popping a pimple entails breaking the skin, which exposes it to bacterial attack. So when you pop a pimple, you put yourself at the risk of infections. Therefore, the best choice is to let the pimple heal slowly on its own.
However, there are cases where it might be necessary to pop the pimple. When a pimple is so large painful and builds-up pus, it may cause a lot of discomfort in the nose. In such a case, you may pop the pimple in order to drain it and make it heal faster. To prevent infections, wash your hands and sterilize the tools used to pop the pimple. In addition, proper aftercare on the popped pimple will keep away germs.
How to Pop a Pimple Inside Your Nose
When a pimple becomes enlarged, swollen and filled with pus, you may need to pop it to relieve yourself from the pain and discomfort it causes. Popping a pimple inside the nose may be quite challenging, considering its awkward position in the nostril.
However, with the right items and procedure, you can pop the zit in your nose with minimal pain or chance of infection. It is important to ensure that the lesion you want to pop is an ordinary pimple and not pimple-like bump that could be a sign serious condition. If you are not sure, see a doctor to examine or diagnose it first.
To carry out the procedure, you will need the following items:
- Painkillers (Ibuprofen)
- a needle
- Cotton swabs
- An antibacterial cream or ointment
Procedure:
- Step 1: Takeover-the-counter pain killers: Popping a pimple in nose might be a very painful experience, especially if it is inflamed due to an infection. The many sensitive nerve endings on the inside of your nose make the pain worse. However, you can reduce the pain by taking painkiller medication such as ibuprofen about half an hour before popping the pimple.
- Step 2: Set a mirror in a well-Lit room: Look for a well-lit room and set up a wide mirror such that you can see the inside of your nose clearly. You will need to carry out the procedure with a good view of the zit and the tools you are using. To improve on the view, you can use a magnifying mirror instead of an ordinary mirror.
- Step 3: Clean your hands and the tools to be used: Wash your hands thoroughly using an antibacterial soap. Sterilize the needle you are going to use when popping the pimple by applying rubbing alcohol on it. This will prevent infecting the pimple in your nose, which would make it worse.
- Step 4: Pierce the pimple with a needle: Prick the top part of the pimple with the tip of the needle. According to Livestrong, “The top of the zit is already dead skin, so it’s fine to prick it as long as you’re using a clean instrument”.
- Step 5: Drain the pimple with a cotton swab: Insert a cotton swab into the nose and apply slight pressure to the sides of the zit. Continue applying the pressure as you point the cotton swab on the pimple from different angles until you drain most of the fluid in the pimple. Do not strongly squeeze the skin around the pimple. This will only damage the tissue that surrounds the pimple.
- Step 6: Apply an antibacterial ointment to the area: Dab some antibacterial ointment on a clean cotton swab and brush it over and around the popped pimple. This will help protect the affected area from germs which may cause infection. In so doing, it will help speed up the healing process of the affected area.
When to Seek Medical Help over Pimple in Nose
Sometimes a pimple inside nose may cause serious health problems that require prompt medical attention, such as cavernous sinus thrombosis. See your doctor if the pimple inside your nose causes the following symptoms:
- You experience difficulty seeing or double vision
- You develop a red swollen and painful rash accompanied by a fever
- You experience dizziness or drowsiness
- You expense a sudden confusion
- Your pupils become uneven
- The pimple gets worse and painful with time
How to Prevent a Pimple Inside Nose
To prevent a pimple in your nose, you need to avoid irritating it or introducing germs into the nose. To achieve this, observe the following measures, which will prevent or minimize the chances of developing a pimple in the nose:
- Avoid picking your nose
- Avoid blowing your nose too hard or too frequently
- Observe proper nasal hygiene
- Avoid trimming your nasal hair or do it very carefully and gently.
- Treat underlying conditions and diseases that could be causing the pimple your nose, especially when they keep recurring.
Sources and References
[showhide type=”links” more_text=”Show Sources and References” less_text=”Hide Sources and References”]
- What Does Your Pimple Say About Your Health: http://www.inonit.in/acne-and-health-problems
- Pimple Inside Nose: http://www.healthline.com/health/pimple-inside-nose#overview1
- How to Get Rid of a Painful Nostril Pimple: https://bellatory.com/skin/Pimple-In-Nose-Try-This-Easy-Method-For-Rapid-Relief
- How to Pop a Zit Inside Your Nose: http://www.livestrong.com/article/320856-can-you-get-a-pimple-inside-the-nose/
- Pimples inside nose: the complete guide: https://medlicker.com/755-pimples-inside-the-nose
- A Bump inside the Nose: Causes, Treatments and Prevention: http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-articles/bump-inside-the-nose/
- Pimple Inside Nose: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments: https://healthyskinadviser.com/pimple-inside-nose/
- Pimples Inside The Nose: Causes, Care, And Treatment: https://www.curejoy.com/content/causes-of-pimples-inside-the-nose/ [/showhide]
