It’s a specific kind of misery. You feel that sharp, throbbing pressure inside your nostril, and every time you accidentally brush your face, a tear hits your eye. Having a pimple in your nose is arguably more annoying than having one on your forehead. It’s cramped, it’s humid in there, and—worst of all—it’s actually a bit dangerous if you handle it wrong. We’ve all been tempted to just reach in and squeeze. Don't do that.
Seriously.
When we talk about how to get rid of pimples in your nose, we aren't just talking about aesthetics. We're talking about a sensitive mucosal environment. Your nose is a filter. It’s full of hair follicles, mucus, and—unfortunately—Staphylococcus aureus. That bacteria is usually harmless on the skin, but when it gets trapped in a pore or a tiny scratch inside the nostril, things get ugly fast.
Why that bump inside your nose is different
Most people assume every bump is just a standard whitehead. It might be. But inside the nose, you're often dealing with folliculitis. This happens when a hair follicle gets infected. Maybe you plucked a stray nose hair (a classic mistake) or you’ve been blowing your nose constantly during flu season. The irritation creates an entry point for bacteria.
Then there’s the nasal furuncle. That’s a fancy medical term for a deep boil. If you feel a firm, incredibly painful lump that makes the outside of your nose red or swollen, you aren't looking at a simple zit. You’re looking at a localized infection that needs real care. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin infections in the "danger triangle" of the face—the area from the corners of your mouth to the bridge of your nose—can theoretically spread to the brain via the cavernous sinus. It’s rare. Like, really rare. But it’s the reason doctors get so twitchy when you tell them you tried to pop a deep nose pimple with a safety pin.
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Is it even a pimple?
Sometimes it isn't acne at all.
- Vestibulitis: This is a low-grade infection at the opening of the nostril, usually causing crusting and redness.
- Cold Sores: Herpes simplex virus can show up inside the nose. It tingles or burns before it appears.
- Dryness: Sometimes it’s just a crusty bit of skin that’s become inflamed.
How to get rid of pimples in your nose safely
If it’s a standard, shallow pimple, you can treat it at home. The goal is to draw the gunk out without breaking the skin barrier ourselves.
The Warm Compress Method
This is your best friend. Take a clean washcloth. Soak it in warm water—not scalding, just comfortably hot. Press it against the inside or outside of the nostril for about ten minutes. Do this three times a day. The heat increases blood flow and helps the pimple "come to a head" or dissolve on its own. It’s boring. It takes patience. But it works better than almost anything else.
Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide
You can use these, but be incredibly careful. The skin inside your nose is thin. If you use a 10% benzoyl peroxide cream meant for your back, you’re going to chemical burn your nostril. Stick to a 2% salicylic acid solution. Apply it with a Q-tip. Just a tiny dab. This helps unclog the pore.
Antibiotic Ointment
Over-the-counter options like Bacitracin or Polysporin are solid choices. Use a clean cotton swab to apply a thin layer. This keeps the area moist and kills off the surface bacteria that’s trying to move into the pore. Avoid Neosporin if you have sensitive skin, as many people have a mild allergy to neomycin which can actually make the redness worse.
What happens if you pop it?
Honestly, you probably shouldn't. I know the urge. It’s right there. You think one quick squeeze will end the pressure.
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But here is what actually happens: you push the bacteria deeper into the tissue. Because the nose is a confined space, the "explosion" of the pimple often goes inward rather than outward. This can lead to cellulitis, a spreading skin infection that requires oral antibiotics. If the area starts to feel warm to the touch or you see red streaks, get to an urgent care.
Dr. Sandra Lee (the famous Pimple Popper) often notes that the pressure required to pop a deep-seated bump in a sensitive area like the nose causes more trauma than the pimple itself. You end up with a scab that won't heal because you're constantly breathing and moving your nose. It’s a mess.
Prevention: Keeping the nostrils clear
If you get these frequently, something in your routine is off.
- Stop plucking. Use a nose hair trimmer instead. Plucking pulls the hair out by the root and leaves an open microscopic wound.
- Wash your hands. We touch our noses way more than we realize. Every time you "adjust" something, you're depositing bacteria.
- Humidity matters. If your house is dry, your nasal membranes crack. Cracks are doors for bacteria. Use a humidifier at night.
- Clean your CPAP or oxygen mask. If you use medical equipment that touches your nose, it needs to be sterilized daily. These are breeding grounds for Staph.
When to see a doctor
Most nose pimples vanish in 3 to 5 days. If it’s been a week and it’s getting bigger, or if you start running a fever, that’s a red flag. A doctor might need to perform an "incision and drainage" or prescribe a topical mupirocin ointment (Bactroban). This is much stronger than the stuff you buy at the drugstore and is specifically designed to kill nasal bacteria colonizations.
Steps for immediate relief
If you're reading this because your nose hurts right now, follow this sequence:
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- Clean the area gently with a mild, fragrance-free soap. No scrubbing.
- Apply a warm compress for 10 minutes to soften the skin.
- Apply a tiny amount of 1% hydrocortisone if it's purely itchy and inflamed, or a dab of antibiotic ointment if it looks like an infection.
- Take an ibuprofen to help with the internal swelling.
- Hands off. Don't check it in the mirror every 20 minutes. The more you touch it, the longer it stays.
Focus on keeping the area hydrated. Often, what we think is a recurring pimple is actually a chronic dry spot that keeps getting infected because we pick at the dry skin. Applying a little bit of plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline) inside the nostril with a clean Q-tip can create a barrier that lets the skin heal without forming a painful crust.
Next Steps for Recovery
Stop checking the mirror. If the pain is radiating toward your eye or forehead, book an appointment with a primary care physician or a dermatologist today. Otherwise, stick to the warm compresses three times daily and let your body's immune system do the heavy lifting. Stay hydrated to keep your mucous membranes from drying out and cracking further.