Why You Get Pimples Inside Your Nose (And What to Do About Them)

We’ve heard of getting pimples on nearly every part of the body, including the face, scalp, chest, back and even butt. But have you ever gotten a pimple inside your nostril? If you have, then you know just how painful these blemishes are and how tricky they can be to treat. Here, we tapped Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert, and Nicole Hatfield, an esthetician at Pomp Beauty to figure out what exactly causes pimples in your nose and how to deal with them.

What Causes Pimples Inside the Nose?

“If you notice pain or swelling in a localized area within the nose, it is most likely a pimple,” says Hatfield. According to Dr. King, a pimple inside the nose can be caused by several things, including a clogged pore with surrounding inflammation, an ingrown hair or a bacterial skin infection like folliculitis. 

Why Can Pimples Inside the Nose Be So Painful?

“Pimples inside the nose tend to be more painful because our pores in this area are larger and can clog more easily, causing a deeper, more painful pimple known as a nodule,” explains Hatfield. 

How Can You Address Pimples Inside the Nose? 

Both Dr. King and Hatfield explain that pimples in the nose typically heal on their own within a few days. To relieve discomfort, use a warm compress and carefully apply topical skincare products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Hatfield recommends using a cotton swab to gently clean the area and apply a spot treatment, such as the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment with benzoyl peroxide.

As you’re waiting for your pimple to heal, avoid touching, picking or even blowing your nose too frequently as doing so can introduce more bacteria to the area and lead to potential infection. If you notice that your pimple has not healed after a few days and continues to become more painful, Dr. King says it’s important to see your dermatologist to come up with a more targeted treatment plan.