How Do I Get Rid of a Pimple on My Nose Fast?

Medically Reviewed on 4/18/2022

What is a nose pimple?

To get rid of a pimple on your nose fast, putting acne cream on the site can help. If your pimple is not external, keep in mind that the inside of your nose is sensitive and can be more irritated by acne medications than your skin.
To get rid of a pimple on your nose fast, putting acne cream on the site can help. If your pimple is not external, keep in mind that the inside of your nose is sensitive and can be more irritated by acne medications than your skin.

Acne is a very common skin condition that can appear almost anywhere on your body. There are two types of acne: acne vulgaris and acne rosacea. Your nose can be particularly prone to acne because of larger pores and increased oil production. Pimples around your nose can be especially painful and can be worsened by picking at them. The best treatment for a pimple on your nose is to leave it alone. 

Nose acne can be caused by either acne vulgaris or acne rosacea. The exact cause of the pimple on your nose depends on the type of acne you have. The nose is one of the most common places for pimples to appear. This is because pores are typically larger on your nose and can clog more easily.

The pimple on your nose may look different depending on the type of acne you have. Acne vulgaris is caused by clogged pores from dead skin, dirt, or bacteria. This type of acne comes in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, and pus-filled bumps. Acne rosacea is a type of rosacea caused by enlarged blood vessels. Pimple-like bumps form on your skin due to inflammation. This is different from traditional acne. 

How do you know you have a nose pimple?

Nose pimples are fairly easy to recognize on your own. A nose pimple may form as a whitehead or blackhead, or it may form under the skin. It can be painful in either case and can worsen when you pick at it. 

However, the pimple on your nose could be a cold sore or folliculitis. Cold sores can look like pimples, but they will continue to show up in the same spot and scab as they heal. Cold sores can be tender and painful but will typically go away in about a week. 

Folliculitis is an infection stemming from your hair follicle. In some cases, the follicle may be infected with staphylococcus (staph) bacteria and will be red and swollen. The bump can look like acne, but picking at it can make the infection worse.

If you have a painful bump on your nose that you can’t identify, you should consult a dermatologist to determine what’s causing the pain

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Treatments for a nose pimple

To get rid of a pimple on your nose fast, putting acne cream on the site can help. If your pimple is not external, keep in mind that the inside of your nose is sensitive and can be more irritated by acne medications than your skin. 

Medications

To treat traditional acne you can try salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid is most effective at treating acne vulgaris. It works by removing excess dead skin cells around the hair follicle. Medicated toners, creams, and spot treatments can also help break down bacteria.

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications such as tetracycline, brimonidine, and isotretinoin. These can be combined with nighttime retinoids to reduce redness and swelling and help prevent future breakouts. 

Home care

Having a healthy skincare routine and washing your face daily can help prevent pimples. Using a gel-based cleanser can help as well. Applying ice to your pimple can reduce inflammation and redness. A warm wash rag can be used to draw out oil and pus from deep within your skin. 

Alternative therapies

Depending on the severity of your pimples, your dermatologist may recommend alternative therapies. These include: 

Possible complications and side effects

If you have a pimple on your nose, you may want to pop it or pick at it. However, using your fingers to pick at your pimple can cause inflammation and make the spot worse. You can also get bacteria in your follicle and cause infection. This can cause scabbing and scarring on your face.

You could experience possible complications from medicines prescribed to treat pimples. If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, you may notice some side effects. 

Can retinol help with acne? 9 acne treatments

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and a common skin care ingredient that may help treat mild to severe acne and improve the appearance of the skin.

Available in serums, gels, toners, and wipes and directly applied on cleansed skin, retinol works by exfoliating the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) to remove dirt, dead skin cells, and oil from the pores. Tiny molecules of retinol can also go deep into the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and increase the production of collagen and elastin. 

Retinol can unclog blocked pores and improve cell turnover, which can reduce inflammation and help the skin repair itself.

Are there any side effects to using retinol?

Retinols come in various concentrations, and it is important to perform a patch test 24-72 hours before using retinol over a large area of skin. Some people complain of mild itching and burning on the skin with retinol application.

Start with a concentration of 0.5% and then gradually increase the strength as your skin adjusts to it. Make sure to use sunscreen while using retinol because it can increase sun sensitivity. Never apply vitamin C serum, salicylic acid, or any other exfoliating agent over retinol because it can cause extreme skin irritation. Do not use retinol serum if you are pregnant and lactating because retinol is known to be teratogenic, especially if ingested.

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition caused by pores clogged by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, etc. They mainly appear on the face, forehead, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Acne mainly presents as whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, cysts, and nodules. 

Multiple factors can lead to the development of acne, including genetics, hormone fluctuations, stress, high humidity, oily skin, and certain skin care products. Although common among teenagers, they can affect anyone at any age. 

Advanced medications and therapies may help eliminate or minimize the underlying factors that contribute to acne.

9 treatment options for acne

  1. Benzoyl peroxide: Available as a leave-on gel or face wash, which mainly targets surface bacteria that aggravate acne. Lower concentrations and milder formulations are less irritating to the skin.
  2. Salicylic acid: Used as a cleanser or toner to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. It prevents the hair follicles from clogging by dissolving dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.
  3. Azelaic acid: Can effectively kill microorganisms on the skin and reduce inflammation.
  4. Oral contraceptives: Reduce acne formation associated with menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations or polycystic ovarian disease.
  5. Steroids: Treat severe acne and can be injected into large nodules to reduce inflammation.
  6. Lasers (ablative and nonablative): Primarily used to treat acne scars by using heat to promote collagen growth. Heat is applied to the scarred area and stimulates the body’s wound healing response to produce new collagen.
  7. Chemical peels: Used to exfoliate the top layer of the skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars. As the top layer gets removed, the new skin that grows in is smoother.
  8. Photodynamic therapy: Involves using medication and a special light or laser to minimize oil production and bacteria.
  9. Dermabrasion: Rotating brush is used to exfoliate the top layers of the skin and treat acne scarring. Microdermabrasion is a milder form of this treatment.

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Medically Reviewed on 4/18/2022
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association: "Lasers and Lights: How Well Do They Treat Acne?."

Cleveland Clinic: "Dermabrasion & Microdermabrasion."

Cleveland Clinic: "A Dermatologist's Advice on How to Get Rid of a Pimple — Stat!."

Cochrane: "Treatments for rosacea."

Intermountain Healthcare: "Should You Pop That Pimple?"

Kids Health: "Should I Pop My Pimple."

Kids Health: "Tips for Taking Care of Your Skin."

Mayo Clinic: "Folliculitis."

Mindful: "Meditation: good for the brain, good for the skin too."

Peace Health: "Acne: Treatment with Salicylic Acid."

Stanford Medicine: "Differentiating Acne Vulgaris vs. Acne Rosacea."

University of Wisconsin Madison Health: "Dr. Jacqueline Gerhart: What's This Red Thing On My Lip?."

Image Source: "iStock Images."

WebMD: "How to Get Rid of Blackheads."

Cleveland Clinic: "When Should Men See a Dermatologist for Adult Acne?"

Medscape: "Is Acne Vulgaris More Common in Men or Women?"

American Academy of Dermatology: "Skin Care Tips for Men."