Pimple inside nose is a rare condition, often dissimilar from pimples that develop on the face and other parts of the body.It is different in the sense that it is problematic to locate, and that the sebum within the infected follicle hardens into a cyst and causes deep-rooted infection and elevated inflammation.
A pimple is an abnormal bump on skin caused due to an infected hair follicle. The skin remains supple and healthy due to the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands. Different people experience varied amounts of skin oil production. Individuals with increased oil production are more likely to suffer from pimples than others. This is because the oil is more likely to thicken in the hair follicles and develop into sebum in people with oily skin. The sebum irritates the cells present within the follicle and accumulates dead skin cells which clogs the hair follicle. Bacteria then invade these follicles to feed on the dead cells, thereby causing infection, inflammation, and eventual formation of pimples.
Pimple inside nose typically develops due to folliculitis wherein the lower end of the hair follicle present within the nose experiences infection. It mostly occurs when the bacteria living inside the nose experience some imbalance. Pimples inside nose are also associated with prolonged or increased use of antibiotics which destroy the good bacteria and promote the growth of bad bacteria inside nose.Other causes of pimple inside nose are quite rare as the mucus layer within the nose inhibits the production of skin oil.
Causes of pimple inside nose
Pimple inside nose can develop due to many different causes. Infection or irritation of a pore inside nose typically results in the formation of a painful pimple inside nose. Such pimples often take a long time to heal thereby causing problems in effective and quick treatment.
Some of the common causes of pimple inside nose are discussed below:
- Folliculitis due to medicines: Prolonged use of acne drugs can result in folliculitis, i.e., infection of the hair follicles. Chronic antibiotic use can facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria within the nose. Most instances are resolved by discontinuing the use of antibiotics. Application of wet warm compresses on the affected area, several times per day, can help reduce the infection and alleviate discomfort.
- Clogged pores: The moist and wet surroundings of the nose is ideal for bacteria to thrive. Increased bacteria inside nose can cause pimples to form. The nasal environment cannot be changed and hence treating pimples inside nose can be quite problematic. Use a cotton swab soaked in a mild astringent to clean the nostrils on an everyday basis so as to clear the bacteria and decrease pimple formation.
- Dermatitis: It is a condition caused as an allergic reaction after exposure to a particular allergen, such as solvents and chemicals present in perfume, cosmetics, and latex and rubber products. Pimple inside nose which occurs along with swelling and redness can be a symptom of dermatitis. The presence of nickel in nasal jewelry can also cause allergic reactions and skin allergies.
- Removal of nasal hair: When the hair inside nose is trimmed with a scissor it can cause minor nicks which can then become infected and cause a pimple inside nose. Non-removal of trimmed hair parts from inside the nose can cause it to get inside the pores, irritate them, and lead to pimple formation. It is important to remove such trimmed hair from within the pores before commencing any kind of treatment.
- Nasal vestibulitis:Excessive nose picking, sticking an object inside the nose, or frequent nose blowing, can damage the sensitive nerve endings present inside nose, and cause scratches and broken capillaries. Such wounds are vulnerable to bacterial infections, eventually resulting in a condition called nasal vestibulitis. The resultant pimple inside nose may experience bleeding on impact or scab over causing increased pain and discomfort. OTC creams like mupirocin or bacitracin can be used to treat such infections.
- Irritants in the air: Contact with environmental irritants can also cause pimple inside nose. Dust, chemical propellants, debris, etc. present in the air are inhaled by us on a daily basis. They get absorbed by the cells occurring in the nasal lining, eventually causing a pimple to develop in a few hours.
Treatment of pimple inside nose
It is best to consult a doctor before using any home-remedy for treating a pimple inside nose.
OTC topical meds cannot be used haphazardly. It is first important to clean the affected nostril with warm water so as to get rid of accumulated dirt and debris. Then use a cotton swab to apply the cream on the pimple inside nose. It will help decrease pain and discomfort.
Popping a pimple inside nose: Pricking or popping a pimple inside nose is recommended by many as an effective way to get rid of the problem. It is however important for patients to first consult a doctor before popping the pimple. This is because, if improperly done, the procedure can result in damage to the hair follicles occurring in the adjacent areas, which can then lead to development of additional pimples inside nose. Premature popping can cause similar effects in addition to bleeding and injury to the sensitive skin present within the nose. When a pimple is popped, the pus that oozes out is full of live bacteria which can spread and cause more infection. It is therefore best for patients to wait till the pimple develops a head and explodes on its own so as to prevent any further infection.
If the pimple inside nose is causing increased discomfort and pain, then you may consult a doctor, and later follow the steps given below to pop the pimple.
- An inflamed pimple inside nose can make the area very tender. Hence take a pain killer 30 minutes before popping the pimple.
- Go to a well-lit room. Tilt the magnifying glass at an angle which offers a clear view of the pimple inside nose.
- Use an antibacterial soap to wash your hands. Then sterilize a sewing needle in alcohol and pop the pimple with it. This will prevent the spread of infection.
- Insert the needle through the top of the pimple. Do not squeeze the surrounding areas. After puncturing the pimple use a cotton bud to apply pressure and remove the remaining pus.
- Clean the area with a cotton swab dipped in an antibacterial ointment.