Experts explain how to get rid of acne on your nose

If you suffer from any type of adult acne, you probably have blemishes in a number of places, such as pimples on your ears, pimples on your butt, or pimples on your chin. But what should I do if I have acne on my nose? Although a pimple on your nose may be invisible to others, it can be painful and is often difficult to treat. Plus, you might be wondering how to get rid of a blemish in such a delicate area, or if it's acne (hint: it's probably not). 

 It's understandable that acne on your nose can be annoying and uncomfortable, but is it worth worrying about? "While this isn't necessarily alarming, if it doesn't go away, it's important to get it checked out," says Marisa Garshick, MD, a leading board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York City. ) explain. "Given that the location of the nose is sometimes difficult to identify, it's best to see someone who can help evaluate and determine the cause."

After all, it might not be a pimple at all. If not, the way to get rid of that annoying, painful lump may look a little different. Next, learn how to tell what's going on in your nose, how to get rid of acne on your nose, and more. With the help of our dermatologists, you'll be breathing more comfortably in no time. 

 What causes acne on the nose?

The nose, like the rest of the face, has hair follicles and pores, and unfortunately, they are susceptible to dirt, oil, and bacteria, sometimes leading to the formation of acne. 

 "Pimples on the nose may be caused by inflammation of the nose hair follicles or clogged pores or sebaceous glands," explains Dr. Gashik. "It can also be caused by a bacterial infection or an ingrown hair."

People with weakened immune systems or diabetes (due to high blood sugar, which increases the risk of infection) are more likely than others to develop pimples or other bumps on the nose and infections, notes Dr. Gashik firmly. Additionally, "certain habits that may increase the risk of nasal irritation include picking your nose, blowing your nose too hard or too frequently, and hair removal techniques," she continues. 

 Here's how to know for sure it's actually a pimple

"Determining whether it's actually a pimple or something else can depend on its appearance and associated symptoms," explains Dr. Gashik. "If it doesn't go away, gets bigger, or bleeds easily, it should be checked." 

 What else could this lump be? PhD. They can be cold sores, which often have a burning or stinging sensation and may cause blisters, Gashik said. "Other possibilities, especially if it doesn't go away, could be a wart growth or cancer," she says.

Alternatively, you may have folliculitis, explains Karan Lal, a dual board-certified adult, pediatric and specialty-trained cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona. Folliculitis, which usually manifests as very painful, angry-looking red bumps on the nose, is caused by bacteria that invade the hair follicles, causing inflammation and infection. 

 Or it could be something completely different. "Some people may have polyps in their noses," the doctor continued. Lal is gone. "Polyps in the nose are not painful, but they often make it difficult for people with allergies and asthma to breathe." Polyps are benign tissue growths that appear as pink bumps and may be more common in people with allergies, a deviated septum, or chronic sinus problems .

How to Treat Acne on Nose 

 While acne on the nose usually goes away on its own, Dr. Garsik warns that if you experience symptoms such as increased pain, fever or swelling, or if the bumps don't go away, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor can help determine what's going on and prescribe topical or oral antibiotics depending on the severity of the pimple on your nose, the doctor explains. Lal.

However, if you are looking for ways to relieve your symptoms at home, here are some things you can do. First, make sure to keep your nose clean and try using a saline nasal spray or ointment like petroleum jelly to keep your nasal passages moist and reduce pain, says Dr. Lal. Applying heat to the outside of the nose can also help treat rhinitis and acne in the nose, Dr. However, Lal warns against applying anything to the inside of the nose to avoid burns.  Is it safe to have acne on your nose? If you're wondering how to pop acne on your nose, the first thing you should know is that Dr. Garshick and Dr. Lal says this is not a good idea. 

"People should avoid getting acne on their nose as it carries the risk of spreading infection because this area has a connection to the brain known as the danger triangle," warns Dr. Gashik. "In general, breakouts should be avoided as they can make breakouts worse. Cause more inflammation and increase the likelihood of scarring." How to prevent acne on your nose If you've suffered from a painful blemish in the past, preventing it in the future may be your top priority. To avoid these nasty bumps, try limiting certain risk factors. 

Step 1: If you pick your nose frequently, stop. Why? "Because (acne-causing) bacteria live in our skin, there's only one chance that's going to happen if they get from our skin into our nose," explains Dr. Lal. “Don’t pull any hairs out of your nose, either,” Dr. says. Lal is gone. "If you want, you can buy a nose trimmer and use this method to remove hair." Plucking or waxing -- similar to blowing your nose forcefully -- can cause irritation and make it easier for bacteria to enter the pores and hair follicles in your nose. If you have persistent breakouts on your nose, decolonization therapy is also an option. This includes a series of antibiotics prescribed by doctors that "can help prevent them from coming back," explains Dr. Lal.