Acne Nose!? Here's how to fix it
Sunday 8 January 2023
Pimples on the nose are often painful. This condition can be caused by clogged pores or nasal hairs that grow into the skin. Apart from that, pimples on the nose can also be a sign of an infection in the nose, such as nasal vestibulitis and nasal furuncles.
Causes of Acne on the Nose
Acne generally occurs when there are hormonal changes that cause excess oil production. Excess oil mixed with dead skin cells will clog the follicles. If this blockage is infected with normal bacteria that are on the skin, inflammation will occur in the form of pimples.
Likewise with the inside of the nose which consists of many pores and hair follicles. Although acne generally occurs on the surface of the skin, pimples on the inside of the nose can also occur. There are two types of infection that may occur when a person feels a pimple inside the nose, including:
- Nasal vestibulitis
In nasal vestibulitis, the infection is usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. This condition appears like pimples or a collection of reddish pimples on the tip of the nostrils. Acute nasal vestibulitis will cause skin redness, swelling, and pain to the touch.
- Nasal furuncles
Nasal furuncles are boils or lumps filled with pus that are very large and are located deeper in the nose. This condition is caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Nasal furuncles need to be treated by a doctor immediately, because severe infections can cause cellulitis. Cellulitis itself can spread to the blood vessels to the brain and cause meningitis.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis (TSC)
In more severe cases, pimples on the nose due to a bacterial infection in the nose run the risk of causing blockage of the blood vessels of the brain. This condition is also known as cavernous sinus thrombosis. Symptoms include headaches, visual disturbances, bulging eyeballs, and high fever.
How to Overcome Acne on the Nose
If you have pimples on your nose accompanied by several symptoms, such as headaches and fever, consult a doctor immediately. Later, the doctor will examine the condition of your acne and do an MRI or CT scan if an infection is suspected in the nose or sinuses.
Furthermore, acne on the nose will be treated according to the cause. Here are some ways to deal with pimples on the nose:
1. Administration of antibiotics
If it is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will usually give antibiotics in the form of an ointment, such as bacitracin or mupirocin. Apart from that, there is also the possibility that the doctor will give antibiotics that must be taken or give both to speed up the healing process.
If the pimple on the nose has become a severe infection, antibiotic treatment needs to be given through an IV in the hospital. In fact, sometimes it is necessary to perform surgical drainage (pus removing) to prevent swelling in the infected area of the pimple on the inside of the nose.
2. Warm compresses
In addition to treatment with antibiotics, nasal vestibulitis can be treated by applying warm compresses to the nose three times a day for 15–20 minutes. This aims to help dry out pimples and reduce pain.
3. Administration of pain relievers
If the pain from a pimple on your nose doesn't get better with warm compresses, you may need to take pain relievers. However, be sure to consult a doctor regarding the choice of painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
4. Apply essential oil
The use of essential oils or essential oils aims to provide a feeling of relief on the inside of the nose. However, make sure you are not allergic to essential oils before using them.
There are several essential oils that you can use to treat pimples on your nose, including:
- Thyme
- Cinnamon
- Rosemary
- Tea tree oil
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
In addition to the several methods above, never squeeze pimples on the inside of the nose, because this will make the skin pores more susceptible to bacterial infections. Also avoid touching the pimple on the inside of the nose too often, so that the healing process is faster.
Acne on the inside of the nose should be immediately examined by an ENT specialist. Moreover, if acne does not go away or is accompanied by dizziness, fever, confusion, visual disturbances, pain in the face and around the eyes, and swelling of the eyes.
It is important to take proper care of acne on the nose so that it does not cause permanent scars or even dangerous complications. Follow the doctor's advice and use the medicine prescribed by the doctor.