A pimple, spot, or zit in the nose often results from a blocked pore or ingrown nose hair. However, a pimple in the nose can sometimes indicate a more severe condition, such as an infection.

A pimple inside a nostril can be sore, irritating, and distracting. This article discusses some common causes of a pimple inside the nose and suggests potential treatments and methods of prevention.

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Ingrown hairs can occur anywhere on the body. In the nose, they tend to happen when a person attempts to remove nasal hairs by shaving, waxing, or using tweezers. Fragments of the hair sometimes grow back into the skin, causing an ingrown hair.

It is common to get a pimple at the site of the ingrown hair. Other signs and symptoms can include:

  • irritated skin
  • itching
  • pain
  • tenderness

Often, an ingrown hair will get better without treatment, but a person should consider seeing a doctor for persistent or severe symptoms. A doctor may recommend using a topical ointment for pain or oral antibiotics for infected pimples.

Avoid removing additional nose hairs until symptoms resolve.

Nasal vestibulitis is an infection in a nasal vestibule, the front part of the nasal cavity. It typically results from:

  • picking the nose
  • excessively blowing the nose
  • having a nose piercing

The bacteria Staphylococcus (staph) cause the infection, which leads to the formation of red or white bumps inside the nose. The infection also causes:

Other potential causes of nasal vestibulitis include:

  • a viral infection, such as herpes simplex
  • a persistent runny nose, which can result from allergies
  • upper respiratory infections

Mild cases of nasal vestibulitis may get better with a topical antibiotic cream, such as bacitracin. More severe infections, which cause boils, may require both topical and oral antibiotic treatments.

Nasal furuncles are boils that occur deep in the nose. This condition is concerning because it may result in cellulitis, a serious skin infection that can enter the bloodstream and be life threatening if left untreated.

Signs of cellulitis include:

  • chills
  • fever
  • red streaks on the skin
  • skin dimpling
  • swelling

Typically, cellulitis requires at least 1 week of oral antibiotic treatment. People should also rest and take pain-relieving medications, if necessary, to reduce discomfort.

Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is a long-term autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body. Autoimmune means that a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues within their body.

The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. This condition mostly affects women, and people typically develop lupus between the ages of 15 and 44 years.

During a flareup, lupus sometimes causes ulcers sores inside the nose, which may feel similar to a pimple. However, most people with the condition will notice other, more severe symptoms that can include:

  • muscles aches
  • chest pain
  • hair loss
  • persistent dry eyes
  • confusion
  • fatigue
  • unexplained fever
  • headache
  • joint pain or swelling
  • memory loss
  • red rashes, often on the face
  • shortness of breath

If someone experiences any of these symptoms, they may wish to seek advice from a doctor.

Skin cancer on the nose can look similar to a pimple at first. It may begin as an area of discoloration or a rough patch that then develops into a bump or sore.

People should see a doctor if a pimple in the nose gets progressively larger or more painful. They should seek urgent medical attention for any of the following symptoms:

  • changes in vision, such as seeing double
  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • fever
  • pupils that are different sizes
  • a red, swollen, and painful rash

Very rarely, an infected pimple in the nose can cause cavernous sinus thrombosis, which is a blood clot in the cavernous sinus vein at the base of the skull. This condition can be a complication of nasal furuncles.

To diagnose the underlying cause of the pimple, a doctor will ask a person about their symptoms and carry out a visual inspection. For certain types of infection, a doctor may suggest an MRI or CT scan or take a blood sample to help confirm their diagnosis.

Until a pimple in the nose heals, several home treatments can alleviate the accompanying symptoms. Home remedies for nose pimples include:

Basic hygiene and skin care

Avoid touching or picking the inside of the nose, as this can increase the risk of a blocked pore or bacterial infection. It can also cause existing pimples to leave a scar.

Do not blow the nose too hard, as this can spread any infection and make pain and discomfort worse.

People with nasal vestibulitis should not share towels with others, as this increases the risk of passing on the infection.

Warm compress

Apply a warm, moist compress to the inside of the nose to reduce pain and discomfort. Repeat this treatment up to three times daily, for 20 minutes at a time, until the pimple goes away.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers

If a pimple or skin infection in the nose is causing pain, taking an OTC pain medication may help. OTC painkillers include:

Topical antiseptics

Topical antiseptic ointments and oils may provide pain relief. A doctor or pharmacist can recommend a suitable OTC remedy.

Alternatively, tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic treatment. Dilute it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying to the inside of the nose. Do not use undiluted essential oils on the delicate nasal lining.

Popping a pimple, or picking at it, can increase the risk of a bacterial infection. To avoid this, allow the pimple to heal on its own.

If a pimple is causing considerable discomfort, a doctor can drain it safely with minimal risk of infection.

A person can reduce the risk of developing a pimple in the nose by:

  • avoiding picking the nose
  • not blowing the nose too vigorously or too often
  • washing the hands before and after touching the nose and face
  • taking care when removing nose hairs, and always using clean equipment and clean hands
  • avoiding or managing stress, as this can lower immunity and slow down healing time

A pimple in the nose can cause pain and discomfort, but it is often harmless and will go away on its own. However, sometimes, it can be the sign of a more serious health condition.

Pimples in the nose can be caused by ingrown hairs, infections, and lupus. See a doctor for any pimple that gets progressively larger or more painful or occurs alongside other symptoms.

To treat a pimple in the nose at home, try using a warm compress, applying diluted tea tree oil, and OTC pain medications.