Painful or Deep Pimples on Nose? Here’s What Causes Them & How to Treat Safely

November 25, 2025

Dr. Shraddha Pitalia

3 min read

176

A women pointing her pimples on nose

Did you wake up with a pimple on your nose that was not there last night? It’s frustrating, especially when that little bump sits right in the middle of your face. You might be asking, “Is this just a nose zit?” Or something weird underneath the skin? Why do I always get breakouts on my nose, even when the rest of my face is clear? But the truth is, nose zits are extremely common. The nose has large pores and overactive oil glands, making it one of the most acne-prone zones on your face. Whether it’s deep pimples on the nose, painful pimples inside the nose, or small pustules on nose, understanding the real cause is key to clear, smooth skin. In this comprehensive guide, we are going to walk through what causes pimples on nose, what different types of pimples on the nose might indicate, how to treat nose pimples safely and effectively, and how to prevent nose pimples.

What Causes Pimples on Nose?

Pimples on nose

We all know that our nose contains oil glands. The sebaceous glands here are larger and more active than most other parts of your face, which makes this area prone to breakouts around the nose and blocked pores. Here is a breakdown of some nose pimple causes:

  • Excess Oil and Clogged Pores: Overproduction of sebum mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, leading to zits on nose, spots on nose, or even nose cysts and pimples. These clogged pores form whiteheads, blackheads, or painful red bumps.
  • Hormonal Changes: Hormonal surges, especially during puberty, menstruation, or stress, can trigger breakouts on the nose. Increased androgen levels stimulate oil glands, causing repeated pimples on the side of the nose or pimples on the nose tip.
  • Friction and External Irritation: Constant rubbing from eyeglasses, face masks, or touching your face transfers bacteria, worsening breakouts around the nose or pimples in the corner of the nose. Even excessive nose wiping can lead to pimples under the nose or pimples underneath the nose.
  • Inside the Nose Pimples: Sometimes, the pimple in the nose develops within the nasal cavity. This is called nasal vestibulitis—an infection of the hair follicles inside the nostril. These painful pimples in the nose are more serious and need medical care.
  • Stress, Diet, and Lifestyle: A poor diet, lack of sleep, and high stress increase inflammation and oil production.

What Does Your Nose Breakout Indicate? Pimples on the Nose Meaning

Many people ask, “What does a pimple on the nose mean?” In some facial mapping traditions, pimples on the nose mean internal imbalances, often linked to hormones or poor digestion.

From a dermatological perspective, however, it means your sebaceous glands are overactive, your pores are blocked, or your hygiene routine needs an upgrade.

Types of Pimples on the Nose: Which Type is Yours?

Before discussing the treatments that help to get rid of your pimples on your nose, let’s discuss which type you are dealing with. Here are some of the common types:

TypesDescriptionCommon Causes
WhiteheadsClosed clogged poresExcess oil, dead skin
BlackheadsOpen clogged poresOxidized sebum
PapulesSmall red bumpsInflammation, bacteria
PustulesRed bumps with pusInfected clogged pores
NodulesDeep, painful bumpsHormonal imbalance
CystsLarge pus-filled lesionsDeep infection

If you have deep pimples on your nose or recurring zits on your nose, it might be time to visit a dermatologist for professional nose pimple treatment.

How to Get Rid of a Pimple on Nose—Dermatologist’s Guide

Step 1: Gentle Cleansing

Start by cleansing twice daily with a non-comedogenic face wash. This helps remove oil, dirt, and impurities that clog pores.

Tip: Over-washing can irritate skin and worsen nose zits. Keep it balanced.

Step 2: Use Active Ingredients

Use dermatologically approved ingredients that target acne:

  • Salicylic Acid: Penetrates oil and unclogs pores.
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
  • Niacinamide: Soothes redness and strengthens the skin barrier.
  • Topical Retinoids: Promote cell turnover to prevent clogged pores.

These are effective for how to get rid of a pimple on the nose and also prevent new breakouts on the nose.

Step 3: Don’t Pop or Squeeze

Popping a pimple on the nose tip or a pustule on the nose can push bacteria deeper and lead to scarring. Remember, the nose lies in an area where infections can spread rapidly.

Step 4: Warm Compress for Painful Pimples

For painful pimples in the nose or deep pimples on nose, a warm compress can reduce pain and swelling. Apply it for 10 minutes twice a day.

Step 5: Consultation with a Dermatologist for Persistent Pimples

If your nose pimple redness or painful zit doesn’t improve in a week, you might need advanced nose pimple treatment solutions:

Cortisone injections for cystic pimples:

For large, painful, or swollen cystic pimples on the nose, dermatologists may administer a small cortisone injection directly into the lesion. This helps:

  • Instantly reduce inflammation and swelling
  • Flatten the cyst within 24–48 hours
  • Prevent the formation of scars or dark spots

This procedure is quick, virtually painless, and ideal for those dealing with painful pimples in the nose or before important events where you need visible results fast.

Oral or Topical Antibiotics for Infected Nose Zits

If the pimple on your nose is red, tender, and warm to the touch, it may be infected. Dermatologists often prescribe topical antibiotics to kill surface bacteria and oral antibiotics for deeper infections. These help reduce inflammation, clear bacteria, and prevent the spread of infection, especially for pimples inside the nose or pimples underneath the nose caused by follicular infections (nasal vestibulitis).

Chemical Peels and Carbon Laser Toning for Breakouts on Nose

To treat persistent breakouts on nose, these advanced procedures are recommended:

Chemical peel treatment
  • Chemical Peels: Medical-grade peels exfoliate dead skin, unclog pores, and lighten acne marks.
  • Carbon Laser Toning: A combination of carbon lotion and Q-switched ND-YAG laser helps improve texture for smoother, clearer skin.

These treatments are customized to your skin type, acne severity, and sensitivity level.

Whether you are struggling with recurring pimples on the nose, painful cystic acne, or acne scars, our goal is to help you achieve lasting, healthy, and blemish-free skin.

Evenly Tip: Early dermatological intervention not only clears existing pimples faster but also prevents scarring and recurrence, giving you long-term results with minimal downtime.”

Home Remedies for Nose Pimples

Natural remedies can help mild cases of nose zits or small nose pimples, but they must be used carefully.

  • Aloe Vera Gel: Soothes inflammation and heals.
  • Diluted Tea Tree Oil: Has antibacterial properties, but avoid overuse.
  • Honey Mask: Reduces bacterial growth.
  • Ice Compress: Shrinks swelling and eases pain.

Always do a patch test before applying any home remedy near the nose.

Note: Avoid using undiluted essential oils or harsh ingredients inside or around the nose.

How to Treat Pimples in Your Nose (Internal Pimples)

A pimple inside your nose is often a bacterial infection. It can be painful and sometimes accompanied by swelling.

  • Avoid inserting fingers or objects inside your nose.
  • Use a mild antiseptic cream prescribed by your dermatologist.
  • If it worsens, medical drainage or antibiotics may be required.

These pimples on the nose under the skin or inside the nostril should never be ignored—consult a dermatologist immediately.

How to Stop Breakouts on Nose: Prevention Tips

Preventive steps to stop breakouts on nose

Knowing how to prevent nose pimples is just as important as treating them.

  • Keep Your Nose Clean: Use a gentle cleanser twice daily. Remove makeup completely and avoid pore-clogging products.
  • Avoid Touching or Picking: Touching your face transfers bacteria and causes breakouts under the nose or around the nose.
  • Sanitize Regularly: Disinfect eyeglasses, phone screens, and face masks frequently.
  • Manage Hormones and Stress: Chronic stress and hormonal imbalance are major causes of recurring zits on the nose.
  • Balanced Diet: Include more vegetables, fruits, and omega-3-rich foods in your diet.

When to See a Dermatologist

Book an appointment if:

  • You have frequent pimples on the nose tip or deep cystic pimples on the nose.
  • Your nose pimple redness worsens or spreads
  • You notice painful pimples in the nose.
  • Home treatments don’t help

Don’t ignore recurring nose acne—early diagnosis prevents permanent scars.

A pimple on the nose doesn’t just affect your appearance; it can affect your confidence. But with the right knowledge and expert help, you can finally stop asking, “Why do I get pimples on my nose?” and start celebrating clear skin.

Whether it’s zits on nose, pimples under nose, or a breakout around nose, the solution lies in identifying the cause and treating it the right way.

At Evenly Skin & Hair Clinic, Bangalore, our dermatologists use advanced technologies and evidence-based treatments to help you achieve lasting results.

Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic – HSR Layout

Third Floor, 815, 27th Main Rd, above Bluestone, 1st Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102

Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic – Jayanagar

35, Ground Floor, Vinyas Arcade, 11th Main Rd, Vishya Bank Colony, 5th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560041

Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic – Indira Nagar

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Frequently Asked Questions

Pimples on the nose are usually caused by excess oil (sebum) production, clogged pores, and bacteria. The nose has more sebaceous glands than most parts of the face, making it prone to nose zits and breakouts on the nose. Hormonal fluctuations, poor hygiene, and stress can worsen the condition.

Recurring breakouts on the nose happen when pores remain chronically blocked or infected. This could be due to touching your nose frequently, using comedogenic skincare products, or not cleansing properly. Hormonal acne and environmental pollution can also cause repeated nose pimples.

Yes, painful pimples on the nose or deep cystic pimples can indicate a severe form of acne or infection. Because the nose has rich blood vessels connected to facial veins, deep infections can spread quickly. If swelling, redness, or pain worsens, you should consult a dermatologist immediately for safe nose pimple treatment.

Yes, stress can indirectly trigger breakouts on the nose by increasing cortisol levels, which stimulates oil glands. This leads to blocked pores and inflammation. Practicing relaxation techniques, a balanced diet, and proper skincare can help reduce stress-related nose zits.

A simple pimple on the nose tip or a small nose pimple usually heals within 3–5 days. However, deep pimples on the nose or cystic acne may take 1–2 weeks and sometimes need medical treatment to prevent scarring.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any skin and hair-related questions or would like to discuss personalized solutions, please reach out to us at 7337899030. Our team of specialists is committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to vibrant skin and stronger hair begins here.

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