A pimple-like bump or sore inside the nose can sometimes be due to nasal vestibulitis or nasal folliculitis. It is a bacterial infection that can develop when hair follicles become infected, for instance, after plucking nose hair.
Some cancer treatments may also increase the risk of nasal vestibulitis.
In this article, learn more about the causes of and treatments for nasal vestibulitis, as well as when to see a doctor.
Nasal vestibulitis is an infection in the vestibule, or the entrance of the nose. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria cause most infections.
Although anyone can get this infection, certain risk factors make a person more likely to experience it. According to a 2022 review of past research, these include:
- Nose picking: People who frequently pick their nose may scratch the skin, causing tiny injuries through which bacteria can enter. Nose picking can also introduce bacteria from other areas, such as the mouth or hands, into the nose.
- Plucking nasal hair: Plucking the hair of the nose may irritate the skin and create tiny tears, increasing the risk of infection.
- Frequent nose blowing: This can irritate the nose and cause it to swell. Blowing the nose may also spread bacteria from one area of the nose to another.
- Nose piercings: Nose piercings may provide an opening for infection to enter. Before the infection heals, the body treats it as an open wound, and bacteria may get into the wound.
- Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy weakens the immune system, making a person more vulnerable to certain infections. It may also dry out the nose, causing it to crack open or bleed, allowing infection to enter.
- A weakened immune system: Some conditions, such as diabetes, and certain medications may make the immune system weaker, increasing the risk of infection.
People with nasal vestibulitis may notice a pimple-like growth inside the nose. Sometimes, there are several such growths. Popping or picking these growths can cause the infection to worsen.
Some other symptoms a person might notice include:
- pain in or around the nose
- crusting inside the nose
- swelling
- dryness in the nose
- itching
- bleeding
- unexplained oozing from the skin just inside the nose
Some people with nasal vestibulitis may have a recent history of nose injuries, such as from a nose piercing or due to picking the nose. Others may notice that their nose felt dry or cracked before the infection appeared.
The main treatment for nasal vestibulitis is topical or oral antibiotics. A doctor might recommend using an antibiotic cream called mupirocin twice a day for 14 days.
For more severe infections, a doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic along with mupirocin and warm compresses.
Some people may develop a painful, infected boil called a furuncle. If this occurs, a doctor may recommend surgically removing and draining the furuncle to prevent the infection from returning or spreading. Never attempt to pop a boil at home, as this can increase the risk of infection.
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However, if applying with the hands, be sure to wash them before use, as applying the oil with dirty hands may spread additional bacteria to the area. In the study, scientists used a spray.
To prevent the spread of infection and reduce the risk of getting it again:
- avoid picking the nose
- avoid plucking the nose hairs
- wash the hands before touching or blowing the nose
- only blow the nose as much as is absolutely necessary
- ask a doctor about strategies for minimizing nose dryness
- seek appropriate treatment for any other medical conditions, such as diabetes
Contact a doctor if:
- the nose is swollen, or there is a rash or a pimple inside the nose
- the symptoms of nasal vestibulitis do not improve after a few days of taking antibiotics
- the infection spreads or a person develops a fever after beginning to take antibiotics
- a person undergoing chemotherapy or taking drugs that weaken the immune system develops a dry, cracked, or sore nose
Nasal vestibulitis is not usually an emergency. However, if a person with a weakened immune system develops a fever, they should go to the emergency room straight away.
Ask a healthcare professional if there are any other symptoms to look out for. For example, chills or fatigue might be a sign that the infection has spread.
An infection at the entrance of the nose can be very painful, especially for someone who has allergies, a dry nose, or a sinus infection.
With prompt medical treatment, the infection can improve in just a few days. Nasal vestibulitis is not a serious condition, but in rare cases, it can cause severe complications if a person does not seek and receive treatment for it.
Do not delay care, as this gives the infection time to spread.