Why sores form inside the nose
The front part of the nose, the nasal vestibule, is lined with skin rather than mucous membrane. It contains hair follicles and oil glands, and it is exposed to fingers, tissues and dry air. Small cracks let bacteria in, and many people carry Staphylococcus bacteria in the nose without any problems until the skin is damaged.
Blood from this area drains towards veins near the eye and brain, which is why infections around the nose and upper lip are treated carefully and should never be squeezed.
Common causes
- Nasal vestibulitis and folliculitis: infection of the hair follicles, with redness, tenderness and a small pimple.
- Nasal boil: a larger, very painful swelling with pus, sometimes making the nose tip red and swollen.
- Cold sores: tingling followed by small blisters that burst and crust, caused by herpes simplex virus.
- Impetigo: contagious bacterial infection with golden crusts, common in children.
- Dry, cracked skin: from dry air, heating, colds, frequent blowing or nasal sprays.
- Picking and plucking hairs: damage the skin and open the follicles to infection.
- Allergies: constant rubbing and blowing irritate the nostrils.
Less common causes
- Nasal steroid sprays used with the nozzle pointing towards the septum.
- Some cancer treatments that cause nasal vestibulitis.
- Recreational drug use through the nose.
- Autoimmune conditions and, rarely, skin cancer, which presents as a sore that does not heal.
How to treat a pimple inside the nose
- Apply a warm, clean compress to the outside of the nose for 10 minutes, 3 times a day.
- Keep the area clean and wash your hands before touching it.
- Do not squeeze, pop or pick the pimple.
- Take simple painkillers if needed.
- A pharmacist can advise on antiseptic creams; a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment.
- Avoid plucking nose hairs; trim them instead.
Crusts, dryness and bleeding
Dry crusts and small cracks inside the nose often bleed when picked or blown. A thin layer of petroleum jelly or a saline gel on the inside of the nostril, a humidifier in dry rooms and saline sprays help the skin heal. See dry nose and nose burning.
If a sore keeps bleeding, see how to stop a nosebleed and nosebleed causes.
Cold sores in the nose
Cold sores often start with tingling or burning before small blisters appear. Antiviral creams work best when started at the first tingle. Avoid touching the blisters and wash your hands, as the virus spreads by contact. Cold sores usually heal within 7 to 10 days.
Babies, people with eczema and people with weak immune systems should see a doctor promptly if they develop cold sores.
Medical treatment
For an infected follicle or boil, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream and, if the infection is spreading or there is a boil, antibiotic tablets. Large boils occasionally need to be drained by a doctor. Recurrent infections may be treated with a course of nasal antibiotic ointment to reduce the bacteria carried in the nose.
Impetigo is treated with antibiotic or antiseptic creams. An ENT specialist assesses sores that keep coming back or do not heal.
Nose sores in children
Children often pick their noses, which makes sores, crusts and nosebleeds common. Golden crusts around the nostrils that spread suggest impetigo, which is contagious and needs treatment from a pharmacist or doctor. Keep nails short, wash hands often and use a separate towel until it clears.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Redness and swelling spreading to the nose tip, cheek, upper lip or around the eye.
- Fever, chills or feeling unwell.
- Severe headache, double vision or eye swelling.
- A very painful, rapidly growing boil.
- A sore that has not healed after 2 to 3 weeks.
Key points to remember
- Most pimples inside the nose are infected hair follicles and heal with simple care.
- Warm compresses help; squeezing and picking make it worse.
- Cold sores and impetigo need specific treatment.
- Spreading swelling, fever or eye symptoms need urgent assessment.
Questions about sores inside the nose
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
Should I pop a pimple inside my nose?
No. Squeezing can push the infection deeper and, rarely, spread it towards veins near the eye.
How long does a pimple inside the nose last?
Most heal within a few days to a week. See a doctor if it lasts more than 2 weeks.
Why do I keep getting sores in my nose?
Common reasons are picking, dry air, allergies, carrying Staphylococcus in the nose or recurrent cold sores.
Can I put Vaseline inside my nose?
A thin layer at the entrance of the nostril helps dry, cracked skin heal.
Is a sore inside the nose a cold sore?
It can be. Cold sores start with tingling and small blisters that crust.
When is a nose pimple dangerous?
If swelling spreads, you have fever, or you develop eye or vision symptoms.
Can a nose sore be cancer?
Rarely. A sore that does not heal after 3 weeks, bleeds or grows should be examined by a doctor.
Sources
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.