Pimples near the nose

Pimples around the nose are inflammatory skin lesions located within the nasolabial folds, nasal wings, and nasal vestibule. They most commonly take the form of papules, pustules, or painful inflammatory infiltrates associated with acne vulgaris, folliculitis, or bacterial superinfection. The nose area is part of the so-called "T-zone," where sebaceous gland activity is particularly high. At the same time, this is a clinically significant area—due to its rich vascularization and venous connections with the cavernous sinus, severe and untreated infections can lead to systemic complications. For this reason, lesions in this location require proper diagnosis and conscious management.

Pimples near the nose – causes

The etiology of inflammatory changes in this area is multifactorial and includes both mechanisms typical of acne and local factors.

The most common causes include:

Excessive sebum production - stimulated by androgens, leading to the clogging of hair follicle openings.
Follicular hyperkeratinization - a keratinization disorder that promotes the formation of microcomedones.
Colonization by Cutibacterium acnes - an anaerobic bacterium initiating an inflammatory cascade.
Staphylococcal infections (Staphylococcus aureus) - especially in the nasal vestibule; can lead to boils.
Mechanical irritation - frequent touching of the face, wiping the nose, protective masks, glasses.
Hormonal disturbances - estrogen-androgen fluctuations, polycystic ovary syndrome, premenstrual period.
Stress and increased cortisol - exacerbate seborrhea and inflammatory response.
Environmental factors - air pollution, smog, high humidity.

It is important to emphasize that a painful, rapidly growing infiltrate in the area of the nasal wing may correspond to a boil - a purulent inflammation of the hair follicle and per follicular tissues. Due to its location, it requires special caution and often medical consultation.

Pimples around the nose – hygiene

Proper skin hygiene in this area does not involve aggressive cleansing, but rather restoring the balance of the epidermal barrier and controlling the microbiome.

Hygiene management principles:

Gentle cleansing twice a day with a product that has a physiological pH (approximately 5.5).
Avoiding strong detergents (SLS/SLES) and high concentrations of ethyl alcohol.
Regular replacement of towels and pillowcases (at least twice a week).
Limiting face-touching with hands – bacterial transfer is a common cause of infections.
Disinfecting eyeglass frames and phone – contact with these surfaces promotes bacterial colonization.
Using non-comedogenic cosmetics – especially in makeup and care of the T-zone.

In the case of changes in the nasal vestibule, avoid mechanical removal of scabs and squeezing of purulent content. In this location, there is a risk of spreading the infection through venous pathways.

Excessive hygiene, frequent mechanical exfoliation, or using several strong anti-acne products simultaneously can lead to damage to the hydrolipid barrier, secondary dryness, and paradoxical increase in sebum production.

Acne Around the Nose – Treatment

Treatment depends on the nature and severity of the lesions. In clinical practice, topical therapy, systemic treatment, and supportive procedures are used.

1. Topical treatment:

retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin) – normalization of keratinization,
benzoyl peroxide – antibacterial action,
azelaic acid – anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating effects,
topical antibiotics (clindamycin) – in specific indications.

2. Systemic treatment (in justified cases):

oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline),
hormonal therapy in women,
isotretinoin in severe forms of acne.

3. Procedural intervention (in non-inflammatory phase or after acute state subsides):

chemical peels (salicylic acid, azelaic acid, mandelic acid),
anti-inflammatory laser therapy,
LED light therapy,
procedures regulating sebaceous gland activity.

At Ambasad Urody in Warsaw, depending on the clinical presentation, the following are used, among others:

medically tailored peels specific to the skin type,
fractional laser therapy for acne scars,
LED light treatments with antibacterial action,
therapies regulating sebum production and skin microbiome.

In cases of painful boils or systemic symptoms (fever, increasing swelling, radiating pain), an urgent medical consultation is necessary. Squeezing lesions in this area is contraindicated due to the risk of thrombo-inflammatory complications.