From the Guidelines
To treat nose acne, use a gentle cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide twice daily, as it is strongly recommended for acne treatment 1. When managing acne, it is essential to use a multimodal therapy combining multiple mechanisms of action, as stated in the guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris 1.
- Apply a spot treatment with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide directly to pimples.
- For more stubborn acne, consider topical retinoids, which are also strongly recommended for acne treatment 1.
- Avoid picking or squeezing pimples as this can cause scarring and infection.
- Keep your hands and phone away from your face, and wash pillowcases weekly. If your nose acne is severe or doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatments within 4-6 weeks, consult a dermatologist who may prescribe stronger medications like oral doxycycline, which is strongly recommended for acne treatment 1, or oral isotretinoin for severe cases 1. Nose acne often occurs because the nose has more oil glands than other facial areas, making it prone to clogged pores.
- Consistent treatment and gentle skincare are key to managing this common condition. It is also important to note that limiting systemic antibiotic use and combining topical therapies with multiple mechanisms of action are recommended as good practice statements 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Erythromycin Topical Solution should be applied over the affected areas twice a day (morning and evening) after the skin is thoroughly washed with warm water and soap and patted dry. Acne lesions on the face, neck, shoulder, chest, and back may be treated in this manner. Directions Adults and children 12 years of age and older: use once daily clean the skin gently and pat dry before applying the product cover the entire affected area with a thin layer. For example, if your acne in on the face, apply the product to the entire face.
Nose acne treatment can be done using topical solutions such as erythromycin or adapalene.
- Erythromycin can be applied to the affected areas, including the face, twice a day 2.
- Adapalene can be applied to the entire affected area, such as the face, once a day 3. Since the nose is part of the face, these medications can be used to treat nose acne.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Nose Acne
- Topical therapies such as retinoids (eg, tretinoin, adapalene), benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and/or combinations of topical agents are first-line treatments for acne vulgaris, including nose acne 4
- Combination therapy with a topical retinoid and an antibiotic is recognized as a rational and effective approach for the treatment of acne vulgaris, including nose acne 5
- The combination of clindamycin 1%-benzoyl peroxide 5% gel is efficacious and well-tolerated for the treatment of acne, including nose acne 6
- Clindamycin 1%-tretinoin 0.025% gel and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%-adapalene 0.1% gel are two marketed topical combination acne gels that have shown similar efficacy in the treatment of mild to moderate papulopustular acne, including nose acne 7
Efficacy of Treatment Options
- Treatment with tretinoin 0.025% gel reduced acne lesion counts at 12 weeks by 63% compared with baseline 4
- The combination of adapalene gel 0.1% and doxycycline was significantly superior to doxycycline alone for change from baseline in total, inflammatory, and noninflammatory lesions 5
- Clindamycin 1%-tretinoin 0.025% gel and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%-adapalene 0.1% gel both reduced acne lesions, with subject perception of acne improvement being higher for benzoyl peroxide 2.5%-adapalene 0.1% gel 7
Tolerability of Treatment Options
- Clindamycin 1%-benzoyl peroxide 5% gel has excipients, glycerin and dimethicone, that minimize treatment-related irritation, thereby increasing patient compliance 6
- Clindamycin 1%-tretinoin 0.025% gel was better tolerated than benzoyl peroxide 2.5%-adapalene 0.1% gel, with less irritation and dryness/scaling 7