What is the primary care treatment for an inner nose pimple (internal nasal furuncle)?

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Last updated: June 11, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The primary care treatment for an inner nose pimple (internal nasal furuncle) involves applying moist heat to promote drainage, and for small furuncles, this is often satisfactory 1. For small inner nose pimples, warm compresses can be applied to the outside of the nose for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily to promote drainage and healing.

  • Topical antibiotic ointment such as mupirocin 2% (Bactroban) can be applied inside the nose using a cotton swab 2-3 times daily for 7-10 days, as it can help reduce the risk of recurrence by eradicating staphylococcal carriage 1.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.
  • For more severe cases, or if there is extensive surrounding cellulitis or fever, oral antibiotics that cover Staphylococcus aureus may be necessary, but are usually unnecessary for small furuncles 1.
  • It is essential to avoid picking or squeezing the pimple as this can spread infection.
  • Maintaining good nasal hygiene by gently cleaning the area with saline solution is also crucial.
  • If the furuncle is accompanied by fever, significant swelling, severe pain, or spreads beyond the nose, immediate medical attention is required due to the risk of serious complications. These infections typically occur due to bacterial colonization, usually Staphylococcus aureus, in hair follicles inside the nose, and proper treatment is important to prevent spread of infection to surrounding tissues 1.

From the Research

Inner Nose Pimple Primary Care Treatment

  • The primary care treatment for an inner nose pimple, also known as an internal nasal furuncle, is not directly addressed in the provided studies.
  • However, studies have shown that topical antibiotics such as mupirocin 2, 3, 4 can be effective in treating bacterial infections, including those caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Mupirocin has been shown to be more effective than bacitracin in eradicating S. aureus nasal colonization 2.
  • Additionally, oxymetazoline nasal spray has been found to be effective in preventing early postsurgical otorrhea and tympanostomy tube occlusion 4.
  • It is essential to note that the treatment of an inner nose pimple should be guided by a healthcare professional, as the cause of the pimple may vary and require different treatment approaches.
  • There is limited evidence on the treatment of inner nose pimples specifically, and more research is needed to determine the most effective treatment options 5.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Bacitracin versus mupirocin for Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization.

Infection control and hospital epidemiology, 1999

Research

Clinical effectiveness of ototopical application of mupirocin ointment in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus otorrhea.

Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, 2008

Research

Acne Vulgaris: Diagnosis and Treatment.

American family physician, 2019

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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