What is the diagnosis and treatment for an intranasal pimple (intranasal follicle or nasal furuncle)?

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Last updated: April 19, 2025 • View editorial policy

Differential Diagnosis for a Pimple Growing Inside the Nose

  • Single most likely diagnosis + Nasal vestibulitis or folliculitis: This is the most common cause of a pimple inside the nose. It occurs due to inflammation of the hair follicles in the nasal vestibule, often caused by bacterial infection, particularly Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Other Likely diagnoses + Nasal furuncle: A furuncle is a deeper infection of the hair follicle that can cause a larger, more painful pimple. It's similar to folliculitis but more severe and can be caused by the same bacteria. + Nasal papilloma: Although less common, a nasal papilloma (a type of non-cancerous growth) could potentially be mistaken for a pimple, especially if it becomes inflamed or infected.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.) + Nasal septal abscess: Although rare, an abscess of the nasal septum can present with swelling and possibly what appears to be a pimple, but it's a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications like septal perforation or spread of infection. + Malignancy (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma): In rare cases, what appears to be a persistent pimple could be a sign of skin cancer. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Rare diagnoses + Wegener's granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms, including nasal lesions that might resemble pimples, along with other systemic symptoms. + Rhinoscleroma: A chronic granulomatous infection caused by Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis, which can lead to the formation of nodular lesions in the nose that could be mistaken for pimples. It's rare in many parts of the world but should be considered in endemic areas.

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