big pimple on nose - #15756
I am freaking out about this big pimple on my nose that popped up out of nowhere! Like, I woke up, looked in the mirror, and BAM! There it was, very red and inflamed. I've had acne before but this is definetly one of the most noticeable ones yet! I've been trying to cover it up with makeup which feels pointless cause it just makes it look worse. I've tried some over-the-counter creams, but nothing seems to help, it’s been like two days now. I even tried hot compresses hoping it would go down, but no luck. I am worried that if I keep touching it or trying to pop it (which I know I shouldn’t do) it could get infected or scarring or something? I read somewhere that a big pimple on your nose might be associated with something more serious, like a bad diet or stress! But honestly, I haven’t changed anything in my routine other than maybe stress from work. Is this normal or could there be something else going on? Anyone have tips on how to get rid of this big pimple on my nose before I have to go out this weekend? Any advice would help, cause I’m at my wits end!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
A pimple on the nose, while not uncommon, can certainly be frustrating, especially when it appears red and inflamed seemingly out of nowhere. This could simply be a case of acne vulgaris which is a benign condition but can be aggravated by factors like stress, hormonal fluctuations, or an increase in sebum production. Since you mentioned you’ve already tried over-the-counter treatments and hot compresses without relief, let’s look at some practical steps. First, it’s important to avoid popping or squeezing the pimple; this can increase the risk of infection and scarring. Consider using a warm compress rather than hot water, which reduces inflammation slightly and promotes drainage by increasing blood circulation—gentle pressure is key here. Over-the-counter spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are often effective; these ingredients help reduce bacteria and exfoliate the skin, respectively. Make sure to apply them sparingly and follow the instructions cautiously to avoid excessive drying or irritation. While makeup can be tempting to use, aim for non-comedogenic products to prevent further clogging your pores. Also, cleanse your skin with a mild, non-abrasive cleanser to keep oil at bay and maintain skin hygiene. De-stressing activities such as regular breaks, brief exercise, or mindfulness techniques could support overall skin health indirectly if stress is a contributing factor. Now, if the pimple persists, worsens, or becomes painful, it’s vital to visit a dermatologist for further evaluation, as there might be an underlying issue requiring prescription medication. Conditions like cystic acne might require more specialized care, such as oral antibiotics or retinoids. There’s no need to worry unless other alarming symptoms arise, but watch for signs like spreading redness, intense pain, or swelling as they might indicate a secondary infection. Always keep an eye out for how things evolve and trust your judgment on whether medical attention is needed—better safe than sorry!
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.