For the best results, Dr. Shokeen recommends buying a pre-mixed bottle online vs. making your own at home (since DIY versions are less sterile and may not contain the right salt-to-water ratio), following these instructions from the FDA, and repeating the process twice a day (for no more than three weeks) until the blemish is gone.
3. Don’t stick any topical acne treatments up your nose.
You might be tempted to whip out your strongest acne-fighting products to destroy your stubborn zit. However, all the dermatologists we spoke with strongly advise against doing that.
That’s because the skin inside your nostrils (known as mucosal skin) is super thin and sensitive, Dr. Shokeen explains. So, strong actives like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil are likely too harsh and can irritate the bump even more. Not to mention, “there’s a risk of accidentally inhaling [these chemicals],” she warns. “Most over-the-counter acne treatments aren’t designed to be used inside your nasal cavity, so shoving them up there isn’t exactly a good idea.”
In some cases, Dr. Zeichner says that dryness inside your nose could also disrupt your skin barrier and possibly irritate your zit—which is why adding a bit of hydration (with a small dab of petroleum jelly or a gentle, noncomedogenic cream) can help soothe the spot. However, Dr. Fahs cautions that thick products “could also potentially make a pimple worse by trapping more oil and creating clogged pores.” So don’t go too hard on the moisturizer, and if you’d rather err on the side of caution, Dr. Fahs says “it’s best to just leave the area alone and keep it as clean as possible.”
4. Do. Not. Pop.
When you’re dealing with a throbbing nostril monster, getting rid of it ASAP (perhaps by pinching the outside of your nose and praying something inside bursts) may sound like the easy way out. But seriously: Resist that urge!
In general, poking, picking, or otherwise messing with your skin can lead to more breakouts, scarring, and possibly an infection. And specifically around your nose, the risks are even higher: This part of your face (known as the triangle of death) is loaded with blood vessels that are directly connected to your brain. So, an infection here (from a popped pimple, say) could travel through these vessels and cause bigger problems like a stroke, vision loss, or yep, death. (Before you freak out: These worst-case scenarios are pretty rare, but still, important to consider before you start squeezing that sucker.)
5. For particularly uncomfortable inner-nostril zits, grab the Ibuprofen.
If you’ve got an angry little invader that makes its presence known every time you smile, sneeze, or deeply inhale, Dr. Fahs recommends taking an OTC anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen (Advil). It won’t necessarily get rid of your zit, but at the very least, it should relieve some of that discomfort,” she says.
