Nasal Vestibulitis

It often starts as a tender spot just inside your nostril. You might think it’s just a small pimple, but this common and painful condition, known as Nasal Vestibulitis, is an infection that needs to be taken seriously. It’s an inflammation of the nasal vestibule—the area right at the opening of your nose—and it’s one of the most common reasons for a painful, red, or swollen nose.

While often mild, this infection can sometimes become severe because of its location. This guide will cover the causes, symptoms, and critical treatment steps for Nasal Vestibulitis.

What Is Nasal Vestibulitis?

Nasal Vestibulitis is a bacterial infection of the nasal vestibule, the area of skin just inside your nostrils. This part of your nose is lined with skin and has hair follicles, which can easily become infected.

When the hair follicles become infected, the condition is a type of nasal folliculitis. The infection can range in severity:

• Mild: Small red bumps or pimples inside nose.
• Severe: A large, painful, pus-filled boil, known as a nasal furuncle.

Common Causes of Nasal Vestibulitis

The infection at opening of nose is almost always caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (or “Staph”). This bacterium commonly lives on our skin, and according to the Merck Manual, it is the typical culprit.

The bacteria just needs a way to get under the skin. The most common triggers are habits that break or irritate the skin inside the nose:

• Nose picking (rhinotillexomania)
• Plucking or waxing nasal hair
• Excessive or forceful nose blowing
• Nasal piercings
• Chronic runny nose from allergies or sinusitis
• Nasal O2 cannulas (oxygen tubes) that rub the skin

Key Symptoms of Nasal Vestibulitis

The symptoms are usually located right at the entrance of one or both nostrils.

• Pain and tenderness: This is the most common complaint, especially when the tip of the nose is touched.
• Redness and swelling: The skin just inside the nostril will look red and inflamed.
• Pimples or boils: You may see one or more small, white- or yellow-headed pimples inside nose.
• Crusting: The area may form small, painful crusts.
• Itching or bleeding from the sore areas.

Diagnosis

A doctor can almost always diagnose Nasal Vestibulitis with a simple visual exam.

• Physical Exam: Your doctor will look inside your nostrils with a light to check for redness, pimples, or boils.
• Nasal Culture: If the infection is severe, recurrent, or not responding to first-line treatment, your doctor may take a swab of the pus. This test can confirm which bacteria is causing the infection (usually Staph) and check if it is resistant to certain antibiotics (like MRSA).

Treatment Options for Nasal Vestibulitis

Treatment depends on the severity of the infection.

Home Treatment for Mild Cases

For minor irritation or a small pimple, you can:

• Apply warm compresses: Use a clean, warm, wet washcloth and hold it gently against the area for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. This helps ease pain and can help a small pimple drain on its own.
• Stop the irritation: This is crucial. Do not pick, pop, or squeeze the pimple. Do not pluck any more nasal hair.

Medical Treatment

If the infection is clearly bacterial (pus, severe swelling), your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic.

• Topical Antibiotics: The most common treatment is an antibiotic ointment, such as mupirocin (Bactroban), which you apply inside your nostril 2-3 times a day.
• Oral Antibiotics: If the infection is more widespread, forms a large boil (furuncle), or is not clearing up with topical cream, your doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics (like dicloxacillin or cephalexin) that are effective against Staph.
• Incision and Drainage: A large, painful boil may need to be lanced (drained) by your doctor. You should never attempt this yourself.

The “Danger Triangle” and When to See a Doctor

It is extremely important to never pop or squeeze a pimple or boil inside your nose.

The triangular area from the bridge of your nose down to the corners of your mouth is known as the “danger triangle of the face.” The veins in this area have a unique connection—they drain directly back to the cavernous sinus, which is a collection of veins located at the base of your brain.

According. to research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), squeezing a Staph infection in this area can force the bacteria into these veins. This can lead to a rare but life-threatening condition called Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, which is a blood clot in the brain that causes severe symptoms.

🚨 See Your Doctor Immediately If:

• You have a large, painful boil (furuncle) inside your nose.
• The redness and painful swelling inside nose is spreading to your face or upper lip.
• You develop a fever and chills.
• You experience a severe headache, vision changes (blurry or double vision), or confusion.
• The infection does not get better after 2-3 days of home care.

Risk Factors

You are at a higher risk for Nasal Vestibulitis if you:

• Frequently pick your nose
• Pluck or wax your nose hair
• Have chronic allergies or sinusitis
• Have a nasal piercing
• Have a weakened immune system (e.g., from diabetes or chemotherapy)

Prevention Tips

The best prevention is to protect the delicate skin inside your nose.

• Stop picking your nose. If you must clear it, use a tissue.
• Wash your hands before touching your nose.
• Trim, don’t pluck. If you must groom your nasal hair, use a safe, small trimming scissor or an electric nasal hair trimmer. Do not pluck the hairs out by the root.
• Manage allergies: Use antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays (as directed) to control a chronic runny nose.
• Keep piercings clean: If you have a nasal piercing, follow all aftercare instructions to prevent infection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Published on July 21, 2023 and Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by: Priyank Pandey