Nasal Furuncle
A painful boil inside the nostril from an infected hair follicle
Quick Facts
- Type: Skin infection of the nose
- Cause: Bacterial infection of a hair follicle
- Common bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus
- Important: Do not squeeze; "danger triangle" of the face
Overview
A nasal furuncle is a boil that develops just inside the nostril, where a hair follicle becomes infected, usually by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. It appears as a tender, red, swollen bump that may come to a head with pus.
While most nasal furuncles are minor and clear up with simple care, the nose is part of an area of the face sometimes called the "danger triangle" because its veins connect to deeper structures. Rarely, an infection here can spread inward and become serious. For this reason, nasal boils should not be squeezed, and worsening symptoms should be checked promptly.
Symptoms
A nasal furuncle usually causes:
- A painful, tender red bump just inside the nostril
- Swelling of part of the nose
- Warmth and redness over the area
- A visible whitish or yellow head of pus as it develops
- Crusting or a small amount of bleeding
Warning signs of a spreading or serious infection include spreading redness and swelling across the cheek or toward the eye, fever, severe headache, vision changes, or eye swelling. These need urgent medical attention.
Causes
A nasal furuncle is caused by bacteria infecting a hair follicle inside the nostril. Common contributing factors include:
- Nose picking or plucking nasal hairs, which can introduce bacteria or cause small breaks in the skin
- Frequent nose blowing or rubbing, especially during a cold
- Carrying staph bacteria in the nose, which many healthy people do
- Minor injury to the inside of the nose
Risk Factors
- Habitual nose picking or nasal hair plucking
- Frequent colds or runny nose with repeated nose blowing
- Diabetes or a weakened immune system
- Skin conditions affecting the nose
- Being a carrier of staph bacteria
Diagnosis
A nasal furuncle is usually diagnosed by examination:
- Visual inspection of the nostril showing a tender, red, pus-filled bump.
- Assessment for spread, checking for swelling extending to the cheek or eye and for fever.
- Swab culture in some cases to identify the bacteria and guide antibiotic choice, especially if recurrent or not improving.
Most cases do not need imaging, but it may be considered if a serious deeper infection is suspected.
Treatment
Treatment depends on severity. Many mild furuncles improve with simple measures, while others need medication:
- Warm compresses: Applying a warm, moist compress several times a day can ease discomfort and help a boil drain naturally.
- Do not squeeze or pick: Squeezing can push the infection deeper and is especially risky on the nose.
- Antibiotics: Oral or topical antibiotics are often prescribed, particularly if there is spreading redness, significant pain, or risk factors.
- Drainage: A larger boil that has formed an abscess may need to be drained by a clinician.
- Hygiene measures: Keeping the area clean and avoiding irritation.
With appropriate care, most nasal furuncles resolve within days. Prompt treatment is important if the infection appears to be spreading.
Prevention
- Avoid picking your nose or plucking nasal hairs
- Wash your hands and avoid touching the inside of your nose
- Be gentle when blowing your nose during colds
- Keep the skin around the nose clean
- Manage conditions like diabetes that raise infection risk
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if a nasal boil is large, very painful, not improving, or keeps coming back. Seek urgent or emergency care if you have:
- Spreading redness or swelling across the cheek or toward the eye
- Fever
- Severe headache, vision changes, or eye swelling
- Feeling generally unwell with the infection
These can indicate a deeper infection spreading from the face, which needs prompt treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn't I squeeze a boil in my nose?
Squeezing can push the infection deeper and, because the nose lies in the face's so-called danger triangle, infection can rarely spread to deeper structures. Instead, use warm compresses, keep the area clean, and see a doctor if it is large or worsening.
What causes a boil inside the nose?
It is usually a bacterial infection of a hair follicle, often staph bacteria, triggered by nose picking, plucking nasal hairs, frequent nose blowing, or minor injury inside the nostril. Many healthy people carry staph in their nose.
How is a nasal furuncle treated?
Mild cases often improve with warm compresses and good hygiene. Doctors may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics, especially if it is painful or spreading, and a larger abscess may need to be drained by a clinician.
When is a nasal boil dangerous?
It becomes concerning if redness and swelling spread across the cheek or toward the eye, or if you develop fever, severe headache, vision changes, or eye swelling. These signs of spreading infection need urgent medical care.
How long does a nasal furuncle take to heal?
With appropriate care, most resolve within several days. If it is not improving, keeps returning, or is spreading, see a doctor, who can adjust treatment and check for underlying causes.
References
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Boils.
- American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
- Merck Manual. Nasal furuncles.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Staphylococcus aureus.