Beware of Pimples on the Nose, It Could Be a Sign of Digestive Issues
Basically, acne on the nose is one of the most common facial skin problems, even when compared to other areas of the face. This is because that area has larger pores and more follicles, making it prone to becoming clogged and causing acne.
So actually, acne on the nose is normal. However, are there other reasons why acne appears on the nose and not on other areas of the face? What does acne on the nose indicate, what are its triggers, and how can it be treated? Here is the complete explanation!
Causes of Acne on the Nose

Besides pores and follicle tissue, there are several other reasons why acne appears on the upper or lower nose, namely:
1. Touching the Nose Too Often with Dirty Hands
The first reason why acne appears on the nose is because you touch your nose too often with dirty hands. This is unhygienic because bacteria can transfer from your hands to your nose. In fact, bacteria are the most common cause of acne.
Bacteria can disrupt Propionibacterium acnes in the pilosebaceous unit. Meanwhile, pilosebaceous units are most abundant on the nose. If the bacteria are balanced, this bacterium can produce short-chain fatty acids, thiopeptides, and other molecules that are beneficial for the skin.
When the balance in the pilosebaceous unit is disrupted, this bacterium can cause acne.[1] This is because the bacteria will defend themselves so that their ecology is not taken over by other bacteria carried by your hands. They do this by causing inflammation.
2. Hormonal Surges in the Body
In addition, acne on the nose is caused by hormonal surges in your body. This is because changes in hormone levels in the body can affect and increase the overproduction of sebum on the facial skin.[2]
Excessive sebum production can cause it to build up and clog the follicles and pores. This can make your facial skin, especially around the nose, more susceptible to acne-causing bacteria.
3. Plucked Nose Hair
If the problem is acne inside the nose, it is likely caused by nose hair being plucked, intentionally or unintentionally. This is because forcibly plucking hair can cause folliculitis.
Folliculitis is a condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. Generally, inflammation will produce pustules or acne accompanied by pus. In addition, this condition can also cause papules or acne that appear under the skin.[3]
4. Digestive Problems
If acne appears along with constipation or difficulty passing gas, you likely have a digestive problem.[4] This is because acne on the nose can be one of the signs that your digestion is not working properly.
How to Treat Acne on the Nose
After learning about the triggers, you also need to know how to treat acne on the nose. There are at least two ways you can speed up the healing process: treating it from the outside and from the inside.
1. Use the Right Skincare Products

The easiest and fastest way is to use the right skincare products. Of course, there is still no way to get rid of acne on the nose overnight, but choosing the right skincare can help speed up the process.
If your skin type is acne-prone or prone to acne, do not choose oil-based skincare products. Look for products containing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredients to address acne at its root.
There are at least two active compounds that are highly effective in treating this skin problem: retinol and salicylic acid. Salicylic acid in skincare is highly effective at fighting acne-causing bacteria. Meanwhile, retinol is highly effective at fading acne scars.[5]
As a tip, do not use both types of skincare at the same time, as this can damage the skin tissue. Instead, you can use salicylic acid 3–4 times a week and retinol 2–3 times a week.
2. Take Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Medications

In addition to topical treatment, you also need to take medication to speed up the healing process. Take medication with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Taking generic medication without a doctor's prescription can cause serious side effects. Therefore, you can take herbal medicine, which is safer and has fewer side effects.
For example, Sido Muncul Herbal Aluss is highly effective at treating acne on the nose. This herbal medicine contains temulawak, sea grape leaves, and several other natural ingredients with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Do not forget to read the directions for use when taking it.