Really sore acne/cysts in nose.

[rc1990]

On occasion, I will get a really hard bump in the cartilage on my nose. I have tried to not touch it this time, and it has continually gotten larger and more pus-filled. Today, after seeing the giant scab with pus behind it, and with a really sore nose, I decided to push on it. After the first squeeze, this really nasty white gunky stuff shot out. After a few pushes, it was just blood. A few hours later it was swollen again, so I squeezed it again and this time the scab came off leaving under it what appears to be a large HOLE in my nose. I am really freaked out about it, and I don't know why this happened seeing as how I never picked at it until it was so large. During squeezing, large white pus pieces were coming out, which makes me think perhaps it was an infection of some sort... but why is there a hole!? Attached is a photo, any help would be great.

[rc1990]

Thanks! I was really worried it was something more serious, this makes me feel better. I will put antibiotics on it and keep it covered up until it heals over.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
What you had sounds like a boil. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. . Hair follicles that are blocked by greasy creams, petroleum jelly, or similar products are more vulnerable to infection. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle.

Pls keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.