How to clear whiteheads on the nose

Is the bump a whitehead?

Whiteheads are small white or skin coloured bumps formed when oil and dead skin block a pore and the opening closes. The nose is a common location. A raised, inflamed spot with a white or yellow pus filled centre is a pustule, which is a different type of acne spot.24

Which treatment should you start with?

Salicylic acid unclogs pores and works particularly well on whiteheads and blackheads. Adapalene is a retinoid, a vitamin A related treatment that clears whiteheads and helps prevent clogged pores. Choose one acne treatment to start, rather than giving every bottle in the bathroom a speaking role.14

Benzoyl peroxide targets acne bacteria and is especially useful if you also have small pimples. Dermatologists also use a benzoyl peroxide wash alongside a retinoid for whiteheads. For a first attempt at treating mild acne at home, start with one active treatment rather than adding several at once.12

How to apply your treatment

1. 1Wash gently morning and evening. Use a mild cleanser without scrubbing, and remove makeup at the end of the day. Repeated washing throughout the day can irritate skin.
2. 2Follow your treatment's package directions for frequency and application. For a treatment you leave on, apply a thin layer across the affected nose area rather than dotting it only on visible bumps.
3. 3If you choose salicylic acid, test a small amount on one or two small affected areas for three days first. If there is no reaction or discomfort, continue as directed. Keep it outside the nostrils and away from your eyes and mouth.
4. 4Use moisturizer routinely. Choose a water based or noncomedogenic product, meaning one formulated not to clog pores. Avoid any product that makes your breakouts worse.
5. 5Use sunscreen regularly, since some acne medicines increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Makeup does not need to disappear from the routine: choose noncomedogenic products and remove them before bed, rather than granting foundation an overnight tenancy.4

How long does clearing take?

Expect fewer breakouts within four to eight weeks if the treatment works for you; clearing can take about 16 weeks. An individual whitehead can disappear on its own within about seven days, but preventing repeated bumps takes longer. Continue effective treatment to keep pores from clogging again.147

What if your nose gets irritated?

Acne medicines can cause dryness or peeling. Reduce application frequency if irritation develops. Using a retinoid every other day and using moisturizer can reduce side effects. Waiting 10 to 15 minutes after washing before applying acne medicine can also help irritated skin.45

Do not apply salicylic acid to broken, red, swollen or irritated skin. Do not combine it on the same area with benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, abrasive cleansers or alcohol containing skincare unless your doctor directs you. Ask a pharmacist before adding salicylic acid to an existing prescription routine. Seek advice for severe or persistent stinging.6

If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, consult a dermatologist before treating acne yourself. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding before using salicylic acid. Stop salicylic acid and get immediate medical help for throat tightness, breathing difficulty, faintness or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.16

When should you see a dermatologist?

If whiteheads persist after six to eight weeks, a dermatologist can assess whether prescription treatment or professional extraction would help. Seek care sooner for deep painful spots, scarring or hot, swollen skin that could indicate infection. Do not attempt extraction yourself: squeezing can cause infection, inflammation and scars.235