Whiteheads on the side of the nose

Is the bump actually a whitehead?

A whitehead is a closed comedone, the medical term for a blocked pore covered by skin. These bumps usually match your skin colour or look slightly white or yellow, and are not tender or swollen. They can occur on the nose as well as the forehead and chin. A swollen bump containing white or yellow pus is a pustule, a different type of acne spot. If you cannot tell what the bumps are, a clinician can examine them before you choose a treatment.13

Why do they keep appearing?

Oil and skin cells can collect inside a hair follicle and form a plug. Hormonal changes, greasy cosmetics, humidity and repeatedly rubbing or touching the skin can contribute. More washing is not the answer: repeated washing and scrubbing can irritate the skin. Whiteheads can also return over time, so treatment often needs to continue after the first improvement.45

How to care for the area

1. 1Wash gently morning and evening, and after sweating, using a mild cleanser and your fingertips.
2. 2Remove makeup at the end of the day, because its place in the routine does not include an overnight residency.
3. 3Apply your chosen acne treatment sparingly, following its packet directions. Treatments for blocked pores generally go in a thin layer across the affected area rather than only on individual bumps.
4. 4Use a moisturizer labelled noncomedogenic, meaning designed not to clog pores. That label is more useful for this decision than a jar's ability to describe itself as luxurious.
5. 5For daytime protection outdoors, apply a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin. Choose one labelled noncomedogenic.

Which treatment helps whiteheads?

Retinoids such as adapalene help unclog pores. Salicylic acid and azelaic acid are other topical options for comedonal acne. Benzoyl peroxide reduces bacteria and helps blocked pores, including whiteheads. A pharmacist can help you choose a suitable product. Do not automatically combine treatments: use benzoyl peroxide alongside other acne medicines only if a pharmacist or doctor approves the combination, including any prescription treatment you already use.1237

For benzoyl peroxide, start with the lowest available strength. It is usually used once or twice daily. Apply a thin layer of leave on gel to clean, dry skin. For a gel wash, wet the area, wash with a small amount for one to two minutes, rinse and pat dry. Keep it away from the eyes and mouth, and do not apply it to infected or broken skin. It can bleach hair, towels and clothing.7

What if treatment irritates the area?

Acne products can cause dryness, redness and peeling. With benzoyl peroxide, using it less often can reduce these effects; ask a pharmacist or doctor about symptoms that persist or bother you. Stop using it and get emergency help for difficulty breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat. If pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a pharmacist or doctor before choosing treatment.47

How long should you wait?

Give whitehead treatment six to eight weeks before judging progress. Comedonal acne sometimes takes eight to twelve weeks to show a difference and several months to clear. Switching products frequently can cause irritation and further breakouts.136

See a doctor if treatment is not helping, or sooner for deep painful lumps, scarring, hot swollen skin or acne affecting your mental health. Persistent whiteheads can be professionally extracted; home squeezing risks infection, scars and further damage to the pore.12