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Small Boil on Tip of Nostril
Doctor, I am having a small boil on the tip of my nostril from the past few days which is painfull. Which ointment can I apply to clear infection and relieve pain. Pls help.
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Apply mupirocin ointment
Next Steps
If not relieved consult a nearby doctor
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Apply oint mupirocin and apply ice
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you can use mupirocin ointment
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I totally understand your concern. Before suggesting treatment, I would like to ask a few questions to ensure the correct management can be provided.
Contact me on Practo or WhatsApp chat.
92469306sevenfour
Dr. Harichandana,
MBBS, MD (General medicine)
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A small, painful boil at the tip of your nostril is most likely a furuncle (hair follicle infection, usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria).
This area (nasal vestibule / tip of nose) is very sensitive and considered a “danger triangle” of the face — infections here can rarely spread to deeper tissues or sinuses if not treated properly.
Pain is common, but you should not squeeze, pop, or pick at it — that can make it much worse and increase risk of spreading.
Next Steps
1. See a doctor today or tomorrow (preferably ENT specialist, dermatologist, or general physician) — do not delay, especially since it’s on the nose.
• They will likely:
• Examine to see if it needs drainage (small incision)
• Prescribe oral antibiotic if infection is spreading (redness/swelling beyond boil)
• Advise topical treatment
2. Do NOT self-treat with random ointments without seeing a doctor first — some creams can worsen it or delay proper care.
Health Tips
Safe home care until you see the doctor (start today):
• Apply warm compress (clean cloth soaked in warm water) for 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times a day — softens the boil, relieves pain, and helps it drain naturally.
• Keep the area clean — gently wash with mild soap + lukewarm water 2–3 times/day, pat dry.
• Do NOT touch/pick/squeeze — cover with small sterile gauze if it leaks.
• Take paracetamol 500–650 mg every 6 hours if pain is bad (safe).
• Avoid makeup, nose rings, or touching the area with dirty hands.
Best ointments (only after doctor check — do not apply blindly):
1. Mupirocin 2% ointment (Bactroban, T-Bact, Mupinase) — most effective and commonly prescribed for nasal boils/furuncles. Apply thin layer 2–3 times a day after cleaning. Kills staph bacteria and reduces infection fast.
2. Fusidic acid cream (Fucidin) — good alternative if mupirocin not available.
3. Neosporin / Soframycin — mild antibiotic ointment, but less effective than mupirocin for staph.
4. Pain relief cream — Diclofenac gel (Volini) or Lidocaine gel (for numbing) — can be applied around (not inside) nostril for pain relief.
Important warnings
• If you notice increasing redness/swelling spreading to cheek/upper lip, fever, severe pain, or pus draining → go to doctor/ENT same day — may need oral antibiotics or drainage.
• Avoid steroid creams (Betnovate, etc.) — can make infection worse.
Most small nasal boils heal in 5–10 days with proper care + topical antibiotic.
Please see a doctor soon (even tomorrow) — they will give the exact ointment + decide if oral antibiotic is needed.
If you want brand names available in your city or if symptoms change (more swelling, fever), consult online with update.
Take care and get well soon
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Hot water fomentation with boric powder two times.
Zerodol sp three times a day after food for 3to5 days.
Apply t bact ointment locally 2 times if it burst out.
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Apply betadine ointment, 3 times daily, do some hot compression.
For pain take tab combiflam one every 8hours for 2 days, after meals.
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Take amoxicillin twice a day
Zerodol sp twice a day
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Dr. Dinesh Mehta
General Physician
3 yrs exp
Jaipur
Mupirocin 2%, and fusidic acid 2% is good for you.
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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