Your face is the first thing others see when they meet you, putting skin problems such as acne in the spotlight. No matter what skin condition you have, the associated symptoms -- including scarred, bumpy or inflamed skin -- can be upsetting. If you have white bumps in the nose area, there are a couple of conditions that may be causing them.
Description
Bumps on the nose are not only visually noticeable but also can make your skin feel unsmooth to the touch. Depending on the cause, they may appear as small pearly bumps or as raised, white bumps. Although these bumps can develop in several places on the body, the nose, cheeks and chin are the most common areas.
Causes
Two common causes of white bumps on the nose are comodones and milia. Comodones, more commonly known as whiteheads, form when a skin pore becomes blocked with oil and dead skin cells. If the blocked pore does not open up to the skin's surface, the comodone appears white in color. Blackheads form if the whitehead opens up, exposing the excess oil to the air. Nose bumps can also be milia, small pearly white bumps that are typically found on newborns. These small cysts contain dead skin, forming when the skin particles become trapped at the skin's surface.
Misconceptions
Commonly referred to as baby acne, milia doesn't just form in newborns; it's also not a type of acne, according to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus. These bumps can form on your face as well as other areas of the body, particularly parts that have been injured. Although infected or ruptured whiteheads can develop into pimples and other more severe forms of acne, it's important to know that these comodones are not caused by dirt or being unclean. Washing your face repeatedly can dry out the skin and does little to stop the excess oil production that contributes to developing whiteheads.
Treatment
There is no treatment for milia, particularly when it occurs in newborns since these bumps typically go away within a few weeks. However, if you are an adult that continually develops milia, you may be able to have them removed by a physician. Since comodones are a form of acne, you may be able to keep them under control by washing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and using an over-the-counter acne product containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If irritation worsens or the whiteheads continually develop into inflammed, painful pimples or cysts, you may need a prescription acne medication.
Prevention
Although preventing milia is not possible, there are things you can do to limit the development of whiteheads on your nose and other facial areas. Be sure to wash your face daily and to remove any cosmetics from your face before going to bed. Keep your hands off your face, since they may carry bacteria that can irritate your skin. While it can be difficult, resist the temptation to squeeze whiteheads. Doing so can increase irritation, which can cause you to develop painful pimples in their place.
