I know this sounds gross, but a few weeks ago, I had an ingrown nose hair coming out on the other side of my nostril.

It all started when I used an electric nose-hair trimmer, shaved down too close to the skin, and the ingrown nose hair began.

Initially, it wasn’t a big deal. After a few days, the pain started to build inside my nose—until, eventually, the outside of my nose became red and painful to the touch. I used antibiotics like Bacitracin on the inside of my nose. The pain continued to grow until it was highly uncomfortable, even when I barely touched the tip of my nose.

Ultimately, the swelling and pain started to go down a bit after five days, and a tiny scab formed outside my nose, where it had been the reddest and sore. While examining the area, I lightly scratched the surface of the scab. To my complete horror and surprise, a half-inch ingrown hair slid right out of my nose.

Was this possible? Was I hallucinating? Nope. It happened. Ewww!

And the most fascinating and convincing aspect of all was that the hair was undoubtedly thick, dark nose hair. Now traumatized, I’m never using an electric nose trimmer again and moving to use dull-nosed scissors for trimming.

I thought I was alone in the experience but found others who had the same outcome online. I was thrilled! Know you have friends in this odd occasion if the same has happened to you.

Life is back to normal for me, my nose is healed, and I no longer look like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, hiding from the general public.

I never want to have an ingrown nose hair coming out on the other side of my nostril again.

How do you heal an ingrown hair in your nostril?

An ingrown hair in the nostril can be uncomfortable and annoying.

To help heal an ingrown hair in your nostril, you can try the following steps:

  • First, gently wash the area with warm water and soap to cleanse the skin and remove any bacteria or debris.
  • Next, use a clean, sharp pair of tweezers to remove the ingrown hair carefully. Be sure to sterilize the tweezers with rubbing alcohol before use to prevent infection.
  • Once the ingrown hair is removed, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the area to help prevent infection and promote healing.
  • Avoid picking or scratching the affected area, as this can cause skin irritation and infection.
  • If the ingrown hair does not improve within a few days, or if you experience pain, swelling, or discharge, consult a healthcare provider for further treatment.

It’s crucial to handle ingrown hairs carefully to avoid irritation and infection. If you are uncomfortable removing the ingrown hair or unsure how to do it safely, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for assistance.

How long does it take to heal an ingrown nose hair?

Ingrown nose hairs can typically be resolved within a few days to a week with proper care.

Keeping the affected area clean and avoiding picking or pulling at the ingrown hair is essential to speeding up the healing process. Applying a warm compress to the site can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.

If the ingrown hair is still present after a week or if it is causing significant discomfort, it is best to see a doctor for further treatment.

How serious is an infection in the nose?

An infection in the nose can be mild to severe, depending on the type of infection and the individual’s overall health.

In most cases, a nose infection is caused by a virus and will resolve on its own without medical treatment. However, if the infection is bacterial or the individual has a weakened immune system, it may require treatment with antibiotics to prevent it from spreading to other body parts.

If you have a nose infection, it’s always best to consult a doctor to determine the appropriate course of treatment.

What can infections in the nose lead to?

In some cases, an infection in the nose can easily spread to different parts of your body, possibly leading to more serious health problems.

For example, a bacterial infection in the nose can spread to the sinuses, causing a sinus infection. A sinus infection can cause symptoms such as facial pain and pressure, headache, and a thick, yellow, or green discharge from the nose. In rare cases, a sinus infection can quickly spread to the bones or tissue surrounding the eyes, leading to a condition called orbital cellulitis. This can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness in the affected area, and vision problems.

It’s important to seek medical treatment for a nose infection to prevent it from spreading and causing complications.

This article is not meant to be taken as medical advice and is only shared as personal experience; please consult with your primary care provider regarding all aspects of your personal health before proceeding.