For a painful red boil on your nose, start by applying a warm, damp compress for 10-15 minutes, three to four times a day, to help it heal and drain naturally. You can apply an over-the-counter generic triple antibiotic ointment (containing bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B) or mupirocin ointment twice daily. For pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Most importantly, do not squeeze, pop, or pick at the boil, as this can spread the infection. If the boil grows larger, becomes more painful, or if you develop a fever, please consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and prescription-strength treatment.
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