Cause of Tingling on Tip of Nose Includes Multiple Sclerosis

By Lorra Garrick | Last updated 08/24

“Tingling at the tip of the nose can occur for a variety of reasons,” including MS, says Walter Gaman, MD, FABFM, board certified in family medicine and the author of several award-winning books including “Age to Perfection: How to Thrive to 100, Happy, Healthy, and Wise.”

Sometimes, whatever can cause tingling in the nose can also cause this sensation ONLY in the tip.

“Some of the most common reasons include: stress, exposure to extreme temperatures, caffeine, medication side effect or at the onset of a migraine headache,” says Dr. Gaman, who is board certified in family medicine. ms

A past history of a rhinoplasty (“nose job”) can leave a lingering tingling or numbness feeling on just the tip of the nose. It may take years to go away.

Another potential cause is that of blackhead extractions.

If the tip of your nose began tingling within a day or two after having extractions, the extractions are likely the reason, since the skin was traumatized by this process. The effect will be temporary.

Got struck in the nose lately? That could do it too.

“Women who experience hormone changes around menopause may often express a tingling sensation at the tip of their nose,” says Dr. Gaman.

“This is not serious and often does not last long.”

Multiple Sclerosis and Tingling on Only the Tip of the Nose

“While some people with serious conditions like multiple sclerosis can have tingling at the tip of the nose, this is not the only symptom they would have, nor is it a diagnostic symptom,” says Dr. Gaman.

Do not panic. If you told your primary care physician, “Lately, the tip of my nose has been tingling,” multiple sclerosis will NOT be among the first possible causes that will enter your doctor’s mind.

MS probably won’t even be on the outskirts of their radar – especially if you’re not reporting other symptoms that would be concerning such as uncontrollable tremoring or weakness.