Fibrous papules are common, benign skin growths that appear as small, dome-shaped bumps. These growths are usually found on the face, with the nose being a common location. While harmless, some individuals choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
Identifying a Fibrous Papule
A fibrous papule is a small, firm, dome-shaped bump on the skin. It can be skin-colored, pink, or reddish-brown, and its texture may be smooth or slightly bumpy. These papules measure between 1 to 6 millimeters in diameter.
While they can appear anywhere on the face, the nose is the most frequent site, with studies indicating over 80% occur there. Fibrous papules are non-cancerous and do not cause discomfort, pain, or itching. However, professional medical advice is recommended for diagnosis, as other skin conditions, including skin cancer like basal cell carcinoma, can resemble fibrous papules.
Why Self-Removal Is Not Recommended
Attempting to remove a fibrous papule at home carries risks and is discouraged. A major concern is infection, as unsterilized tools or improper wound care can introduce bacteria into the skin. This can lead to serious infections requiring medical intervention.
Self-removal also increases the likelihood of permanent scarring. Incomplete removal is a common outcome, which can result in the papule growing back or worsening its appearance. A bump that appears to be a fibrous papule might actually be a more serious condition, such as basal cell carcinoma or melanoma. Misdiagnosis due to self-treatment can delay medical evaluation and treatment, potentially leading to more advanced disease.
Professional Removal Options
Several professional medical procedures are available for the safe removal of fibrous papules, performed by dermatologists or qualified medical professionals. Shave excision involves using a small blade to shave off the lesion at its base, often under local anesthesia, resulting in a superficial wound that heals within 5 to 7 days. This method is effective for smaller papules and has a quick recovery time.
Surgical excision removes the papule using a scalpel, which may require stitches for significant wounds. It is often preferred for larger lesions, ensuring complete removal and minimizing recurrence. Laser therapy, particularly CO2 lasers, precisely targets the water within the papule’s cells, vaporizing the tissue with minimal damage to surrounding skin. This technique is precise and can reduce bleeding by stimulating blood vessel coagulation.
Electrocautery, also known as electrosurgery, uses heat from an electrical current to destroy the lesion. This method can penetrate deeper skin layers to reach the entire papule, causing localized coagulation and cell disappearance. Cryotherapy, less common due to a higher risk of scarring or pigment changes, involves freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen to destroy tissue. Regardless of the chosen method, local anesthesia is applied to ensure patient comfort.
Post-Removal Care and Expectations
Post-procedure care is important for healing and to minimize complications. Patients can expect some redness, mild swelling, and possibly yellowish oozing around the treated area for up to a week. A temporary scab will form, which falls off within seven to ten days, and avoid touching or scratching it to prevent inflammation and scarring.
The treated area should be kept clean, cleansed with mild soap and water once or twice daily, and a dermatologist-recommended ointment or Vaseline should be applied for hydration. Protecting the healing skin from direct sunlight with sunscreen is advised to prevent pigmentation changes. Recurrence is rare but possible if the papule was not fully removed. A small scar or slight change in skin texture and color may be present at the removal site, varying with the method and individual healing. Any persistent redness, abnormal sensitivity, or signs of infection should prompt a follow-up with the dermatologist.