Finding an unexpected lump or bump on your nose can cause concern. The nose is a prominent feature, and any change is highly noticeable. While many nasal bumps are harmless and often resolve on their own, others may signal an underlying condition requiring medical attention. These growths vary widely in cause and location, ranging from simple skin blemishes to structural irregularities or internal issues. Understanding the bump’s characteristics is the first step in determining what action you should take.
Is the Bump Inside or Outside the Nose?
The location of the bump provides the most useful clue for determining its origin. A bump on the outside of the nose involves the skin, cartilage, or bone structure, often falling under the care of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. These external lesions are usually visible, easily felt, and may be linked to dermatological conditions or physical trauma.
A bump inside the nose involves the mucosal lining, the septum, or the entrance of the nostril (the nasal vestibule). Internal bumps are frequently associated with inflammation, infection, or growths originating from the sinuses. Identifying this location helps medical professionals narrow down potential causes and guide the diagnostic process.
Common Causes of Bumps on the Nose
External bumps are often related to the skin’s structure and function. The nose contains numerous sebaceous glands, making it prone to blockages that lead to acne, manifesting as papules, pustules, or painful, deeper cysts. A common, benign, dome-shaped lesion that persists for years is a fibrous papule, which is an overgrowth of collagen and blood vessels. Trauma can also lead to a persistent external bump, sometimes called a dorsal hump, caused by uneven healing of the underlying bone or cartilage structure following an injury.
Internal bumps often stem from inflammatory processes or localized infection near the nostril opening. Nasal vestibulitis is a common bacterial infection, usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, that forms red and white bumps or crusting inside the nostril. If this infection is deep within a hair follicle, it can develop into a painful, pus-filled boil called a nasal furuncle, which demands careful medical management. Less commonly, nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that arise from the inflamed lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. These polyps can cause a feeling of blockage, a persistent runny nose, or a diminished sense of smell and taste.
Identifying Warning Signs That Require Medical Care
While many nasal bumps are temporary or benign, certain characteristics should prompt a timely visit to a healthcare provider.
Urgent Symptoms
Any bump should be evaluated quickly if it exhibits rapid growth, changes significantly in color or shape, or starts bleeding spontaneously. Persistent or worsening severe pain, especially inside the nose, signals a potentially serious infection requiring immediate treatment.
Emergency Red Flags
Seek emergency medical care immediately if systemic signs of infection appear, such as a high fever, spreading redness, or swelling that extends to the cheeks or eye area. If the bump is accompanied by vision changes or a severe, persistent headache, this can indicate a rare but dangerous complication where the infection spreads to the brain’s venous system. Furthermore, a bump causing significant and persistent nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing warrants a professional examination.
Steps in Professional Diagnosis and Treatment
A diagnosis typically begins with a thorough patient history and a physical examination of the nose. For external bumps, a dermatologist may use a specialized magnifying tool called a dermatoscope to closely examine the lesion’s structure and blood vessels. For internal issues, an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) may perform a rhinoscopy, using a small, lighted scope to visualize the deeper nasal passages and sinuses.
If a growth appears suspicious or the diagnosis is unclear, a biopsy may be performed, which involves removing a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis. Imaging tests, such as a Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), are sometimes used to assess the extent of internal growths like polyps or to check for spread of infection. The resulting treatment plan is tailored to the specific cause.
Infections like nasal vestibulitis are commonly treated with topical or oral antibiotics. Nasal polyps are typically managed first with steroid nasal sprays or, in some cases, a short course of oral steroids to shrink the growths. Benign skin lesions like fibrous papules may simply be monitored, but if they are bothersome, they can be removed through methods like excision or cryotherapy. Surgical removal is reserved for persistent cysts, large nasal furuncles that require drainage, or polyps that obstruct breathing despite medication.