A localized swelling or lump on the nose, commonly referred to as a “nose bump,” can be a source of significant concern, especially if it appears to be getting larger. The nose is a complex facial structure composed of skin, soft tissue, cartilage, and bone, meaning a bump’s origin can stem from any of these layers. Understanding why a growth is expanding requires considering various possibilities, ranging from temporary inflammatory responses to more chronic changes in the underlying tissue.
Common Inflammatory Causes
Many growing nose bumps result from acute inflammation or infection within the skin’s surface layers. The highly sebaceous skin of the nose is prone to conditions like acne. These lesions develop when oil and dead skin cells clog a pore, leading to bacterial overgrowth and a painful, swollen nodule that can take weeks to resolve. Because they are deep within the dermis, these bumps feel firm and can appear to grow rapidly as the inflammation intensifies.
Another common inflammatory cause is folliculitis, an infection or inflammation of a hair follicle. On the nose, this often appears as small, pus-filled bumps that resemble a cluster of tiny pimples and can be tender to the touch. Minor trauma, such as an insect bite or a scratch, can also cause a bump that swells temporarily as the body’s immune system mounts a localized response. These inflammatory bumps feature redness and tenderness, and their growth typically plateaus before gradually shrinking as the body clears the infection.
Chronic Benign Skin Growths
When a nose bump grows slowly over months or years without the intense redness or pain of acute inflammation, it may be a chronic, benign skin growth. One frequent example is the epidermal inclusion cyst, a dome-shaped lesion that develops beneath the skin surface. These cysts are formed by a pocket of trapped skin cells that continuously shed keratin, causing the cyst to slowly enlarge. Epidermal inclusion cysts often feel firm and mobile, and a small dark spot called a punctum may be visible at the center.
Other slow-growing bumps include fibrous papules, which are small, firm, flesh-colored or reddish-pink growths typically found on the nose. These are composed of an overgrowth of connective tissue and blood vessels. A more significant, progressive benign condition is rhinophyma, an advanced form of rosacea that primarily affects the lower half of the nose. Rhinophyma involves the slow, irreversible enlargement of oil glands and connective tissue, leading to a bulbous, bumpy, and often discolored appearance.
Structural and Cartilage-Related Bumps
Some nose bumps originate deeper than the skin, involving the underlying bone or cartilage structure, which gives them a distinct hard and fixed feel. A common structural cause is the formation of a bony spur or callus following nasal trauma. When nasal bones fracture, the healing process can sometimes result in an excess deposit of bone tissue that gradually calcifies into a permanent, hard bump on the nasal bridge. This growth is generally slow and represents a stable, healed deformity.
Bumps can also develop as a complication of prior nasal surgery, such as rhinoplasty. Following the procedure, a bump may appear to grow larger as the surrounding surgical swelling subsides, revealing a subtle contour irregularity that was previously masked. This can be the result of a small piece of cartilage graft shifting out of place or the body forming scar tissue deep beneath the skin’s surface. These structural growths are usually non-tender and feel rigid.
When the Growth Signals Serious Concern
A growing bump that exhibits specific changes in appearance or behavior warrants prompt medical evaluation, as it could signal a skin cancer. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer on the nose, often presenting as a slow-growing bump that can be easily mistaken for a persistent pimple. BCCs frequently appear as a pearly or translucent nodule with tiny, visible blood vessels running across the surface.
Another common presentation of BCC is an open sore that persistently bleeds, scabs over, appears to heal, and then reappears without fully resolving. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) can also develop on the nose and often presents as a firm, reddish nodule or a rough, scaly patch that may feel tender. SCCs tend to grow more rapidly than BCCs and can sometimes resemble a wart or a non-healing ulcer.
Less commonly, a dark or rapidly changing bump may signal melanoma, a more aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma growths are characterized by:
- Asymmetry
- Irregular borders
- Multiple colors
- A diameter larger than a pencil eraser
- Noticeable evolution or change in size and shape
Diagnosis and Next Steps
If a bump on the nose is growing, changing color, bleeding, or has not resolved within a few weeks, professional evaluation is necessary. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon can perform a thorough visual examination. This assessment can often distinguish between benign growths, such as fibrous papules, and suspicious lesions like skin cancers.
In cases where the diagnosis is uncertain or cancer is suspected, a minor procedure called a biopsy will be performed to remove a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis. Treatment is guided by the confirmed diagnosis.
Treatment for Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammatory conditions like severe acne or folliculitis may respond to prescription topical medications or oral antibiotics.
Treatment for Benign Growths
Chronic benign growths like cysts or fibrous papules are typically addressed with surgical excision or shaving for cosmetic purposes.
Treatment for Skin Cancers
Skin cancers often require removal through specialized surgical techniques.