A bump on the nostril can be concerning. While unsettling, these bumps are often harmless and result from common, benign conditions. Understanding their causes can alleviate worry and clarify when medical advice is needed.
Understanding Common Nostril Bumps
Pimples or acne lesions are a frequent cause of nostril bumps. The skin around and inside the nostrils contains sebaceous glands that produce oil, making it susceptible to blockages and bacterial growth. They appear as red, tender swellings that may develop a whitehead or blackhead. Like acne elsewhere on the face, these can be painful if inflamed or pressed.
Ingrown hairs commonly cause nostril bumps, especially for those who shave, pluck, or wax nasal hair. This occurs when a hair strand, instead of growing outward, curls back into the skin or grows sideways into the follicle wall. The body perceives it as a foreign object, triggering inflammation that results in a small, red, painful bump. Sometimes, the coiled hair is visible beneath the skin’s surface within the inflamed area.
Minor cysts, like sebaceous cysts, can develop on or around the nostril. These cysts form when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked, trapping sebum (oil) and dead skin cells beneath the surface. They appear as slow-growing, smooth, and sometimes movable lumps under the skin. While usually harmless, they can occasionally become inflamed or infected, leading to tenderness and redness.
Skin tags or benign moles are other possibilities, especially if the bump has been present for a long time or developed gradually. Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-colored growths that often hang from a narrow stalk. Moles, which are pigmented spots, can vary in size, shape, and color. Both are generally harmless and do not require treatment unless they cause irritation or cosmetic concern.
Other Potential Causes and When to Be Concerned
Infections are another cause of nostril bumps, especially if accompanied by specific symptoms. Folliculitis, an inflammation of hair follicles, causes small, red, pus-filled bumps around hair roots, often from bacterial infection like Staphylococcus aureus. Cellulitis, a more widespread infection, can appear as a rapidly spreading area of redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness.
Nasal vestibulitis is an infection of the nasal opening’s lining (vestibule), often triggered by nose picking, excessive nose blowing, or nasal hair plucking. This condition presents with redness, swelling, pain, and crusting inside the nostril. Untreated, it can potentially lead to more serious infections, though this is rare.
Though less common on the nostril, nasal polyps can be a consideration if the bump is deeper within the nasal passage. Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses, often associated with chronic inflammation. Though not visible on the outer nostril, their presence can lead to swelling or discomfort perceived as a bump.
Rarely, a persistent or changing nostril bump could indicate skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are common skin cancers on sun-exposed areas like the nose. BCC often presents as a pearly, translucent bump, a persistent sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal, or a red, scaly patch. SCC may appear as a firm, red nodule or a scaly, crusty patch.
Guidance on When to See a Doctor
Consult a healthcare professional if a nostril bump shows warning signs. Seek medical attention if the bump is excessively painful, red, swollen, or warm to the touch, especially if symptoms worsen. These signs often point towards an active infection that may require treatment.
A doctor’s visit is prudent if the bump bleeds, oozes pus, or shows other infection signs like fever. Any changes in the bump’s size, shape, or color, or if it develops an irregular border, should prompt an evaluation. A bump that does not heal or resolve within a few weeks also warrants professional assessment.
If the bump causes difficulty breathing, persistent nasal obstruction, or other functional issues, it should be examined. Rapid growth of a new bump or multiple concerning symptoms are additional reasons to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis can be beneficial for various conditions, ensuring appropriate management.
General Care and Prevention Tips
Good nasal hygiene can help prevent and manage minor nostril bumps. Gently cleaning the nostril area with mild soap and water removes excess oil and debris, reducing blockages. Avoiding harsh scrubbing is important to prevent irritation to the delicate skin.
Refrain from picking, squeezing, or attempting to pop bumps on or inside the nostril. Such actions can introduce bacteria, worsen inflammation, and lead to infections or scarring. Allowing the body to heal naturally or seeking professional guidance is often the best approach.
Keeping nasal passages moist contributes to overall nasal health, reducing irritation that can precede bump formation. Using a saline nasal spray or a small amount of petroleum jelly inside the nostrils can help prevent dryness. When removing nasal hair, use clean, sharp tools and trim rather than pluck or wax, which reduces ingrown hair risk. Protecting the nose from sun exposure with sunscreen or hats lowers the risk of sun-related skin issues, including certain skin cancers.