The appearance of a bump on or inside the nose can be an anxious experience, but these blemishes are common and usually result from normal biological processes or a minor infection. The causes vary significantly depending on whether the bump is located on the visible outer skin or within the moist lining of the nasal passage. Understanding the specific location is the first step in identifying the likely underlying source.
Bumps on the Exterior Skin
The exterior skin of the nose is particularly prone to certain types of bumps because of its high density of sebaceous glands, which produce an oily substance called sebum. One of the most frequent causes is acne vulgaris, which occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and excess sebum. This blockage can lead to the formation of small, raised lesions known as pimples or blackheads.
Another common exterior bump is folliculitis, which is the inflammation of a hair follicle. This condition often appears as small, red bumps or pustules centered around a hair on the skin’s surface. Folliculitis can develop from irritation, such as aggressive scrubbing or shaving, which allows bacteria to enter the damaged follicle.
Older adults may notice the development of sebaceous hyperplasia, which presents as small, flesh-colored or yellowish bumps, typically on the nose and forehead. This condition results from enlarged sebaceous glands that have become clogged with trapped sebum. These bumps are entirely benign and pose no health risk, but they tend to be persistent and require dermatological treatment to resolve.
Bumps Inside the Nostril
Bumps that form just inside the opening of the nostril, an area called the nasal vestibule, are typically caused by localized infections of the hair follicles. Nasal vestibulitis is a minor infection that often results from small traumas, such as nose picking, excessive nose blowing, or plucking nasal hairs. This common condition is usually caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria, which naturally colonizes the skin of many people. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, swelling, and the formation of pimple-like lesions or crusts at the base of the nasal hairs.
A more significant internal bump is a furuncle, which is a deeper and more painful type of infection commonly known as a boil. A furuncle represents a severe form of vestibulitis where the bacterial infection, frequently Staphylococcus aureus, has progressed into an abscess that fills with pus. These boils are often acutely painful and can cause noticeable swelling of the nasal tip. Physicians take infections in this area seriously because the veins in the central part of the face, sometimes called the “danger triangle,” connect to the veins within the brain.
The spread of infection from a nasal furuncle can potentially lead to a serious condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis, though this is a rare complication. Less commonly, a painless, soft growth inside the nasal cavity might be a nasal polyp, which is a non-infectious, benign growth. Nasal polyps are typically associated with chronic inflammation, such as long-term allergies, and can cause breathing difficulties rather than pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most bumps are minor and can be managed with simple care, certain signs warrant prompt medical evaluation. Any bump that is rapidly increasing in size or that is accompanied by intense, worsening pain should be assessed by a healthcare professional. These symptoms can suggest a deeper, more aggressive infection that requires prescription treatment.
Signs of a spreading infection, such as fever, chills, or redness that extends beyond the immediate area onto the cheek or face, also require immediate attention. This spreading redness is a sign of cellulitis, which is a serious skin infection that needs oral or intravenous antibiotics. Furthermore, any bump inside the nostril that is causing significant blockage or difficulty breathing should be evaluated to rule out structural issues or severe swelling.
If a bump on the exterior skin persists for more than two weeks, bleeds spontaneously, or changes dramatically in appearance, a doctor should examine it. Persistent or unusual lesions may require a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Attempting to squeeze or drain a painful bump inside the nose should be avoided, as this action can push the bacteria deeper into the tissue and increase the risk of a serious complication.