Is it a zit, an ingrown hair, a polyp, or something else? Weird nose bumps have various causes, from harmless to time to call the doctor.
There are many possible causes for bumps inside your nose — some as harmless as a pimple, others that might need more attention. It’s easy to imagine the worst, but the truth is usually less alarming.
If you’ve got a painful, annoying, or strange bump in your nose, keep reading to learn what it might be, whether it’s worth worrying about, and how to deal with it.
Bumps inside nose causes
So, what’s behind these bothersome nose bumps? Here are some common culprits:
Nasal vestibulitis
This isinflammation of the nasal vestibule, the area just inside your nostrils, often caused by bacterial infections. It can lead to painful, red bumps sensitive to the touch. Common triggers include frequent nose-picking, blowing too hard, or even plucking nose hairs.
Like on your face, the pores inside your nose can become clogged with oil, dirt, and bacteria, leading topimples. These can be painful and may swell, especially in such a sensitive area.
Nasal polyps
Non-cancerous growthscan develop in the nasal passages or sinus lining due to chronic inflammation, allergies, or infections. While they’re usually painless, larger polyps can cause blockages, leading to breathing difficulties, a reduced sense of smell, or recurrent sinus infections.
Infected ingrown hairs
When you pluck or trim nose hairs, the hair can sometimes grow back into the skin instead of out, causing aningrown hair. If this becomes infected, it can result in a painful bump inside the nose.
A bump can also form inside the nose due to trauma, such as a blow to the nose, or even from something as simple as aggressive nose-picking. The trauma can cause the tissue to swell or become bruised. In some cases, a hard bump may form as the tissue heals.
Fluid-filled sacs that can form in your nose, usually harmless but sometimes uncomfortable.
Cartilage issues
A hard bump inside the nose might be due to problems with the cartilage, such as a deviated septum or cartilage overgrowth.
Fibrous papules
Small,benign bumpsthat may appear on or in the nose are often mistaken for pimples but are fibrous tissue growths.
Wondering if that bump inside your nose is something serious? Here’s what to look out for:
How to treat nose bumps
Ready to say goodbye to that pesky bump inside your nose? The proper treatment depends on what’s causing it, but here are some ideas to ease the discomfort and promote healing:
Additionally, if you’re dealing with nasal polyps, a healthcare professional might prescribe steroid sprays to shrink them and reduce inflammation, making breathing easier.
On the other hand, if a bacterial infection is the culprit, as in cases of nasal vestibulitis, your doc may recommend a topical antibiotic like mupirocin. This ointment is applied directly inside the nose to target the infection, reduce redness, and promote healing.
When to see a doctor
While most nose bumps aren’t a big deal, some need more attention. Here’s when to make that appointment:
Even the slightest bump inside your nose can be a major annoyance. Causes vary from harmless pimples to things that require more attention, like polyps.
Self-care measures can usually ease discomfort and speed healing, but if it’s super painful or worrying discharge, it’s time to sniff out professional help.
