Help Needed After Accidentally Removing a Wart from My Nostril
For the past two years, I’ve had a tiny wart positioned just inside my nostril, roughly the same size as a goosebump. It’s only visible in the mirror when I tilt my head back, and being quite short, I’ve been hoping it would disappear on its own since I figured it wasn’t noticeable to anyone else. Today, however, I noticed a bit of dry skin protruding from it. In an attempt to remove the skin, I inadvertently ripped out the entire wart, resulting in immediate bleeding. Determined to complete the removal, I used tweezers to grab the remaining pieces, but I’m uncertain if I’ve managed to get everything, as the bleeding persists. It’s been bleeding steadily for about half an hour now, albeit at a slow pace. I’ve been applying pressure with tissues, and each time I take them away, a droplet of blood forms before dripping from my nose. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be a severe flow. Now, I’m at a loss regarding how to care for this area after the accidental removal. I’ve come across various recommendations online, such as using salicylic acid or hydrogen peroxide, but those don’t seem safe for use inside my nostrils. Bandaging the area isn't an option because of its location either, leaving me unsure of the best course of action. I'm particularly concerned about the risk of spreading since cleaning inside my nose is quite challenging and I can’t follow typical treatment methods due to where it’s located. Moreover, I’ve heard horror stories about the so-called "triangle of death," where popping zits in the nasal area could lead to severe infections, potentially affecting the brain. The thought of this adds to my anxiety about my situation. Does anyone have advice on what steps I should take moving forward? It doesn’t feel severe enough to justify a visit to a doctor, and even if I did go, I doubt there would be much they could offer aside from aftercare tips. My doctor is also located several hours away, and securing an appointment could take weeks. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 2:20:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re understandably concerned after accidentally removing your wart and experiencing ongoing bleeding. Your main priorities right now are managing the bleeding effectively and ensuring proper care for the wound to reduce the risk of infection.
Immediate Steps to Take:
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Control the Bleeding:
- Continue applying gentle pressure with a clean tissue or gauze for longer periods (10-15 minutes at a time) without looking to see if the bleeding has stopped. Avoid peeking too soon, as this might disrupt any clot formation.
- If bleeding persists for more than an hour, or if it increases in intensity, seeking medical care would be necessary despite your distance from a doctor.
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Clean the Area Gently:
- After bleeding has stopped, you can gently clean the inside of your nostril with saline solution (a mix of salt and water) or a saline nasal spray. This helps keep the area clean without introducing harsh chemicals.
- Avoid using salicylic acid or hydrogen peroxide inside your nostril, as these can cause irritation.
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Apply a Topical Antibiotic:
- Once the area is clean, and if there’s no ongoing bleeding, you can apply a thin layer of a topical antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) using a clean cotton swab. This can help prevent infection while allowing healing.
Important Considerations:
- Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye out for increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever. If you experience any of these, it’s important to seek medical attention.
- Avoid Picking or Scratching: Try not to touch the area with your fingers or any objects to minimize the risk of irritation and infection.
- Limit Irritants: Avoid using any harsh nasal sprays or chemicals in that area until it’s fully healed.
Anxiety About Complications:
It's understandable to be worried about the potential risks associated with injuries near your nose or eyes. The "triangle of death" myth highlights the importance of keeping this area clean. Following the above care steps will help mitigate those risks effectively.
If bleeding continues or you notice concerning symptoms, please seek care as soon as you can. Your health and safety are the top priorities, and proper care is key in situations like these. Let me know if you need further guidance!
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