Bump or Ridge at the Base of the Nasal Septum: Seeking Advice
I am a 28-year-old with a medical history that includes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and persistent sinusitis; I do not suffer from allergies and only use nasal steroids intermittently. For about a month, I have noticed a peculiar skin flap or ridge located inside my nasal septum. This abnormality originates from the distal end of my septal cartilage, extending approximately 3-5mm downwards toward the membranous septum. The entire length of this formation is around 1cm, resembling a thin fold of skin. While it is slightly tender to the touch, it is not painful and does not bleed—there have been no nosebleeds associated with it. I attempted to examine it in the mirror and observed a patch of lighter tissue, but little else is visible. For the past three days, I have been applying Polysporin, but it hasn’t shown any signs of improvement. I'm looking for any insights or suggestions regarding this condition. What could it be?
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 4:00:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a concerning but relatively uncommon issue with a bump or ridge on your nasal septum. Given your description, this could potentially be a few things, such as a benign growth like a polyp, a callous from irritation, or even a condition involving the skin tissue. It’s positive that you don’t have significant pain or bleeding, which reduces the urgency of the situation, but it’s still vital to monitor and manage it effectively.
Explanation:
The nasal septum is lined with delicate skin, and changes such as bumps or ridges can occur due to various reasons, including irritation from your sinusitis, previous trauma, or even skin conditions. Applying Polysporin indicates that you think it might be related to an infection, but since there's no improvement, it might not be the right treatment for this issue. The lighter tissue you observed may signal a different condition that needs a distinct approach.
Next Steps:
-
Stop Applying Polysporin: Since you're not seeing any improvement, discontinue its use to avoid further irritation.
-
Gentle Cleaning: Maintain a gentle hygiene routine for your nasal area. You can use saline nasal sprays or saline solution for rinsing to help keep the area moist and to flush out any irritants.
-
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from nasal irritants, such as strong fragrances, smoke, and very dry air. These can exacerbate nasal tissue irritation and might contribute to the bump.
-
Monitor Changes: Keep a close eye on the flap or ridge over the next week. Note any changes in size, color, tenderness, or if any new symptoms develop.
-
Moisturize: Consider applying a gentle moisturizer like Vaseline around the outside nasal area (not inside) to prevent dryness and irritation, if that is an issue for you.
If the bump does not improve within a week or if you experience any worsening symptoms (increased tenderness, bleeding, or new growth), it would be advisable to seek evaluation from a healthcare professional, particularly an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can provide a more definitive diagnosis and treatment tailored to your situation.
Let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification!
Related Questions
Concerning Skin Growth
I am a 38-year-old female, generally in good health, though I've been diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Recently, I experienced a troubling development: last weekend, a patch on my upper back began to itch and felt warm to the touch. At first, I dismissed it. However, by mid-week, the itchiness faded, making way for pain, and it became elevated and sensitive when touched. The sensation felt distinct from the Hidradenitis flare-ups I typically endure, which only occur in my armpits and beneath my breasts. Since I rarely suffer from acne on my back, I initially attributed the situation to that and started to treat it gently with tea tree oil. Although the pain has lessened over time, the sensitivity remains. Due to its location, I struggled to inspect the area for most of the week, but I managed to get a glimpse today. What I observed was a raised bump featuring a crusty, greenish center. I took a photo of the lesion and sent it to my healthcare provider, although I won’t receive feedback until at least Monday. My main concern is whether I should be alarmed about this development.
What Could Be Causing My Skin Issues?
I’m sharing this anonymously due to my embarrassment. Recently, during a night’s rest, I experienced significant bleeding that soaked through my clothing and stained my pillow. When I sought emergency assistance, I felt belittled by the staff, who seemed to think I was overreacting. My friend insisted on taking me to the ER after being alarmed by the situation, but instead of support, the doctors suggested that my weight might be the issue, despite the affected areas not being prone to chafing. I don’t believe my weight is the root cause, but if it is, I’m curious about measures I can take to manage this while I continue working on losing weight. A few days ago, I noticed a rash similar to the one depicted in the initial image. It escalated rapidly, forming scabs that subsequently fall off, only for bleeding to occur again. My general practitioner prescribed a Z-Pak and Prednisone; however, I was unable to obtain the latter. The ER doctors recommended Myocin cream, which has shown some improvement on the original problem area. Unfortunately, I've now developed similar issues in four other spots, none of which seem to be healing. I’ve even tried antifungal treatments, just to be thorough. The bleeding persists, and the pain levels reach about 8 out of 10, with no prior injuries to explain it; it just occurred abruptly. The images I have show multiple affected areas at different stages of progression. I have a primary immunodeficiency and currently weigh around 300 pounds; however, I've been actively working on my health and have lost 50 pounds so far. I am following the prescribed Z-Pak, using the Myocin cream, and started Augmentin today for a strep infection. Additionally, I manage conditions like fibromyalgia with Lyrica and asthma with Singulair. I’ve had minor skin infections in the past that typically responded well to a Z-Pak, but this situation feels entirely different, and I am particularly concerned about one of the inflamed areas due to the surrounding redness.
Seeking Clarity on a Skin Mark
Hello, I'm a 19-year-old male born in Canada with Chinese heritage. I've had a discolored patch on my upper back, near the shoulder blade region, for as long as I can recall. Lately, I've observed that this area has been getting darker. Could this be just a simple birthmark, or should I be concerned about it? I appreciate any insights you can provide!
Possible Alternatives to Astigmatism Symptoms
I hope this is a fitting space to seek advice, as I'm having a tough time finding a forum suitable for discussing optical concerns. I’m 24 years old and female, and I don’t currently take any medications, nor do I smoke or use any recreational substances. My vision resembles that of individuals suffering from astigmatism, however, there is a key distinction – my overall eyesight remains sharp and has always been clear, with no prior issues. The main challenge I encounter pertains to artificial light sources. This issue arises particularly with lamps and illumination in dim settings. I experience significant challenges focusing, accompanied by visions of streaks and sparkles reminiscent of astigmatism symptoms, which are quite distracting. As a result, I find it difficult to concentrate and often squint, exacerbating the issue. Every blink requires my eyes to readjust their focus, which can take a few moments. Occasionally, I perceive a double shadow effect when looking at certain lamps. While this was significantly worse in my childhood, there has been some improvement as I have matured, but the symptoms persist. I’ve attempted to investigate on my own to discover potential conditions similar to astigmatism, but I haven’t found what I need. Are these experiences common, is this simply a sign of light sensitivity, or could it perhaps point to another issue?
Unusual Skin Bumps with Hollow Centers: Seeking Answers
At 21 years old, I have been grappling with a perplexing skin issue since I was a teenager. Despite maintaining a healthy and smooth complexion with an absence of blackheads or traditional pimples, about every three weeks, I notice small bumps appearing on my skin. These bumps tend to become inflamed almost overnight, resembling a raised volcano with a small crater at the peak. They consistently emerge in the same areas: above my eyebrows on my forehead and under my left eye near my cheekbone, without straying elsewhere on my face. In my quest for answers, I have consulted multiple doctors and dermatologists, none of whom attribute these flare-ups to acne or any dermatological disorders. Instead, they suspect an environmental factor may be influencing this condition. Throughout this process, I've applied various topical medications and ointments aimed at healing and preventing these spots. Initially, we considered the possibility of insect bites. When I experience bug bites on my legs, my skin reacts strongly, swelling for weeks and often leaving scars that take a long time to fade. Strangely, the bumps on my face do not itch, unlike typical bug bites. In an attempt to eliminate this theory, I had my room treated for pests, and the exterminator reported no findings, ruling out bugs as a cause. Subsequently, we scrutinized the environment in my room and the products I use. I replaced all bedding, including comforters, sheets, and pillowcases, and even spent time sleeping in a different room, yet there was no improvement. I work in a movie theater, and a potential link to the popcorn machine was considered, as I’ve noticed that sometimes, when I take time off, the bumps diminish. Although there is slight improvement during those breaks, it hasn't been significant enough to provide clarity. I feel frustrated and at a loss. Having tried countless creams and ointments, with little success, it’s disheartening that medical professionals are also stumped. They did discover I have HSV1, but it remains largely dormant. Additionally, I don’t have any known skin conditions, family history of similar issues, or allergies that could explain this problem. I am reaching out to see if anyone can recognize this situation or provide suggestions on what steps I might take to find relief. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!