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:
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Stop Applying Polysporin: Since you're not seeing any improvement, discontinue its use to avoid further irritation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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