Nasal Papules - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Introduction

Papules are the raised, elevated areas of the skin. Nasal papules are fibrous papules that are common skin lesions. These are harmless skin lesions. These papules are firm and solitary, appear on and around the nose, and have a characteristic appearance under the microscope. These are small bumps caused due to excess oil on the skin, bacteria, medication, or hormones.

What Is Papule?

Papule is a raised area of the skin tissue less than one 0.3 inches. It can have distinct or indistinct borders. It can be found in various sizes, shapes, forms, and colors. Mostly these are skin lesions that change the color or texture of the skin. Sometimes, these papules cluster together to form a rash. Depending on the cause, it can be treated at home, also.

Some common causes of these papules can be -

• Contact dermatitis is caused due to certain materials that touch the skin and cause irritation.

• Warts: These are the bumps on the skin caused by HPV (Human Papilloma virus).

• Cherry Angioma: A condition in which red spots are developed on the skin due to the collection of the blood vessels.

• Actinic Keratosis: These are commonly known as sun spots.

What Are Nasal Papules?

Nasal papules or fibrous papules are common and harmless skin lesions. These are firm, solitary, present on or around the nose, and have a characteristic appearance under the microscope. A fibrous papule of the nose may also be known as a fibrous papule of the face, solitary angiofibroma, and sporadic angiofibroma. These papules are common and may affect anyone. These papules are commonly seen during late adolescence and early adulthood. These can be present in multiple numbers without any underlying disorder.

These papules can be associated with genetic conditions, including tuberous sclerosis, a genetic condition characterized by numerous hamartomas, non-cancerous overgrowth of a mature cell type mature to the site or organ, which can be congenital or acquired in the skin, brain, kidney, heart, particularly or any body organ. The papules can be numerous and widespread in this condition, sometimes beyond the nasal area. They are harmless apart from the aesthetic problems they create.

What Causes Nasal Papules?

The exact causative factor for nasal papules cannot be determined. But in some cases, it is caused due to.

• Due to the oil secretion by sebaceous glands.

• Increased bacterial presence on the skin.

• Due to hormonal imbalances such as androgen (sex hormones). They play a significant role in starting puberty, reproductive health, and body development. It is present in males in significant amounts. Testosterone is the most common androgen.

• Fibrous papules arise from collagen present in large amounts in the skin. Collagen is a complex, fibrous protein that forms the shape of the skin. The overgrowth of the collagen can be due to

• Sun exposure.

• Genetics.

• Family history.

• Immuno-compression.

• Viral infections.

• Trauma.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Nasal Papules?

The symptoms of fibrous papules vary with different individuals. Some of the symptoms are-

• They are usually single, solitary nodules on or around the nose.

• The fibrous papule of the nose is usually dome-shaped and non-tender.

• Other shapes can be round to oval shaped with a range of colors from skin colored to reddish brown.

• It is a non-cancerous growth that usually appears on the skin.

• The size of these papules ranges from one to five millimeters in diameter.

How Are Nasal Papules Diagnosed?

These can be diagnosed in various ways, such as-

• Physical examination: Doctors can thoroughly examine the papules by touching them to see whether they are soft or hard.

• Skin biopsy: A fibrous papule can be diagnosed by a skin biopsy. This is a procedure in which skin tissue is excavated from the affected site and studied under a microscope. A biopsy also helps to confirm whether the growth is cancerous or not. There are distinctive microscopic features such as-

  • Dilated blood vessels: The proliferation of fibroblast, stellate, spindle, and multinucleated cells.

  • Imaging techniques: In some cases, imaging techniques such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) scans are also suggested. These tests help in determining whether the growth is benign or malignant.

What Is the Treatment of Nasal Papules?

The type of papule can determine the treatment of nasal papules. Sometimes, it can be treated at home without much treatment. For larger papules that cannot be treated at home, the treatment includes-

• Shave Biopsy: This type of minor surgery removes the skin lesions. It is commonly used for fibrous papules that are small, benign growths commonly seen on the nose and cheeks. In this technique, a small razor is used to cut off the small area of the skin. This part is covered with a bandage, then.

• Excision: It is a common technique for papules. A small scalpel is used to cut it. Recovery from excision is quick and easy.

• Laser therapy: It is a safe technique to remove papules. A highly concentrated light beam targets and removes the excess tissue causing the papule.

• Cryotherapy: It is a technology in which freezing temperatures destroy unwanted tissue. It can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions.

• Electrosurgery: It uses high-frequency electrical energy to destroy the lesion.

Conclusion

This article gives details of nasal papules, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Nasal papules are the fibrous papules that are the elevated areas of the skin. These benign growths are firm, solitary, and caused on or around the nose. These are caused due to the accumulation of oil, hormonal imbalance, puberty, adolescence, bacterial growth, etc. They are dome-shaped, oval, or round in some cases. They may have distinct or indistinct borders. The size of these papules range from 0.3 to 0.7 inch. Their color is usually skin-colored or toned brown. They can be diagnosed with physical examination methods, skin biopsy, and various imaging techniques. The treatment is not required in some cases. In some cases, especially of aesthetic concern, treatment can be done with the help of shave biopsy, laser therapy, excision, laser therapy, cryotherapy, electrosurgery, etc.