Why Is This Rough Spot on My Nose Getting Bigger?

Written By Honey Cisneros

By: Dr. Ashley Baldree

At Village Dermatology in Katy, Texas and Houston, Texas, patients frequently visit for evaluation of new or changing skin growths. A 50-year-old female recently came to our clinic concerned about a spot on the bridge of her nose that had slowly been enlarging over the past several months.

Her primary concern during the visit was:

“Why is this rough spot on my nose getting bigger?”

Because facial lesions can sometimes represent early skin cancers, careful dermatologic evaluation is essential.

This patient visit involved a full-body skin examination and dermoscopic evaluation of multiple lesions to rule out concerning growths. pasted

Full Skin Examination and Skin Cancer Screening

During the visit, a comprehensive skin exam was performed that included:

  • Scalp and hair

  • Face and eyelids

  • Ears and neck

  • Chest and abdomen

  • Back and extremities

  • Hands, feet, and nails

A dermatoscope was used to carefully examine the lesions and determine whether any required biopsy or treatment.

Fortunately, no signs of skin cancer were found. However, several common benign skin conditions were identified.

Irritated Seborrheic Keratosis on the Nose

The lesion that concerned the patient most was located on the nasal root (bridge of the nose).

It appeared as:

  • A stuck-on appearing papule

  • Slightly inflamed and crusted

  • Occasionally irritated

This lesion was diagnosed as an Irritated Seborrheic Keratosis (ISK).

Seborrheic keratoses are very common benign skin growths that often develop with age. They may appear:

  • Waxy

  • Slightly raised

  • Brown, tan, or skin colored

  • “Stuck-on” in appearance

When these lesions become inflamed or irritated, they can become red, itchy, or crusted.

Treatment: Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy

Because the lesion was irritated, the patient elected to treat it with cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen.

Cryotherapy works by:

  • Freezing the abnormal tissue

  • Causing the lesion to blister and fall off

  • Allowing healthy skin to regenerate

The lesion was treated with two freeze-thaw cycles of liquid nitrogen.

Patients are counseled that after cryotherapy they may experience:

  • Temporary redness

  • Crusting or blistering

  • Light or dark pigment changes

  • Mild scabbing as the skin heals

The patient was scheduled for follow-up in one month to ensure the lesion resolves appropriately.

Other Benign Skin Findings

During the skin exam, several additional benign lesions were noted.

Benign Nevi (Moles)

The patient had multiple benign nevi, which appeared as:

  • Regular

  • Symmetrical

  • Evenly pigmented

These are normal moles that do not require treatment, but patients should monitor them for any changes.

Lentigines (Sun Spots)

The patient also had lentigines, commonly known as sun spots.

These appear as:

  • Light tan macules

  • Areas of pigmentation on sun-exposed skin

They develop due to cumulative sun exposure over time.

Treatment options may include:

  • Retinoids

  • Chemical peels

  • Laser treatments

However, the most important preventative step is daily sunscreen use.

Cherry Angiomas

Small red vascular growths known as cherry angiomas were also observed.

These benign lesions:

  • Are extremely common

  • Increase with age

  • Require no treatment unless cosmetically bothersome

Prurigo Nodules

The patient also had prurigo nodules on the arms, which are thickened itchy nodules caused by repeated scratching.

Treatment focuses on breaking the itch-scratch cycle.

Recommended measures included:

  • Keeping nails trimmed short

  • Using moisturizers

  • Applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline)

  • Using anti-itch lotions if needed

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Importance of Daily Sunscreen

Sun protection was strongly emphasized during this visit.

Patients were advised to use broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.

Sunscreen tips include:

  • Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure

  • Reapply every 2 hours

  • Reapply sooner if sweating or swimming

  • Use approximately one ounce (shot glass amount) for full body coverage

Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are excellent options for sensitive skin.

Recommended brands include:

  • EltaMD

  • ISDIN

  • Vanicream

  • CeraVe

  • Neutrogena Sheer Zinc

When Should You See a Dermatologist for a Skin Growth?

You should seek dermatologic evaluation if a lesion:

  • Is growing

  • Changes color or shape

  • Becomes irritated or crusted

  • Bleeds or does not heal

Even benign lesions can mimic skin cancer, which is why professional evaluation is important.

Expert Skin Lesion Evaluation in Katy and Houston, Texas

At Village Dermatology, our dermatology team provides expert care for:

  • Skin cancer screenings

  • Evaluation of suspicious skin growths

  • Seborrheic keratosis treatment

  • Mole monitoring and dermoscopy exams

  • Cryotherapy procedures

If you have a new or changing spot on your face or body, schedule a skin exam at Village Dermatology in Katy, Texas or Houston, Texas.

Early evaluation ensures peace of mind and protects your long-term skin health.

Honey Cisneros
Next

Should I Be Worried About All These Moles and Spots on My Skin?