What should you know about nose wart removal?

Warts are rough or raised skin growths caused by a viral infection in the outer skin. On the nose, a wart may be exposed to friction from glasses, tissues or shaving. A bump that looks wart-like could instead be a mole, sebaceous growth, irritated lesion or, less commonly, a skin cancer, so appearance alone is not enough for diagnosis.

A clinician may examine the surface, colour, borders and duration of the growth. A lesion that is uncertain, unusual or repeatedly returning may need further assessment before removal.

Do not cut, pick, burn or use strong over-the-counter wart products on the nose without advice. These approaches can irritate thin nasal skin, cause bleeding or leave a scar, and they may spread viral material to nearby skin.

Treatment may include freezing, carefully applied medicines, curettage, or another procedure selected for the lesion and its position. A clinician will explain wound care, crusting, pigment change, recurrence and whether a sample is needed. Keep the area clean and follow the aftercare instructions exactly.

Book an assessment for a growth that bleeds easily, changes in colour or shape, becomes painful, ulcerates, grows quickly or does not heal. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, spreading redness, fever or swelling affecting breathing.

Ask how the lesion was identified, which method suits its location, whether testing is needed, how to protect the wound from sun, and what changes would suggest it has returned.