[rosacea] Nose lumps Bumps Angiofibroma CO2 laser

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From:  gnas_@_.edu 
Date:  Fri Mar 19, 1999  11:57 pm 
[rosacea] Nose lumps Bumps Angiofibroma CO2 laser

Hi group,

I have noticed that some people are complaining about 'nose bumps' that do not
go away. Let me share some information.

Chronic inflammation of the nose (redness, irritation, blood vessel dilation)
can induce the growth of many things on the nose.

1. Papules -- small red inflammatory bumps that come and go

2. Pustules -- small to large inflammatory bumps that are filled with pus

3. Sebaceous gland growth and hypertrophy -- abnormal function and growth of
sebaceous glands. Sometimes shown as dilated pore and/or keratin in the
follicle

4. Angiofibroma -- this is a small nodule or bump that is somewhat firm.
Furthermore, these bumps or nodules never go away and seem to grow slowly, but
steadily. Some are flesh tone in color, while others are pink to bright red.
The color depends on the degree of new blood vessel formation with the red
nodules having the greatest degree of blood vessels. These growths are NOT
dangerous (not cancer). But, they never seem to respond to any topical or oral
treatment. There can be one or two bumps on the nose up to ........... These
bumps are formed over a background of inflammation. They are caused by
overactivity of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts (a cell type in the facial skin).
These bumps are not easily treated by conventional methods. Some derms try to
excise them with a scalpel or try to freeze them. The rate of reoccurence with
the above listed methods is very high. This is because they do not get down to
the origin of the fibroblast proliferation.

Treatment with the CO2 laser is the best treatment available. One zap with the
laser eliminates these unsightly bumps. Most times they do not reoccur. If
they do they are usually one-tenth the original size. I had 4 bumps that would
never go away -- CO2 laser performed 2 years ago was the answer. NO sight of
them since then. But understand, that you must also try to address the chronic
inflammation of the nose, because, this is a perfect environment for these bumps
to grow in those patients predisposed for this form of inflamatory growth.

Lance, is it possible that those two bumps are angiofibromas? See your derm and
ask. Furthermore, you can usually get a free consultation with a plastic
surgeon -- they could tell you in a heartbeat.

Hope this helps,

Geoffrey
========
Dr. Geoffrey Nase, PhD