Long-term lump on face

Hi, I was wondering if you might be able to help me. I have this lump on the end of my nose for over 7 months now. To begin with it would disappear most of the time, and would come up once or so a month (this did not seem to correlate with my period, although I could be wrong about that). In the last couple of months it hasn't fully gone down, but will occasionally flair up badly, and go red and scab over.

The spot itself is red and smooth, and it feels as though there is a very small hard lump which feels as though it is quite near the surface. It does not feel like a normal spot or pimple (I have enclosed some photos so that you can get a better idea). I have attempted squeezing it (I know this probably wasn't the right thing to do) but nothing happens.

Went to the doctor last week and he seemed to think it was hormonal and was just a form of acne. I however, had acne for many years and this feels/looks very different to anything I had then. My skin has been pretty much perfect for the last 4 years and I haven't had any problems other than this. I was given a 25g tube of Duac once daily which I have been using for a week, which has had no obvious effect.

I would really appreciate any advice you could give me as although I am pretty sure this isn't life threatening, it's in a very embarrassing and obvious area and I would really like to get it sorted ASAP.

Prior thanks for all your help.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of the spot. In the picture it does seem to look like a regular pimple. Other possibilities that may need to be considered include comedone, warts etc. I would suggest getting this examined by a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!