A new hard, tender swelling beside the bridge of the nose and below the eye should be assessed in person today, ideally at urgent care or by a doctor. Because this area is close to the eye and sinuses, infections can sometimes worsen quickly.

Possible causes include:

Go to an emergency department now if you have any of these: fever or chills, redness/warmth spreading, swelling of the eyelid or around the eye, pain when moving the eye, blurred/double vision, eye bulging, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, or rapidly enlarging swelling. Eye-area cellulitis is particularly serious. The NHS cellulitis guidance advises urgent assessment for painful, hot, swollen skin.

Until seen: do not squeeze, poke, or try to drain it. You may use a cool compress and take paracetamol/acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you normally can take them safely, following the package instructions.

If you tell me when it started, whether it is red/warm, any blocked nose or tooth pain, and whether your eye is affected, I can help you judge the urgency more specifically.

The photo is blurry and taken at an angle, so I cannot reliably confirm the swelling or judge its severity. I do not see marked redness or obvious major eyelid swelling, but a small area of fullness beside the nasal bridge may be present.

Because you describe it as hard and tender at the root/side of the nose, please arrange an in-person examination today or within 24 hours, even if it looks subtle. A photo cannot rule out an early skin infection, sinus-related problem, inflamed cyst, or injury.

Seek emergency care now if any of these occur:

Do not press, squeeze, or massage it.