The medical term that refers to an infection inside the nostrils (nasal vestibule) is nasal vestibulitis. Usually, it occurs due to excessive nose blowing or picking. If you develop this condition, you may experience the following symptoms. For example, scabbing and crusting around the nostrils. Treatment is often different among people with nasal vestibulitis because it depends on the exact cause. However, doctors usually recommend oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, or both.
While in most cases this condition is treatable and it does not cause serious health problems, if you develop a severe form of nasal vestibulitis, you may develop boils deep inside the nostrils (also known as nasal vestibular furunculosis). As a result, it may lead to cellulitis (a skin infection) that affects the tip of the nose. People with severe nasal vestibulitis should get treatment as soon as possible because the veins in this part of the face (danger triangle of the face) lead to the brain. As a result, bacteria may spread to the brain through these veins and cause a life-threatening disease known as cavernous sinus thrombosis.
Immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if you have painful swelling or boils at the tip of the nose.
In general, mild forms of this condition occur quite commonly, but severe forms are rare.
Symptoms
Usually, people with nasal vestibulitis experience the following symptoms. For example:
- Swelling and discoloration
- Severe pain in the nose
- Pimples or sores inside the nostrils
- Itching or bleeding inside or around the nose
- Yellow crusting or scabbing around the septum (the part of the nose that separates the nostrils into 2 even parts)
Do not hesitate to see a healthcare professional if any of the previous symptoms occur.
Causes and Risk Factors
One of the most common causes of skin infections (including nasal vestibulitis) is the Staphylococcus bacteria. However, it may also occur due to other cases. Check some of them below:
- Excessive nose blowing
- Nose piercings
- Stuck objects in the nose (usually in children)
- Pricking the nose
- Plucking nasal hairs
Some people may develop nasal vestibulitis as a complication of the following conditions. Examples include:
- Persistent runny nose (in most cases due to allergies)
- Upper respiratory infections
- Viral infections (including shingles, herpes simplex, the common cold, and others)
Furthermore, doctors have identified some factors that may elevate your risk of nasal vestibulitis. For example:
- Cancer – According to some research, some cancer treatments significantly increase the risk of this condition.
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders (such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others)
- Nasal trauma or surgery
- Prolonged use of certain medicines (such as diuretics, Isotretinoin, and others)
Is Nasal Vestibulitis Contagious?
While the condition itself is not contagious, the bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus can easily spread to other people. Furthermore, some viruses can pass from one person to another through physical contact or even through air droplets. That’s why doctors often recommend frequently washing hands with warm water and soap (especially if you work or live with an infected person), and avoiding sharing personal items (such as towels, eating utensils, and others).
What Happens if Nasal Vestibulitis is Left Untreated?
Those who develop this condition may also experience some complications, especially if they do not treat it. Check below the most common complications of nasal vestibulitis:
- Cellulitis – This is one of the most serious complications, and it is a bacterial infection of the skin and tissue beneath it. Without treatment, it may spread to other areas of the body. These include the cheeks, face, lymph nodes, or bloodstream.
- Nasal abscess – In some people, this disorder may cause an abscess (pocket of pus) that requires intravenous (IV) antibiotics or even surgical drainage.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis – This complication occurs when bacteria spread to the cavernous sinus and cause a blood clot. The cavernous sinus is located at the base of the brain (behind the eyes). It is also considered a medical emergency, and without immediate treatment, it may lead to permanent damage to the brain.
- Encephalitis – It is a rare brain infection that occurs when bacteria or viruses travel to the brain from other parts of the body.
This article does not contain a full list of complications, but you can talk with your doctor about ways to reduce the risk or even prevent the previous complications.
How to Prevent Nasal Vestibulitis?
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent Staphylococcus infections (especially those associated with nasal vestibulitis). However, doctors may recommend some tips to reduce the risk. Examples include:
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water (especially before touching your face)
- Do not pick your nose, scabs, or sores in or around the nose
- Avoid plucking nose hair or excessive nose blowing
- It is not recommended to pop pimples or infected hair follicles in or around the entrance of the nostrils
Diagnosis
In most cases, a physical examination is enough to diagnose this disorder. However, when it is not clear, doctors may perform some tests to confirm or rule out this condition.
Treatment
Physicians prescribe antibiotics in most cases because bacterial infections are the most common cause of nasal vestibulitis. Your doctor may prescribe topical, oral, or intravenous (IV) antibiotics depending on the severity of the condition. If you do not respond to these medicines, you may need some surgical procedures to drain boils that have appeared inside the nose.
Topical Antibiotics
Doctors prescribe this form of antibiotics for people with a mild form of nasal vestibulitis. These include creams and ointments, and they often prescribe Bacitracin and Mupirocin.
Oral Antibiotics
The following oral medications are prescribed for people with a moderate form of this disease. In most cases, people get a prescription for Cephalexin, Clindamycin, or Doxycycline.
Intravenous Antibiotics
IV antibiotics are often given by doctors in more severe cases or when the condition occurs from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They often recommend Vancomycin, Clindamycin, and Daptomycin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after treatment will I feel better?
Usually, people with this condition notice improvements in the first days of administering antibiotics. However, you should finish the treatment even if you are no longer experiencing symptoms. Otherwise, the infection may return, and it becomes more difficult to treat.
How long does nasal vestibulitis last?
In most cases, this condition lasts about 3-4 days with treatment. If it is left untreated, it may lead to serious complications.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare professional. It often helps prevent worsening of the condition and prevents serious complications. Check some symptoms below:
- Fever
- Crusting around the nostrils
- Itching
- Sores or pimples inside the nose
- Worsening of existing symptoms
- Redness, soreness, or swelling that spreads to nearby areas of the body
If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
