Nasal infections
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What you should know about nasal infection treatments
A nasal infection is an infection of the tissues inside the nose or around the nostrils, often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms include soreness, inflammation, crusting, and sometimes the development of pimples or boils inside the nose.
Common symptoms include pain and tenderness in and around the nose, redness, swelling, crusting or scabbing inside the nostrils, pimples or boils in the nasal area, and sometimes a low-grade fever.
A nasal infection affects the skin inside the nostrils or around the nose, while a sinus infection involves inflammation of the sinuses—air-filled cavities behind your cheeks and forehead. Sinus infections often cause congestion, a runny nose, and pressure in the face, while nasal infections typically cause pain and crusting inside the nose.
Nasal infections are usually caused by bacteria entering the skin through small cuts or abrasions inside the nostrils. Common triggers include nose picking, excessive nose blowing, or nasal hair plucking, which create entry points for bacteria.
Most nasal infections are treated with topical antibiotics such as Bactroban (Mupirocin) or Naseptin. In more severe cases, oral antibiotics may be required. Pain relief with over-the-counter medications and warm compresses can also help alleviate symptoms.
While rare, a nasal infection can spread to nearby tissues, leading to complications such as cellulitis or, in severe cases, conditions like cavernous sinus thrombosis. Immediate medical attention is required if symptoms like severe facial pain, vision changes, or high fever develop.
Prevent nasal infections by practicing good hygiene, avoiding picking or blowing your nose too hard, using a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist, and avoiding excessive use of nasal sprays. If you have cuts or abrasions in your nose, keep them clean to prevent bacterial infection.
You should see a doctor if your symptoms persist for more than a week, worsen despite treatment, or if you experience severe symptoms such as high fever, severe facial pain, swelling, or vision changes. Early treatment is important to prevent complications.
Additional information
Nasal Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Nasal infections cause pain, swelling, and soreness in and around your nostrils. They may also result in fever, fatigue, and a blocked nose. Some people notice bad breath, loss of smell, or a persistent cough, especially at night. In some cases, the infection spreads to the skin around the mouth, causing painful crusting and scabbing. The good news is that nasal infections are generally easy to treat with the right medication.
What is a Nasal Infection?
A nasal infection occurs when bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus, invade damaged tissue inside or around the nostrils. This leads to soreness, pimples, crusting, and scabbing inside the nose. Such infections are usually treated with topical antibiotics.
Symptoms of a Nasal Infection
Common signs include:
- Inflammation of the nose and nostrils
- Pimples inside or on the nose
- Soreness and pain when the nose is touched
- Crusty, scabby skin around the nose
Unlike sinus infections, nasal infections typically do not cause a blocked or runny nose.
Types of Nasal Infections
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Nasal Vestibulitis:
An infection of the skin around the nostrils, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It can develop from minor injuries like nasal hair plucking, frequent nose blowing, or nose piercings. Symptoms include inflammation, pimples inside the nostrils, and scabbing. -
Impetigo:
A contagious bacterial skin infection that affects the face, especially around the nose and mouth. It appears as fluid-filled blisters that burst and leave red, crusty sores. Impetigo is treatable with antibiotics.
Causes of Nasal Infections
Nasal infections are primarily caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. Factors that increase the risk include:
- Trauma or irritation to the nasal vestibule
- Poor hygiene practices
- Exposure to irritants like smoke or pollution
- Pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema
- A weakened immune system
- Crowded living conditions
Diagnosis of Nasal Infections
A GP diagnoses nasal infections like nasal vestibulitis or impetigo by performing a physical examination, checking for redness, swelling, and crusting. In some cases, a culture test may be needed to identify the bacteria involved.
Treatments for Nasal Infections
Most nasal infections can be effectively managed with topical antibiotic creams. Options such as Bactroban (Mupirocin) Ointment and Naseptin (Chlorhexidine with Neomycin) are available from courierpharmacy.co.uk after completing a brief online consultation. A FREE follow-up call is provided by our prescribers after a successful purchase.
- Apply the ointment inside the nostrils as directed by your healthcare provider, usually twice daily for 5-7 days.
- For more severe infections or boils, both oral and topical antibiotics might be required.
- A hot compress may help drain boils, but in some cases, surgical drainage is necessary.
Complications of Nasal Infections
Although most nasal infections are mild, complications can occur, such as:
- Cellulitis: An infection that spreads beneath the skin, causing redness, pain, and swelling, which requires prompt medical attention.
- Nasal Polyps: Non-cancerous growths in the sinuses or nose that cause congestion, breathing difficulties, and loss of smell; these may be treated with corticosteroid sprays or surgery.
- Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: A serious condition where a blood clot forms at the base of the brain, causing severe headache, facial pain, and eye swelling, which demands urgent care.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical help if you experience:
- Severe pain or swelling that spreads to the cheeks or eyes
- High fever, suggesting the infection is spreading
- Vision changes such as blurred or double vision or pain around the eyes
- Facial redness or warmth indicating spreading infection
- Neurological symptoms like confusion, severe headaches, dizziness, or slurred speech
- Persistent or worsening symptoms despite treatment
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Thick, green, or foul-smelling nasal discharge
Preventing Nasal Infections
You can lower your risk by:
- Practicing good hygiene, including regular hand washing and avoiding nose-picking
- Steering clear of environmental irritants like smoke and pollution
- Using a humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist
- Limiting the use of nasal sprays to avoid drying out your nasal lining
- Maintaining a strong immune system with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep
Buy Online from Courierpharmacy
At courierpharmacy.co.uk, we offer a variety of effective treatments for nasal infections prescribed by UK-registered doctors. Whether you need Bactroban, Naseptin, or other topical antibiotics, our online pharmacy provides a convenient, safe, and discreet service. Simply complete our brief online consultation form and order your treatment, with fast delivery right to your door. Take control of your nasal health with courierpharmacy.
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases
Superintendant Pharmacist, Independent Prescriber
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