Nasal vestibulitis is an infection that affects the inside of your nostrils near the nasal opening, primarily caused by excessive nose picking or blowing. This condition is named after the nasal vestibule, the area inside the nostrils covered with hair. It frequently develops alongside infections of hair follicles within nostrils, resulting in the formation of sores or pimples in and around the nose. Although it is usually treatable, there can be occasional instances leading to more severe complications. Read on to learn more about nasal vestibulitis symptoms, causes and treatment.
Nasal Vestibulitis Symptoms
Nasal vestibulitis symptoms can vary depending on the severity and the underlying cause of the infection. Some common symptoms typically include:
- Swelling and redness inside and around your nostril
- Formation of pimple-like bumps within the nostril
- Appearance of small bumps around your nostril’s hair follicles, known as folliculitis
- Tenderness and pain in your nose
- Crusting in or around the nostril
- Development of boils in your nasal area
In rare instances, when the infection spreads, additional symptoms may emerge, including fever, severe headache, double vision or an elevated white blood cell count.
Nasal Vestibulitis Causes
Nasal vestibulitis is often caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria, which are known for causing various skin infections. The infection typically arises from minor injuries to the nasal vestibule. Common nasal vestibulitis causes include:
- Excessive nose picking
- Excessive nose blowing
- Nose piercings
- Plucking nasal hair
- Foreign objects lodged in the nose, a problem more prevalent amongst children
In addition to the above, nasal vestibulitis can develop as a complication of:
- Persistent nasal congestion or a runny nose, often associated with allergies
- Viral infections such as herpes simplex, shingles or the common cold
- Other upper respiratory infections
Complications of Nasal Vestibulitis
In most instances, nasal vestibulitis is easily treatable and tends to resolve on its own. However, in severe cases, it can lead to the following complications:
- Cellulitis: This is a bacterial infection affecting the skin and underlying tissues. It may occur when the infection originating in the nostrils spreads to other regions. Individuals suffering from nasal vestibulitis may develop cellulitis in their nose’s tip. If left untreated, cellulitis can extend to the cheeks and other facial areas. And, in more serious cases, it may reach the lymph nodes or bloodstream.
- Nasal Abscess: Nasal vestibulitis can give rise to an abscess, which is a collection of pus. In certain situations, the treatment of this abscess may necessitate surgical drainage or intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
- Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: This condition arises when bacteria from the face disseminate to the cavernous sinus, causing the formation of a blood clot. The cavernous sinus is located at the brain’s base, behind the eyes. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a severe, life-threatening complication that demands immediate medical attention.
- Encephalitis: It is a rare yet serious brain infection. It occurs when viruses or bacteria from other body parts, such as the face, travel to the brain, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition.
Nasal Vestibulitis Treatment
Nasal vestibulitis treatment depends on the severity of the infection. If you’re uncertain about the seriousness of your case, it’s advisable to consult your doctor for a proper evaluation. Most mild cases can be resolved with nasal vestibulitis treatment at home. This involves using a topical antibiotic cream, like bacitracin, which is readily available online as well as at most pharmacies. Apply the cream to the affected nasal vestibule for a minimum of 14 days, even if the symptoms start to improve earlier.
If you notice that nasal vestibulitis home treatment is not effectively resolving the issue, then it’s important to seek prompt medical advice from your doctor. In some mild cases, your doctor may also prescribe an oral antibiotic in addition to the topical one as a precaution.
For more severe infections that result in boils, a combination of treatment approaches is necessary. This typically includes a prescription topical antibiotic, like mupirocin, and an oral antibiotic. Additionally, you may be advised to apply a warm compress to the affected area three times every day for 15-20 minutes per session. This helps in the drainage of larger boils. In rare instances, particularly with large boils, surgical drainage may be required, which your doctor will perform as needed.
Nasal Vestibulitis Prevention
Preventing Staphylococcus infections and related conditions such as nasal vestibulitis may not always be possible. However, you can reduce your risk of developing this condition by following these preventive measures:
- Make it a habit to wash your hands regularly, especially before you touch your face.
- Whenever possible, try to avoid excessive blowing of the nose, as this can potentially contribute to nasal vestibulitis.
- Resist the urge to pick your nose, as this can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
- Refrain from picking at sores or scabs in or around the nose, as this can worsen the condition and increase susceptibility to infections.
- Avoid plucking nose hair; instead, consider trimming them as a safer alternative.
- Do not attempt to pop pimples or infected hair follicles inside or around the nasal openings or on the outer part of the nose.
Conclusion
Nasal vestibulitis is a prevalent infection that can result in redness, inflammation, and discomfort in and around the nose. Typically, this infection occurs when bacteria enter minor injuries within your nasal vestibule.
Fortunately, most instances of nasal vestibulitis can be effectively treated with topical antibiotics. However, in cases of more severe infections, a combination of topical and oral antibiotics may be necessary. Although complications are infrequent, they can be severe, underscoring the importance of consulting with your doctor if you experience any nasal infection symptoms to ensure you receive appropriate antibiotic treatment.
