Section 19. Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Chapter 221. Disorders of the Nose and Sinuses

Topics: Introduction | Fractures of the Nose | Deviated Septum | Perforations of the Septum | Nosebleeds | Nasal Vestibulitis | Rhinitis | Nasal Polyps | Sinusitis

Nasal Vestibulitis

Nasal vestibulitis is infection of the area just inside the opening of each nostril (the nasal vestibule).

Minor infections at the opening of the nose may result in pimples at the base of nasal hairs (folliculitis) and sometimes crusts around the nostrils. The cause is usually the bacteria, Staphylococcus. Bacitracin ointment usually cures these infections.

More serious infections result in boils (furuncles) in the nasal vestibule. Boils may develop into a spreading infection under the skin (cellulitis) at the tip of the nose. A doctor becomes concerned about infections in this part of the face because veins lead from there to the brain. A life-threatening condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis can develop if the bacteria spread to the brain through these veins (see Section 20, Chapter 236).

A person with nasal vestibulitis usually takes an antibiotic by mouth and applies moist hot cloths 3 times a day for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time. A doctor may need to surgically drain large boils or those that fail to respond to antibiotic therapy.