Nasal Vestibulitis

Nasal vestibulitis is caused by infection with the bacteria staphylococcus (the same organism that causes strep throat) in the area just inside the nostrils otherwise known as the nasal vestibule.

Typical symptoms are swelling redness tenderness pimples around nasal hairs or crusting.

In most cases simple application of Bacitracin ointment and hot washcloths or a course of antibiotics are sufficient to treat the infection. Occasionally though infections can cause boils spread beneath the skin (cellulitis) and rarely spread through facial veins to the brain in a potentially fatal condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis. For this reason infections that persist should be examined by a physician.