Nasal vestibulitis is inflammation of the nasal vestibule which is the opening of the nose that is covered with hair follicles and mucous membranes. This disorder is painful and can lead to complications when unattended. This blog will discuss the causes, symptoms and treatment of nasal vestibulitis that will make you understand how to effectively handle this condition.


What is Nasal Vestibulitis?

Nasal vestibulitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal vestibule which is the outer part of the nasal cavity immediately inside the nostrils. The region contains a large number of sebaceous glands and hair follicles, which can be easily infected and irritated. This condition is normally seen when hair follicles in this region are infected, often due to poor hygiene, nose picking or even frequent application of nasal products.


Nasal vestibulitis is mostly mild in nature, although it may progress to severe cases unless treated adequately. In other instances, it can cause complications like the development of abscesses or transmission of the infection to the deeper tissues of the nasal cavity. As a consequence, it is necessary to diagnose and treat it in time.


Causes of Nasal Vestibulitis

Nasal vestibulitis is mainly caused by bacteria infections, and the most frequent cause is the Staphylococcus aureus which is a bacterium that is normal to the skin. Additional causes of nasal vestibulitis are:


Naresal Trauma or Injury

The skin and hair follicles of the nasal vestibule may be damaged by frequent trauma to the nose, e.g. nose picking, blowing the nose aggressively, or stuffing objects into the nostrils. This gives entry to bacteria resulting in infection and inflammation.


Poor Hygiene

The lack of high hygiene standards, including failure to wash hands and face regularly, may predispose the nasal vestibule to bacterial infection. This is more so to persons who often touch their face or nose.


Naresal Products

Excessive use or misuse of nasal products, including nasal sprays, decongestants or medicated ointments may cause the natural balance of bacteria in the nasal passages to be disturbed, which increases the susceptibility of the area to infection.


Chronic Skin Conditions

Some skin disorders, including eczema or rosacea, may predispose one to nasal vestibulitis. These may result in skin irritation and weakening of the skin barrier so that the bacteria can easily penetrate and result in infection.


Immunocompromised States

Individuals with a compromised immune system, including those receiving chemotherapy, with HIV, or those taking immunosuppressive drugs, might be more susceptible to contracting infections, including nasal vestibulitis.


Dry or Dry-Fissured Skin

Dry nose infection, which may be as a result of environmental factors such as cold weather or air conditioning, may result in small cracks or fissures in the skin that may allow bacteria to enter the body and cause an infection.


Nasal Vestibulitis Symptoms

Naresal vaginal irritation and severe pain and infection can be the nasal vestibulitis symptoms. Common symptoms include:


Pain and Tenderness

Pain inside nostrils and tenderness around the nostrils is one of the most prevalent symptoms of nasal vestibulitis. The affected area can be worsened by touching or pressing it.


Swelling and Redness

The inflammation associated with the infection can cause the skin of the area around the nostrils to swell and turn red. Severe cases can involve the extension of this redness 

past the nasal vestibule.


Pustules or Boils

Pustules or boils may develop in the hair follicles in the nasal vestibule that have been infected. Such painful, pus filled bumps are inflamed and can burst open, spilling out pus.


Crusting or Scabbing

The development of the infection is accompanied by the formation of crusts or scabs around the nostrils because of the discharge of pus and other fluids. The crusting inside nose is uncomfortable and can cause difficulty in breathing by the nose.


Itchy/burning Sensation

As the infection progresses some people might have an itch or burning sensation around the nostrils.


Fever

The person can develop a fever in a rare case particularly when the infection is spread and this is an immune response by the body to the infection.


Breathing Problems

Nares blocked by swelling and crusts result in the inability to breathe through the nose, especially when the disorder is more severe.


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Treatment Options for Nasal Vestibulitis

Management of nasal vestibulitis is usually directed towards alleviating inflammation, curing the bacterial infection, and symptom management. There are various nose infection treatment options which can be applied depending on the severity of the condition:


Topical Antibiotics

In cases of mild nasal vestibulitis a topical antibiotic ointment like mupirocin or bacitracin is a common prescription. These ointments are used on the affected part and they aid in destroying the bacteria that cause the infection. They tend to be very useful in stopping the further spread of the infection.


Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics may be required in more severe cases or in cases where the infection fails to respond to topical treatment. Dicloxacillin or cephalexin are common oral antibiotics that are used to treat nasal vestibulitis. These antibiotics contribute to the fact that they help to address the bacteria better and minimize the chances of complications.


Warm Compresses

The swelling can be reduced and pain can be relieved by placing a warm compress on the area of concern. The heat assists in raising the blood flow to the region and causes the pus to empty out of any pustules or boils. Warm compresses may be used multiple times in a day.


Avoiding Nasal Trauma

One should not cause additional trauma to the nose, including picking the nose or blowing the nose hard because it may only deteriorate the situation and increase the severity of the infection. The hands should also be kept away and good hygiene should be maintained to prevent further irritation.


Proper Skin Care

It is imperative to keep the skin surrounding the nostrils moist and covered to avoid additional irritation. A light moisturizer will keep the skin moist and will not allow it to get dry and cracked and thus infection may occur.


Steroid Creams

There are instances whereby, where the nasal vestibulitis is related to chronic skin diseases such as eczema or rosacea, a health care professional can prescribe a weak steroid cream to ease the inflammation and manage flare-ups.


Surgical Drainage (Rare Cases)

Surgical drainage can be one of the nasal vestibulitis treatment options and is required in extreme cases when an abscess develops and fails to drain spontaneously. Only when the infection has diffused or the pus has built up to a large painful lump is this usually necessary.


Preventing Nasal Vestibulitis

The prevention of nasal vestibulitis is performed by following good hygiene and precautions to reduce trauma to the nasal region:


  • Wash Hands Often: Frequent washing of hands and not touching the face will also assist in preventing the transmission of bacteria to the nose.
  • Avoid Nose Picking: Nose picking is one of the most common causes of nasal vestibulitis. The practice can help to minimize the likelihood of infection considerably.
  • Hydrate the Skin: The skin around the nostrils can be moisturized to avoid cracking and irritation and thus lessen the chances of bacterial penetration.
  • Apply Nasal Products in Limited Amounts: When applying nasal products such as sprays or ointments, it is necessary to apply them sparingly and according to the instructions.

Conclusion

Nares vestibulitis is a fairly frequent illness which may lead to irritation and discomfort. Though it is normally manageable with antibiotics and good hygiene, it should be checked by a medical practitioner when the symptoms continue or become severe. Complications may be avoided by early intervention and treatment to facilitate faster recovery. People will be able to reduce the effects of nasal vestibulitis and have healthy noses by taking proactive measures to control the situation.


Please book an appointment with the best ENT Specialist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.