Infected Nose
Most Common Causes of an Infected Nose
An infected nose can be a true annoyance. The physical appearance of a nose infection can be embarrassing, but that is the least severe of the symptoms that infection can produce. Not only can one's sense of smell become impaired, but an infection in the nose can also make it painful or difficult to breathe. There are many reasons as to why the nose can sometimes sustain an infection, but we are going to talk about the most common causes of an infected nose.
Sometimes an infected nose can start out with pimple or blister-like growths either inside the nostril or around the nose. These blisters are filled with a clear fluid that, upon bursting, often causes the blisters to become encrusted with a yellow scab-like compound. This is actually a viral infection called herpes. There are two general types of herpes, known as Simplex Type 1 and Type 2. When most of us hear the word "herpes" we often think of the sexually transmitted variety, which is typically Type 2. The Type 1 variety causes sores, commonly referred to as "cold sores". Although most people mistakenly believe that cold sores can only affect the mouth, when in actuality they can occur anywhere on the face. Unfortunately, the nose is the second most popular spot for the herpes virus to rear its ugly head! The herpes virus is not curable, however the symptoms can be treated and outbreaks can be prevented to an extent. Prescription medications such as acyclovir and valacyclovir are popular brands can be obtained by a doctor upon confirmation of the herpes virus.
Another cause behind an infected nose is having ingrown or infected hairs located within the nose. Plucking or trimming nose hairs is a leading cause because once a hair is removed, bacteria can make its way into the empty pore. As a new hair grows, or as skin cells make their way into the pore, the bacteria can become trapped within the pore and inflammation occurs. The body's response to an increased amount of bacteria is to send in white blood cells to sort out the issue. Inflammation can make the surrounding skin appear red and warm to the touch. The skin may also feel harder to the touch than usual and will likely be quite sore. The application of antiseptic cream can sometimes relieve the issue if the location of the infection is near the external area of the nose; however the recommended course of action would be to have the infection treated by a doctor.
An infected nose can also occur from a piercing which has not been cared for properly. What should have started out as a fun and stylish piercing can easily turn into a weeping and crusty hole in one's nose. This is a disappointing situation, but it usually caused due to neglect or lack of thoroughness in the cleansing process. To clean an infected nose piercing, one can cleanse the area inside and out with a warm water and salt mixture. It is important to have clean hands and fingernails when doing this! Once the area is clean, a little peroxide or alcohol may be dabbed on the exterior portion of the hole and left to cleanse the area further. Reinserting the nose ring will reintroduce the bacteria to the area, therefore it is not recommended that one put the nose ring back in. In fact, it is highly recommended that the area be allowed to close up and may be re-pierced once the skin has healed completely. If one would rather not let the hole close up, a device called a "piercing retainer" can be inserted as long as it has been disinfected beforehand.
Granted, there are many other conditions that can cause the nose to become infected. In the event that infection does occur, it is best to have the area examined by a doctor. The doctor will be able to determine the most likely cause behind the infection and organize a course of treatment that is best suitable to the situation.