Nasal Cellulitis – How To Recognize And Cure

What Is Nasal Cellulitis?

Cellulitis literally means inflammation of the cells. Cellulitis affects the tissue just below the surface of the skin. Cellulitis can affect any part of the body and nasal cellulitis refers to the inflammation of cells in the nose. It is contagious. Moreover, if left untreated, the veins inside the nose can lead the infection to the brain that may cause severe life threatening medical conditions. Although, death is very rare, it should not be ruled out.

What Are The Common Causes?

It is caused by bacteria. There are several types of bacteria that cause cellulitis, but staphylococcus and streptococcus are the most common bacteria that cause cellulitis in the nasal region. The bacteria are already present in the skin. These bacteria generally do not cause harm but they tend to grow, multiply and cause infection when there are cuts and abrasions in the skin. Insect bites can start the infection.

About Risk Factors

1. Injuries, cuts, insect bites and scrapes increase the chances of getting cellulitis in the nasal area.
2. A person who has a history of nose cellulitis is at the risk of getting it repeatedly.
3. Poor immunity is another risk factor for nasal cellulitis.
4. Infection in the nose.
5. Nose picking is one of the important risk factors in children.
6. Excessive nose blowing increases the risk of cellulitis in nose.

What Are The Symptoms Of Nasal Cellulitis?

The following are the common symptoms of cellulitis in the nasal area.
1. Redness and swelling of nose.
2. The skin on the nose feels hot to touch.
3. Blisters may occur in the affected area.

Some patients may experience symptoms like:
1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Vomiting
4. Body aches
5. Loss of appetite
6. Headaches
7. Rapid heartbeat, and
8. Decrease in blood pressure.

How Is Nasal Cellulitis Diagnosed?

When the above mentioned symptoms are noted, medical attention should be sought immediately. To diagnose the condition, the health care first asks many questions. These questions must be answered correctly. Then he proceeds to have a look at the previous medical history. A thorough physical examination is done. The affected area is examined to see if it is hot to touch, swollen and red. Then blood tests are ordered to confirm the presence of bacteria.

What Are The Treatment Options For Nasal Cellulitis?

Antibiotics

The treatment begins with antibiotics. The antibiotics prescribed depend upon the severity of the infection. Mild infections do not need to stay in the hospital. In severe cases, antibiotics are administered intravenously in the hospital. As the recurrence of the infection is very common, the antibiotics are generally prescribed for a longer duration of time. The medication should be taken as directed by the doctor. It should not be stopped when the symptoms start to improve.

Alternative Treatments

Herbal treatments and Chinese Acupuncture are effective alternative treatment for nasal cellulitis.

What are the home remedies?
1. Foods rich in vitamin C like citrus fruits, guava and papaya etc. Should be included in the diet.
2. Eat a healthy diet to improve the immunity.
3. Garlic, turmeric and onion have antibiotic and antioxidant properties. They should be included in possible recipes.
4. Aloe Vera is helpful in reducing the inflammation.
5. Keep the area clean.

How To Prevent Nasal Cellulitis?

1. Protecting the nose from cuts and bruises is the best way to prevent nasal cellulitis.
2. If you get a cut, make sure that you wash it immediately using a disinfectant and apply a topical antibiotic.
3. If they are painful, contact a doctor immediately.

Nasal cellulitis is very common and completely curable if it is taken care of in the early stages.

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