Staph Infection in Nose – Its treatment, Symptoms and Description of Various Staph Infections

The bacteria staphylococcus aurous is usually found in the nasal passages and the skin of a lot of people. If observed under a microscope, they resemble a bunch of grapes. These bacteria are facultative and do not need oxygen for survival.

The colonization of these bacteria on the skin or in the nasal passage is harmless. However, if these pathogens get an opportunity to enter into the body through any cut or opening in the skin, they multiply rapidly.

There are quite a few staph infections which affect the nose such as impetigo, carbuncles, furuncles etc.

The symptoms of staph infection nose are:

  • Scratchy and hurting cuts on the nose.
  • Furuncles,
  • Carbuncles.

These staph bacteria multiply beneath the skin and cause boils on the skin. Red colored bumps appear on the skin in case of the staph infection in nose. These boils grow in size as they become suppurate. Finally, they get drained after they postulate or form a head or opening. The furuncles are the milder forms of skin boils caused due to the staph infection in nose. They wither away naturally after a few days.

However the carbuncles which are a group of interconnected furuncles are complex boils and take some time to heal. They also need medical intervention.

Another staph infection is impetigo which forms around the nose and the mouth. The symptom of this type of infection is the formation of scabs made up of dry serum.

Staph infection in nose is highly contagious. It can easily spread by the sharing of personal items such as handkerchiefs, towels, tissues etc. One should avoid close proximity with people suffering from this type of infection.

Application of Vaseline is advisable in case of cuts inside the nose. Generally, the staph nose infection is treated by topical antibiotics. Sometimes the doctors prescribe the use of medicinal honey because honey has certain anti-bacterial properties. The bacterial culture helps the doctors in deciding the course of treatment. If the staph bacteria are highly resistant like the MRSA, then some antibiotics are injected through the veins.

If the symptoms are similar to the ones which are found in case of staph infection in nose, then it is advisable to consult a doctor for a complete check up.

One may use bacitracin, mupirocin or a combination of topical antibiotics in the nose at night for a month or so. The bacitracin ointment can be purchased without a prescription and is not expensive. It should be applied inside the nostrils. If the doctor observes that a person is suffering from resistant staph bacteria then he may prescribe vancomycin.

Studies have shown that constant stuffed noses are breeding grounds for staph bacterial infection. This may not be risky at first but may become later on if a person does not become cautious on getting cuts on skin. Unattended wounds or abrasions may give the bacteria a chance to sneak in. Moreover, sore nipples and eczema which has gone beyond control may also lead to the infection. In some cases, the staph bacteria cause infection all over again after the treatment is completed. In such recurrent infection cases people must avoid picking their nose, and scratching of skin. Oral rifampin should be taken to control the problem.

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