Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Re-curring skin infection between nostrils
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Re-curring skin infection between nostrils
by Disturbed3, Feb 07, 2003 12:00AM
I get an infection of the skin that is between my nostrils. It first turns red, becoming sore to the touch, then it turns crusty and begins to peel. At this point it is very painful and may swell just a little. Usually, after 2 to 3 weeks, I can peel off the dead skin and unviel healthy skin and return to normal. Bearing in mind that during the entire period I attack this problem with many different OTC topical creams. I am not as patient as I should be and don't generally stick with one long enough to see a substantial improvement from just one.
This has occurred every winter for the last three years. However, this winter has cultivated the problem twice, the second time being my status at this moment. This time I have been able to keep the infection? at bay (red stage) for 7 days by applying polysporin on it three times a day. And I was wondering if I could do something to stop it now before it progresses to the next stage and gets crusty, starts to peel, etc. Could it have something to do with my nose running more often in the cold, winter months? I work outside and my nose does run quite a bit when it is 10 - 20 degrees. I do also get boils quite regulary, usually on the back of my neck, but sometimes on my chest and occasionally on my face. I have read, in other posts that pertain to boils, you saying that it is OK to put neosporin up into one's nose. I think that this might help my problem, but I don't know for sure. I am wondering if the same thing from a nose that causes boils could cause this dilema with my nose and what can be done about it. Thanks
This has occurred every winter for the last three years. However, this winter has cultivated the problem twice, the second time being my status at this moment. This time I have been able to keep the infection? at bay (red stage) for 7 days by applying polysporin on it three times a day. And I was wondering if I could do something to stop it now before it progresses to the next stage and gets crusty, starts to peel, etc. Could it have something to do with my nose running more often in the cold, winter months? I work outside and my nose does run quite a bit when it is 10 - 20 degrees. I do also get boils quite regulary, usually on the back of my neck, but sometimes on my chest and occasionally on my face. I have read, in other posts that pertain to boils, you saying that it is OK to put neosporin up into one's nose. I think that this might help my problem, but I don't know for sure. I am wondering if the same thing from a nose that causes boils could cause this dilema with my nose and what can be done about it. Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Feb 07, 2003 12:00AM
, Feb 07, 2003 12:00AM
This sounds to be less like infection than like irritation, aggravated by impatient peeling of skin layers off. Please do not do this! (It just delayes things.) Instead, try applying hydrocortisone 1% (OTC), along with Vaseline or the equivalent. Leave the area to heal ,which it will. Stop the hydrocortisone when the redness is smooth, just moisturize, and the redness should take care of itself. I think your patience will be rewarded.
If not, a dermatologis visit when the rash is in full bloom may be advisable.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
If not, a dermatologis visit when the rash is in full bloom may be advisable.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by dragonfly1971, Mar 12, 2003 12:00AM
to your post i am no doctor but have seen this problem..you may be irratated because you are dry and may tend to use tisses to wipe your nose alot leaving it irritated...they make something called AYRE a saline spray to help moisturize the nose especially in babies.. they make this in a gel form and may be very helpfull to you , in keeping the area moist...you may need to ask a pharmacist to help you in locating it..but it works wonders and being a gel is easy to apply and stays on .good luck, hope i was helpful
