Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Extremely painful, swollen nose - staph infection?

Came down with a big sore bump inside my left nostril.  Entire left side of nose became red and swollen.  Went to Prime Care and test showed "light staph infection".  Have been taking double-strength Bactrim along with Valtrex in case it could be the start of shingles.  It has been 4 days on meds with no improvement, but no rash either.  Extremely painful.  Wake up every 2 hours and need Vicodin.  Seems to radiate into cheek.  Scalp itches now.  Now also have one swollen, painful lymph node under left jaw.  Shouldn't the Bactrim be working by now?  Is there a more effective antibiotic that I should be using?
80 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hi,after reading your post,I felt I must write because in my experience with staph,as this is what it seems for most people posting with symptoms,I have to share that I have had multiple staph infections.some very serious.the threat of staph can be especially serious in any are with potential spread to the brain and blood stream.a doctor must evaluate staph and culture the findings to determine what antiobiotic works best to prevent further concerns.everyone here should seek medical advise regarding these type symptoms.staph can be brought on due to exposure,weake immune system ,heigen in some cases,which in that case I would say when not infected it is good to take measures to disinfect,but once you have staph do not ever pick at scabs,whether you have alcohol or peroxide on hand or not.in some cases antibacterial soap can help the affected area,but our bodies naturally have bacteria and staph is usually found in the nose,so a balance of good bacteria should still remain,but we should never take a chance to spread further the infection by disturbing the area.with a doctor in certain cases,they will steralize and sometimes puncture and lance the area but I would trust them to do that...I have never had a doctor advise me to do this method because of the potential threat.its important to always try to stay germ free as much as possible,avoid settings where germs are prominent If possible,such as hospitals where staph can spread rapidly,around people infected etc,but antiobiotic treatment is a must and shouldn't be ignored.it isn't good to self medicate or perform small procedures on ones self in this case.I know sometimes one could question a doctor,saying why wouldn't they tell us something we think is so simple,but without being treated for staph,perhaps you had something else that cleared up during your treatment process,that wasn't infact staph and are attributing it to that..I personally know that my staph has become potentially life threatening and not only that,I'm allergic to all but one antibiotic,and the only one I can take gives me severe problems.but I know I was instructed to keep the area clean,covered and apply compresses.I was never instructed to remove scabbing etc. And I don't feel that anyone should do so,especially involving mucus membranes,sinus cavity,blood etc.should it continue,it could prove dangerous or even fatal.another thing that makes people prone to staph is the misuse of antibiotics,for example not taking regurally,starting n not finishing or overuse..too many doctors give antibiotics without first investigating into whether or not the illness they aim to treat is infact bacterial in nature or viral.as we know antibiotics do not treat viruses..I would plead with everyone in the future,unless they're sure it is a bacteria that needs an antibiotic,do not jump into taking them without knowing..our bodies will be at risk of bacterium becoming immune to that med,stronger and mutate.if we ever have to take the same med later,it will do no good,as the bacteria would have become immune from previous incorrect usage..but what concerned me here,and I'm only trying to be helpful is that I have spent many years around the medical field and time and time again,people try to do home remedies,self diagnosis,self medication etc. And the best thing to do is seek treatment .many things on the internet that I've seen have given people the wrong impression,bad or wrong advise and I know people meanwell,so I don't aim to put anyone down,but unless I have full knowledge medically,I never offer up advise that could put someone in danger or leave them misinformed.there are a lot of remedies and myths out there that aren't truthful or helpful and though people mean well,I've seen all too many times where they didn't know the right method to go about and cause others to repeat their act,and while it may work for one person possibly bc they don't infact have the same illness,it could be devastating to another should they follow that advise.please understand that I'm not trying to put anyone down,I just wanted to offer help that hopefully will encourage everyone to do what's best for their health and those others who read info online in search of answers.if any of you visit a doctor who isn't attentive to your concerns and doesn't explain things clearly and respectfully,remember,you can go somewhere else.would you take your car to only one mechanic if you felt they were cheating you or not being upfront??no!you would say,I'm going to get another estimate and leave,so don't settle for bad medical advise .our bodies are ours and a doctor is there to help,not hold his knowledge over our heads and make us feel we have no options or other choices or decisionmaking when it comes to our health.but in this case,I know a doctor wouldn't give the advise of peroxide and alcohol,while removing scabs,because it is wrong advise
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi all, by the sounds of how similar all these stories are it is staff. It lives in everyone's nose and no strain is completely identical. When your immunity is low and you scratch your nose or blow it excessively the staff can get under your skin and spread. You will know it because your glands will swell and be sore. Be kind to yourselves with diet and sleep etc.
Do some research on options and try to keep it as natural as possible but realize you need medical help because if your not careful it can get very serious. This thing is the scourge of modern society due to toxins and stress with are pretty much the same thing.
Real green tea, good food, sleep even regular sex will help. Stay positive and good luck.

P.s. I am in the same situation including staff under my arms, in my groin, and on my bum! It *****, but I am fighting the good fight.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hi! I have staph in my nose that doesnt go away even after several Treatments. I also have pain under my right arm, its like a burning sensation. My question to you is, how do you know you have staph under your arm? Can you see it? I ask because i wonder of i should put the cream in my nose and also u der my arms each time, or not. I am so tired of this now! Thank you
Avatar universal
I get a red painful nose occasionally. I believe it is a yeast/fungal infection because I also had that in my sinuses for 2 1/4 years. I control it successfully by taking Colloidal silver (10mls twice a day) and also spraying it on my nose. Doctors just wanted to give me anti-biotics which always made it worse.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yesterday my right nostril was tender and the whole right side of my nose swollen. I have been swiping a triple antibiotic ointment in my nostril with a q-tip 2-3 times a day and the swelling and tenderness have greatly reduced. I believe it was some bacterial infection or staph/cellulitis. If after a day or two this doesn't work definitely see your doctor, as it could be serious.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
wonder if that is same as medi-honey???
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Mine has come and gone every few weeks for a few months now! Did you find a treatment for it?  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ear, Nose & Throat Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
Discover the common causes of and treatments for a sore throat.
Learn about what actually causes your temperature to spike.
Find out which foods you should watch out for.
Family medicine doctor Enoch Choi, MD helps differentiate between the common cold and more threatening (bacterial) infections
Dr. Steven Park reveals 5 reasons why breathing through your nose could change your life