Extremely painful, swollen nose - staph infection?

[kansaspeg]

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?

[inlaymansterms]

What you are describing is a classic soft tissue infection or "cellulitis," which  can be caused by many organisms -- all susceptible to certain antibiotics and not others.  Some organisms cause a pretty consistent set of symptoms and appearances that your primary care physician will be able to recognize but which you may not.  This may give him/her a better idea about which antibiotic to use to treat your infection.  Thus, it is important that you see your physician face-to-face; don't ask him/her for antibiotics over the phone or by email.  He/she will likely use an oral or topical (a cream) antibiotic (probably a penicillin or cephalosporin), and may give you a lidocaine cream in addition -- which is a local anaesthetic.  If he/she doesn't, a dilute cream is available OTC in any pharmacy.  Of course, not to be used in your eye!  Do not use neosporin cream as a home remedy, as extended use >7 days can lead to a nasty rash which would only further complicate your situation.

As far as Bactrim for soft tissue infection -- it is not wrong, but it is far from first line therapy, given its coverage.  A penicillin like oxacillin, or a cephalosporin like Keflex (cephalexin) are first line.  Again, these can be prescribed as creams or pills.

Eye infections are a different story, and your primary doctor will likely refer you to an opthalmologist to ensure that you don't end up with permanent vision problems because of this infection.

If you have a lesion like this that doesn't go away in 7-10 days or is causing you discomfort, you should see your primary care physician or nurse practitioner.  Any cyst should prompt you to see your primary doctor, because oral antibiotics are simply not effective without drainage of the cyst/abscess.  Sometimes this kind of thing will go away on its own, but can require hospitalization and IV antibiotics in extreme situations.

Bottom line - see your primary physician for any non-healing lesion, wound, or persistent hot/swollen/red area.

-E

[Stephaniek802]

In just the last few days the top bridge of my nose had gotten swollen and puffy red. It hurts like heck and I can bearly stand to wear my glasses.

Any ideas as to what it may be??

Thanks! Steph

[SusanP2008]

The bridge of my nose is sore too - almost like I hit it on something.  It seems to look sort of sunburned too, but there's no reason for it to be.  It was sore about a week ago, then went away, but has come back again.  I'm interested in ideas too.  Thanks! SusanP

[KelEDee]

I've had a swollen nose (wow does it hurt to the touch) and can hardly stand to wear my glasses.  This is the third day.  I don't know if I should see a general practioner or ENT.  Please help!  I feel like a clown.

Thanks!
Kelly

[KelEDee]

If this could be a staph infection I went to get to the doctor asap.  Like Stephanie & Susan it looks like I hit it, but I did not.  I also had some scabs inside my nose about a week ago.  Ibuprofen, Alka Seltzer, warm compress & cold compress do not reduce the swelling.

[KelEDee]

Did you go to a primary care doctor / general practioner, ENT or ER?  Now I'm scared and want to get to the doc. asap.