A nasal furuncle not only disturbs facial aesthetics, depending on its size and time of maturation, it can also be extremely painful. However, appropriate and timely treatment usually leads to a quick and uncomplicated healing.
What is a nasal furuncle?
A nasal furuncle most often results from inflammation of the hair follicles at the tip or entrance of the nose. Hair follicles are parts of the hair roots and are also called hair follicles. If such a hair follicle becomes inflamed, it is called folliculitis. The nasal bridge, bridge of the nose and upper lip can also be affected by a nasal follicle. A central plug of pus is surrounded by a red, painful, hard swelling that can be several centimeters in size.
Causes
Purulent inflammation of hair follicles is most often caused by staphylococci, but other bacteria or even fungi can also act as causative agents. Minimal injuries to the skin can allow the pathogens to penetrate into deeper tissues, where they cause inflammation. Scratching or squeezing can aggravate minor inflammations and spread them through the surrounding tissues. If the tissue at the center of the inflammation ulcerates and liquefies, a nasal furuncle develops. If several adjacent hair follicles become inflamed, this is called a carbuncle. Individuals with immune deficiencies, such as those with diabetes mellitus, an immunodeficiency, HIV infection, or other chronic infections, have an increased risk of developing a boil.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
A nasal furuncle is an inflamed lump in the area of the nose. The growth can occur in the nose or on the nose, depending on the underlying cause. Typically, a boil does not cause any major symptoms. However, sufferers experience mild pain and a feeling of pressure in the affected area. The boil and the surrounding area feel hot and are very red. A nasal furuncle can reach a size of a few millimeters to two centimeters. The growth grows as the disease progresses and fills with pus. After a few days, the boil finally opens and the fluid drains away. If the wound is not adequately cared for afterwards, a boil may form again. There is also a risk of serious infection. Accompanying the local symptoms, a nasal furuncle is accompanied by fever symptoms such as increased body temperature and fatigue. The sufferer feels exhausted and is less able to perform. No accompanying symptoms occur with small growths. The boil then frequently regresses without perforation. Only in isolated cases does the growth cause serious complications such as superinfection or sepsis.
Diagnosis and course
A nasal furuncle is easily recognized by the reddened, swollen, and painful nasal area. The affected area is also extremely sensitive to pressure and tense. The pain worsens when speaking or chewing. It all starts with a small red pustule with a hair in the center. The pustule can grow into a boil. Fever and a general feeling of illness may accompany the condition. The doctor may perform an endoscopy, which means examining the inside of the nose with an endoscope. Serious, sometimes life-threatening complications can arise if the inflammation spreads along the veins toward the eye and eventually to the brain. This can cause a blood clot to form in the cerebral veins. Intracranial pressure rises, which can lead to headaches, nausea, vomiting, paralysis, impaired consciousness and seizures. In the worst case, thrombosis in the cerebral veins leads to a stroke. To rule out thrombosis, an ultrasound examination may be performed. Furthermore, spread of the pus pathogens to the brain can lead to meningitis or phlebitis. Another possible complication is blood poisoning if the bacteria enter the bloodstream. Lymphatic vessels can also become inflamed and painfully swollen.
Complications
A nasal furuncle is an irritation of the nasal mucous membranes, so redness and inflammation can occur. Of course, various complications are possible with a nasal furuncle, which may even need to be evaluated by an appropriate physician. If a boil in the nose is not treated by a doctor, serious complications are inevitable.In most cases, a great itching occurs, so that constant scratching can even cause an open wound. If an open wound has already developed, then there is an acute risk of inflammation. This complication requires the utmost caution, because under certain circumstances it can lead to the formation of pus. If pus fluid can be seen on the open wound, then a visit to the doctor should not be put on the back burner. If treatment is left unattended, in the worst case, blood poisoning can occur. Such blood poisoning is associated with significant complications, so that in the worst case it can even lead to death. The above-mentioned complications can be prevented at an early stage with appropriate medication. The timely visit to the doctor is therefore advisable.
When should you go to the doctor?
Normally, a doctor is not needed for a nasal furuncle. The skin change is perceived as unpleasant, but heals independently within a few days. If no further complications occur, a visit to the doctor is not necessary. Reddening of the skin and slight swelling are part of the natural course of the disease. If the boil opens on its own within a few days and then heals quickly, there is no cause for concern. If the symptoms increase or severely restrict the affected person, medical advice should be sought. A doctor should also be consulted if there is an increase in body temperature, fatigue, tiredness or sensory disturbance. If light touches are perceived as unpleasant or if the discomfort occurs in a resting position, this points to a health impairment that must be diagnosed and treated. An unusual taste in the mouth, the persistent formation of pus or respiratory disorders should be presented to a doctor. In severe cases, without medical attention, the individual is at risk of blood poisoning and potentially endangering his or her life.
Treatment and therapy
Many nasal furuncles heal on their own after a few days and do not require treatment. More recalcitrant nasal furuncles are treated with antibiotics that fight the bacterial pathogens. The active substance is administered as an ointment, in tablet form or, in severe cases, as an infusion. At the same time, the nose and upper lip must be immobilized as much as possible. The patient should therefore speak as little as possible, if at all, and should also not chew, which is why only mushy food should be eaten for a certain period of time. Cooling compresses containing alcohol relieve the swelling. Furthermore, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs can be administered. If necessary, the hair at the nasal entrance is shortened. Alternative treatment methods are germ-inhibiting herbal or zinc-containing ointments, as well as homeopathic remedies to strengthen the immune system and stimulate the self-healing powers. Under no circumstances should the nasal furuncle be touched or even scratched open and squeezed, otherwise the bacteria can spread in the tissue. If the nasal furuncle is very large or if complications occur, inpatient treatment in a hospital is necessary. Surgical intervention may be necessary. This involves cutting open the nasal furuncle to allow the pus to drain. Blood-thinning medications prevent blood clots from forming. To prevent the pathogens from reaching the brain, the facial vein at the inner corner of the eye may be cut off briefly.
Outlook and prognosis
A nasal furuncle heals quickly if treated promptly. Large boils sometimes leave a small, retracted scar. Rarely, the inflammation spreads and causes complications. Especially in the case of a weak immune system, there is a risk of a major infection and subsequent symptoms such as lymphadenitis or lymphangitis. As a result of a nasal furuncle, sepsis may also develop. Boils on the face can lead to inflammation of the eye sockets or meningitis. In principle, however, the prognosis for rapid healing of the furuncle is given. The patient is usually free of symptoms after a few weeks, provided that he takes the prescribed medication and takes proper care of the boil. Then the boil opens and the contents come out. Subsequently, the inflammation subsides and the symptoms recede. Pressing or squeezing on the boil increases the risk of infection and scarring.A poorly healing nasal furuncle often develops into furunculosis, chronic boils that can permanently damage the skin and nerves and cause scarring. Quality of life is only temporarily reduced by a nasal furuncle. A boil that heals normally has no long-term effects on well-being.
Prevention
The first measure to prevent nasal furuncles is pronounced hygiene. Especially those who are prone to pimples should change bed linen and towels regularly. Those who suffer from diabetes should also always pay attention to a well-adjusted blood sugar level to prevent nasal furuncles. After shaving the face, disinfection is advised, for example, with aftershave or facial toner.
Aftercare
Once the nasal furuncle has healed, aftercare measures become significant. These should be coordinated with the attending physician to avoid provoking a new outbreak of the disease or causing other discomfort. First of all, it is important to complete the healing process successfully and to strengthen the weakened immune system. A vitamin-rich diet is helpful in this regard, as is support for the intestinal flora after antibiotic therapy. In the area of the healed boil, ointments can help prevent or reduce unsightly scarring. Follow-up care also includes reconsidering and, if necessary, changing hygiene in the facial and nasal areas to prevent nasal furuncles in the future. Patients ideally avoid unnecessarily reaching their hands into their faces, especially if their hands are not freshly washed. This is because such behavior allows pathogens to reach the nose and can cause a new boil. For men in particular, it is important to adjust hygiene after shaving. Aftershaves with alcohol disinfect the skin and prevent infections. In the case of a nasal furuncle with complications, follow-up care also includes keeping control appointments with the doctor and ruling out infections in the brain. Blood tests a few weeks after the furuncle has healed can be useful for this purpose. As soon as the first signs of a new furuncle appear, patients seek medical attention immediately.
What you can do yourself
For nasal furuncles, regular rinsing of the nose with chamomile can relieve discomfort. In addition, inhalation with chamomile flowers or nettle is recommended. Depending on the severity and intensity of the symptoms present, both measures can be taken several times a day. They simultaneously prevent incrustation of the nasal secretions and promote breathing. A container of freshly chopped onions and garlic can be placed in the immediate vicinity of the affected person. A few deep breaths of the vegetables have a healing effect. Cleaning the nose should be done carefully and regularly. It is necessary to refrain from exerting strong pressure when blowing out the nose, so as not to cause further damage to the vessels or nasal walls. At the same time, the nasal secretion should be avoided. Stays in a dusty environment or in air enriched with pollutants are not recommended. They promote the supply of minute particles into the nose, which can trigger a deterioration of the health condition. To avoid dehydration of the mucous membranes, it is necessary to consume enough fluids. Compresses applied to the bridge of the nose are also helpful. The compresses can be soaked in healing clay, chamomile or nettle tea and applied several times a day for several minutes. A few drops of tea tree oil can be added to support the effect.
