Staph Infection in Nose

Staphylococcus is a common bacteria that is found on the skin and in the nose of healthy people. The name comes from a Greek word staphyle that means bunch of grapes and kokkos that means berry. Staphylococci looks like a bunch of grapes or berries, when observed under a microscope. These gram positive bacteria are facultative anaerobic organisms.

There over 30 different types of Staphylococci that can cause infections in humans. The most infectious of them all is Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria normally do not cause infections or diseases when living on the skin or in the nose. Staphylococci are opportunistic pathogens that cause skin disorders when they gain entry in the body through cuts, wounds or damage to the skin.

There are many staph infections that affect the nose. Impetigo, furuncles and carbuncles are common staph infections of the nose. Let us know more about the staph infection symptoms in the nose.

Symptoms of Staph Infections in Nose
The most common staph infection in nose symptoms are itchy and painful cuts on the nose. The other symptoms include furuncles and carbuncles that are small to large sized boils. The staphylococci grow under the skin and cause boils. The symptoms of staph infection in the nose is characterized by bumps under the skin that are reddish in color. The boil continues to grow in size due to pus formation. The boil finally ruptures and the pus drains out. Furuncles are generally smaller boils and heal within one to two weeks. Carbuncles are generally clusters of boils that take longer to heal and may lead to serious infections.

Impetigo is another staph infection that develops near the nose and the mouth. It is generally observed in children between 2-6 years. Teens and adults may also develop impetigo. The symptoms of impetigo, which include formation of honey colored scabs are developed due to dried serum. The scabs are thin-walled vesicles pustules that rupture draining out pus.

Staph infections in nose are contagious and can spread through use of common towels, tissues, handkerchiefs, etc. It is important to maintain proper hygiene and wash hands scrupulously with disinfectants. Avoid close contacts with people who are suffering from staph infections.

In case you are suffering from cuts in nose, apply Vaseline inside the nose. It should be applied twice a day for 10 days. The standard treatment for staph infection in nose is done by use of antibiotic ointments. These over-the-counter ointments can help get rid of the staph infections in nose. Many times these infections do not subside for over a year. Doctors may suggest use of medicinal honey that contains antibacterial properties that may inhibit further growth of staphylococci. Abscesses can also be drained surgically. The doctor may decide on an antibiotic staph infection treatment after referring to the culture results in the laboratory. The highly resistant strains or serious infections are treated with intravenous antibiotics.

Well, if you are suffering from a nose infection and observe the above symptoms, then visit a medical practitioner to determine whether you are suffering from Staph infection in the nose.