Nasal Cellulitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment

Nasal cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the nasal soft tissues, often arising from a skin breach. It can progress rapidly to orbital or intracranial complications (cavernous sinus thrombosis) due to valveless facial veins.

Common Pathogens

• Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA)
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Haemophilus influenzae (in children)

Risk Factors

• Diabetes, immunosuppression, HIV.
• IV drug use (nasal carriage).
• Recent nasal trauma/surgery.
• Sinusitis, furunculosis.

Symptoms

• Erythema, warmth, swelling, tenderness of nose ± periorbital area.
• Fever, chills, malaise.
• Nasal obstruction, purulent discharge.

Treatment

• Antibiotics: IV for severe/systemic signs (e.g., vancomycin + ceftriaxone); oral for mild (cephalexin, clindamycin, TMP-SMX).
• Adjuncts: analgesia, warm compresses, head elevation.
• Surgical drainage if abscess forms.

Prevention

Nasal hygiene, avoid nose-picking, treat sinusitis promptly, manage diabetes, wound care.