What is nasal vestibulitis?

Nasal vestibulitis is a diffuse inflammation of the skin in the nasal vestibule. It is a rare acute infection of the nasal vestibule, usually caused by staphylococcal infection, located just inside the anterior nostril.

Which department should I visit for nasal vestibulitis?

English name: Vestibulitis of nose, VB.

Alias: Nasal folliculitis, Acute nasal vestibulitis, Chronic nasal vestibulitis.

Departments: Otolaryngology, Dermatology.

What causes nasal vestibulitis?

Triggering factors include nose-picking or excessive nose-blowing, which can cause crusting and bleeding around the hair follicles. No association has been found between nasal vestibulitis and the use of nasal steroids.

Who is most commonly affected by nasal vestibulitis?

It can occur year-round but is more common in adults.

What are the main symptoms of nasal vestibulitis?

• The prominent symptoms include pain and swelling. Sudden, unusual pain when touching or moving the nose is usually what prompts patients to seek medical attention. Nasal congestion is uncommon.

• During examination, swelling and crusting of the nasal mucosa may be observed, sometimes with papule-like lesions.

• Some cases may show external nasal swelling, redness, and increased skin temperature, but systemic fever is usually absent. Since hair follicles are mostly located in the skin and mucosa of the nasal vestibule, the nasal septum is typically unaffected.

How is nasal vestibulitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is straightforward based on the above clinical manifestations. For cases with extensive inflammation, a nasal CT scan may be performed for evaluation.

How is nasal vestibulitis treated?

• Remove irritating nasal secretions, avoid exposure to harmful dust, and correct the habit of nose-picking.

• Treatment may include mupirocin nasal ointment applied twice daily for 5 days, or oral antibiotics if the infection is widespread.

What complications can nasal vestibulitis cause?

With improved nose-picking habits and early treatment, the prognosis is good.

How to prevent nasal vestibulitis?

Remove irritating nasal secretions, avoid exposure to harmful dust, and correct the habit of nose-picking.