Antibiotics for cellulitis of the nose

The nose can become red, warm, swollen and tender when bacteria enter through a small break, irritated skin, piercing or follicle. A clinician must distinguish cellulitis from a boil, abscess, inflamed acne, dermatitis or another facial infection. The examination includes the nose, surrounding skin and eyes. Antibiotic choice depends on the likely infection, allergies, other health conditions and whether drainage or specialist care is needed; do not choose a product from a pharmacy without assessment.

Arrange prompt medical review and describe how quickly the swelling or redness has changed. Use prescribed medicine exactly as directed and do not squeeze, pierce or repeatedly touch the area. Wash gently, keep hands clean and avoid applying steroid, antiseptic or antibiotic creams unless advised. Tell the clinician about nose picking, piercings, recent procedures, fever, immune problems and previous antibiotic reactions. Follow-up is useful if symptoms do not begin settling as expected.

Seek urgent care for swelling around an eye, eye pain, blurred or double vision, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, fever with shaking chills or rapidly spreading redness. Breathing or swallowing difficulty, severe facial pain, a dusky or blistered area, or sudden deterioration also needs emergency help. Do not wait for an antibiotic course to finish when these signs appear.

Ask whether the problem is cellulitis, a boil or an abscess; whether drainage is needed; which antibiotic is appropriate; and how soon the skin should improve. Confirm how to protect the nose, when eye symptoms become an emergency and where to go if swelling increases.