What should you know about impetigo by nose?

Impetigo near the nose may start as a small sore, blister or irritated patch, then ooze and form a yellow-brown crust. Frequent touching, wiping and rubbing can transfer bacteria to nearby skin. A sore at the nostril edge may feel tender, while a rash inside the nostril can be harder to see. Crusting skin around the nose can also occur with irritation, eczema or other infections, so a clinician should confirm the cause when it persists or spreads.

Mention nose picking, recent colds, skin irritation and any similar sores in household members. These details help guide examination and advice about contact precautions.

Clean the outer skin gently with water and mild soap, then pat dry. Avoid picking crusts, rubbing the nostrils or sharing towels, face cloths and cosmetics. Wash hands after blowing your nose and after touching the area. Use a clean dressing on an external draining sore if it can be placed without blocking breathing. A clinician may prescribe topical antibiotic therapy or antibiotics for skin infection depending on the site and extent; do not put prescription products inside the nose unless specifically instructed.

Arrange an examination if a sore beside the nose is spreading, repeatedly bleeding, increasingly painful or not improving. Seek urgent care for rapidly increasing swelling or redness, severe facial pain, fever, eye swelling, vision changes, or feeling very unwell. Do not squeeze lesions near the nose. Prompt advice is especially sensible when the person is a young child or has a weakened immune system.

Is the sore on the outer nose, at the nostril edge or inside the nostril? Which treatment is safe for this location? How should I clean dried discharge without irritating skin? When is close contact or shared bedding safe again?