### What is Nasal Vestibulitis? Nasal vestibulitis is an infection in the nasal vestibule, the area just inside your nostrils. This part of your nose is lined with skin and thick hairs that help filter out dust and particles. ### Causes Nasal vestibulitis is commonly caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. These bacteria are usually harmless but can cause infection if there's an injury inside the nose. Injuries can be caused by nose-picking, excessive nose-blowing, or even inserting objects into the nose. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes or autoimmune diseases, are more prone to this infection. Viral infections like herpes simplex and herpes zoster can also be underlying causes. ### Symptoms Common symptoms include redness, swelling, and tenderness inside the nostrils. You may also experience crusting or scabbing around the nasal area. In severe cases, boils or abscesses can form. ### Complications Though rare, complications can be serious. These include facial cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, and cavernous sinus thrombosis, a blood clot in the brain's cavernous sinuses. Both conditions require immediate medical attention. ### Treatment Most cases can be treated with topical antibiotic creams like bacitracin or mupirocin, applied twice daily for about 14 days. Saline drops and nasal emollients can also help. If boils are present, oral antibiotics and hot compresses may be recommended. In severe cases, surgical drainage might be necessary. ### When to See a Doctor If symptoms persist or recur, consult a doctor. They may need to perform tests to rule out more serious conditions like basal or squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. ### Prevention Avoid nose-picking and excessive nose-blowing. Keep your nasal area clean and moisturized, especially if you have a weakened immune system.