Vestibulitis [Nose]

Causes and risk factors

Vestibulitis can be caused due to development of a furuncle in the vestibule. It can be caused by picking the nose or cutting the nasal hair which injures the skin and infects the vestibule. Furuncles can be caused as a result of underlying diabetes. Causative organism is usually Staphylococcus aureus.

Clinical presentation

Initially the disease starts with a simple furuncle. Gradually, it may develop into cellulitis of the tip of the nose. The tip of the nose becomes very painful, red, and tender. Skin over it gets stretched. There is irritation and discomfort in the affected area. A lump, boil, or pimple is seen at the nasal entrance. Patient experiences difficulty in breathing or blowing the nose. Patient is unable to sleep due to pain. Headache is present as an accompanying symptom. Constitutional symptoms like fever and malaise may be present. As the vestibule drains into inferior orbital vein and cavernous sinus, vestibulitis may lead to complications like cellulitis or thrombophlebitis of inferior orbital vein and cause fatal intracranial complications.

Investigation

Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Routine blood tests are done. Blood culture is recommended.

Treatment

Treatment involves medicines such as antibiotics, antipyretics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and NSAIDs. Cold compression helps in treating vestibulitis. Topical applications of steroidal ointments will give symptomatic relief. Incision and drainage may be required in some cases.

Other Modes of treatment

The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating vestibulitis. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates is also found to be effective in treating vestibulitis.