Nasal Vestibulitis and Nasal Furunculosis and Mucormycosis

Abstract

Infection of the skin of the nasal vestibule is termed nasal vestibulitis. It may be secondary to constant rhinorrhea, nose-picking, or viral infections such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Foreign bodies frequently cause vestibulitis in children due to purulent discharge. Nasal furunculosis is Staphylococcus aureus infection of the hair follicles. Nose-picking is the frequent cause of furunculosis. Topical and if necessary systemic antibiotics are prescribed. The patient should be instructed not to squeeze out pus from this area. Since the veins draining this area are valveless and directly join the cavernous sinus, there is a potential risk of spreading infection to the cavernous sinus via these facial veins. Eczema may also mimic vestibulitis. In these patients steroid base ointment may help the condition. In persistent vestibulitis neoplastic disease such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma should be kept in mind.