Nasal infections

Nasal infections are annoying and can even be dangerous in extreme cases. By nasal infections we are not talking about a cold, but about an infection that occurs near or on the nose. As a rule, these are blisters or pustules that develop near the nose or on the nostrils. Do you want to know what nasal infections are, what you can do about them and when to call the doctor? In this blog we provide more information about nasal infections.

What is a nasal infection?

Nasal infections are inflammations that occur near or on the nose. Often in the form of a boil, for example. But wet spots with crusts and small bumps can also indicate a nasal infection. Sometimes impetigo also occurs when you have a nasal infection. Nasal infections are also contagious and the bacteria that cause the inflammation can also spread to other parts of the body.

Can I do something about nasal infections myself?

A healthy lifestyle is important to prevent nasal infections. By eating and drinking healthily, the body can fight bacteria such as staphylococci much better. With nasal infections it is important to cover the infected area with gauze or a plaster and of course it goes without saying to touch the area as little as possible. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water also prevents further contamination.

When to call the doctor?

If the bump or pimple becomes very large and painful, it is wise to call the doctor. The GP can determine whether treatment with antibiotics is necessary to combat the infection. In case of extreme nasal infections and if there is a furuncle, the GP may even decide to refer you to the hospital. In many cases it is necessary to remove the infection surgically. It is important to catch this on time, because a subcutaneous infection can enter the bloodstream and cause serious complications.

Can the pharmacist do anything for me?

The pharmacist dispenses the medicines or antibiotics that the GP has prescribed. It is the pharmacist's job to inform you properly about the use of the medicines and to check whether the medicines can be used in combination with any other medicines. The pharmacist can also help you purchase ointments that can combat the pain of the infection. Paracetamol as a pain reliever is also available from a pharmacist.

Can I buy medicines online?

You can purchase paracetamol and certain ointments online. A number of supermarkets and many drugstores offer a wide range. Antibiotics must always be prescribed by the doctor. So you cannot buy these online. The doctor must also determine which antibiotics work best against the infection you have. In extremis, antibiotics must be administered intravenously if the infection is serious. This usually happens in the hospital. Basically, the infection is surgically removed. These procedures are performed under anesthesia and the furuncle (boil) is opened and drained using an incision.