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What Causes White Patches On Nasal Septum

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Posted on Wed, 7 Jan 2015
Question: White patches on nasal septum that can be rubbed off. The skin underneath is raw and often bleeds. Have quit using Flonase about 2 weeks ago, but patches have not gone away
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Fungal infection or atrophic rhinitis...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting the query. I do understand your concern; I'll try my best to help you with this problem.

1. The commonest causes of white patches inside the nose which crust and bleed are local fungal infection or atrophic rhinitis. This can be diagnosed with a nasal endoscopy and biopsy for the former condition and the latter is clinically diagnosed.

2. Both the above conditions can occur due to reduced immunity and over usage of steroid nasal sprays.

3. A diagnostic nasal endoscopy followed by CT scan of the paranasal sinuses can help in diagnosing the actual cause.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Use saline nasal spray as frequently as possible to keep the nasal mucosa moist.
2. You can also use topical saline nasal ointment to prevent drying and crusting of the nasal mucosa.
3. Consult your doctor for a complete evaluation of the nose.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (29 minutes later)
These areas never crust or become dry
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
In that case, Atrophic rhinitis is ruled out... Probably candida infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back.

Then the most probable cause is fungal infection - Candida albicans. This can be confirmed by testing the scrapings taken from septal mucosa for fungal hyphae. Consult your doctor for a complete evaluation and management.

Wish you speedy recovery.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon



Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 2540 Questions

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What Causes White Patches On Nasal Septum

Brief Answer: Fungal infection or atrophic rhinitis... Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting the query. I do understand your concern; I'll try my best to help you with this problem. 1. The commonest causes of white patches inside the nose which crust and bleed are local fungal infection or atrophic rhinitis. This can be diagnosed with a nasal endoscopy and biopsy for the former condition and the latter is clinically diagnosed. 2. Both the above conditions can occur due to reduced immunity and over usage of steroid nasal sprays. 3. A diagnostic nasal endoscopy followed by CT scan of the paranasal sinuses can help in diagnosing the actual cause. My suggestions to you are: 1. Use saline nasal spray as frequently as possible to keep the nasal mucosa moist. 2. You can also use topical saline nasal ointment to prevent drying and crusting of the nasal mucosa. 3. Consult your doctor for a complete evaluation of the nose. I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them. Regards Dr. Naveen Kumar N. ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon