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What Causes Recurring Scabs In The Nose?

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Posted on Fri, 6 Jan 2017
Question: My wife has reoccurring nose scabs. They do not seem to heal properly. When one scab comes off another cones up, without skin
closure.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
bacterial infection likely present, should respond to treatment

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The fact that they are recurring implies that there is likely a bacterial infection present.

She should avoid the continued use of the cortizone, this a steroid and while it would be useful initially to reduce the inflammation in the area, continued use would reduce the body's immune response and may delay healing.

She can consider trying to clean the area twice daily with a mild antiseptic if possible, may need to use q tips if it is in the nostrils and difficult to reach otherwise.
In addition, a topical antibiotic should be applied twice daily eg bactroban, fucidin, neosporin.

If there is no improvement after 1 week or there is any worsening, this may mean that oral antibiotics maybe needed for treatment.
This would require a prescription from her doctor.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 minutes later)
Any response yet?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
answer above

Detailed Answer:
HI

Summary of above information: (1)that fact that recurs may indicate a bacterial infection
(2)discontinue the steroid (cortizone) because continued use decreases the body's immune response
(3)use a mild antiseptic at least twice daily. Use a q tip if difficult to reach
(4)apply a topical antibiotic twice daily, these are over the counter eg bactroban, fucidin, neosporin
(5)if no response within a week or worsening then use oral antibiotic
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Recurring Scabs In The Nose?

Brief Answer: bacterial infection likely present, should respond to treatment Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The fact that they are recurring implies that there is likely a bacterial infection present. She should avoid the continued use of the cortizone, this a steroid and while it would be useful initially to reduce the inflammation in the area, continued use would reduce the body's immune response and may delay healing. She can consider trying to clean the area twice daily with a mild antiseptic if possible, may need to use q tips if it is in the nostrils and difficult to reach otherwise. In addition, a topical antibiotic should be applied twice daily eg bactroban, fucidin, neosporin. If there is no improvement after 1 week or there is any worsening, this may mean that oral antibiotics maybe needed for treatment. This would require a prescription from her doctor. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions