Scab on my nose

by Lauren
(New York)

A few days ago it started as just bumps on my nose, then it was red sores, now its a scab that’s grey in color and black in color.. I haven’t been able to see a doctor yet I’m waiting for my papers to go through. I also have red bumps by the bridge of my nose to my eye and they hurt. I also have some swelling inside of my nose. I clean the scab with Hibicleanse and after I clean it clear yellow liquid comes out and hardens. But I don’t like the fact its grey and black in color, and all around it is red. What could I have? I am 22, don’t smoke or drink.

Impetigo

I think this is Impetigo, a bacterial infection that can cause redness and blistering in patches. It is highly contagious to others and strict hand hygiene is very important. It is caused by bacteria; either streptococcus or staphylococcus and these can usually be treated with penicillin antibiotics or antibiotic creams. The Hibicleanse you are using will help, but it is important not to spread the infection any further, so wash your hands if you touch the area. I wouldn’t advise squeezing the area as it is likely to make matters worse.

The other possibility is a herpetic skin lesion, which can give similar appearances. This is a viral infection and is normally treated with the antiviral Aciclovir, although I think Impetigo is the more likely cause. Rarely it can be due to something called Lupus Pernio, but I won't go in to this as it is rare.

Impetigo can also cause fever, flu like symptoms, muscle aches and joint pains. It can also spread to other areas of the body and cause such problems as abscesses, endocarditis, septic arthritis and septicaemia. Fortunately these complications are rare. Sometimes the condition will settle without need for intervention, but I wouldn’t recommend leaving it.



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