What is nasal cellulitis?
Christopher Snyder
Updated on March 06, 2026
Nasal cellulitis is an acute infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues but does not involve the nasal cartilage. It is most common at the extremes of age. Bacterial invasion by S pyogenes and S aureus due to disruption of the skin is the usual cause.
How serious is cellulitis of the nose?
If left untreated, cellulitis can spread quickly throughout your body. The infection can spread to your bloodstream and lymph nodes. Seek emergency care immediately if you have a fever and a red, tender, and swollen rash, or if the rash is changing quickly. Cavernous sinus thrombosis.Can nasal cellulitis go away on its own?
Can cellulitis go away on its own? Cellulitis can go away on its own, but it will likely take longer to heal without treatment than it would if you took antibiotics. In the meantime, you run the risk of the infection worsening and even getting into your bloodstream, which can be life-threatening.What does cellulitis of the nose look like?
Cellulitis. Cellulitus can occur when the infection spreads beneath your skin to other areas. Signs of nasal cellulitis include redness, pain, and swelling at the tip of your nose, which can eventually spread to your cheeks.What antibiotics treat nasal cellulitis?
The best antibiotic to treat cellulitis include dicloxacillin, cephalexin, trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, or doxycycline antibiotics.Cellulitis — The Urgency Room — an educational care video
Can you get cellulitis in your sinuses?
Nasal cellulitis is an acute infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues but does not involve the nasal cartilage. It is most common at the extremes of age. Bacterial invasion by S pyogenes and S aureus due to disruption of the skin is the usual cause.How can I treat nasal cellulitis at home?
These include:
- Covering your wound. Properly covering the affected skin will help it heal and prevent irritation. ...
- Keeping the area clean. ...
- Elevating the affected area. ...
- Applying a cool compress. ...
- Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. ...
- Treating any underlying conditions. ...
- Taking all your antibiotics.