From the FDA Drug Label
A small amount of mupirocin ointment should be applied to the affected area three times daily. The treatment for nasal vestibulitis is applying a small amount of mupirocin ointment to the affected area three times daily 1.
- Apply a small amount of ointment
- Apply three times daily
- The area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.
From the Research
The treatment for nasal vestibulitis typically involves topical antibiotics and proper nasal hygiene, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting the use of topical application of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to promote healing and shorten recovery time 2.
Key Treatment Points:
- For mild cases, apply an antibiotic ointment such as mupirocin (Bactroban) or bacitracin-polymyxin B to the affected area inside the nostril 2-3 times daily for 7-10 days.
- Warm compresses applied to the outside of the nose for 15 minutes several times daily can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- For more severe infections, oral antibiotics like dicloxacillin or cephalexin (500 mg four times daily for 7-10 days) may be necessary, especially if there's significant swelling, pain, or signs of spreading infection.
- Gentle cleansing of the nasal vestibule with saline solution can help remove crusts and promote healing.
- Petroleum jelly can be applied after antibiotic treatment to keep the area moisturized and prevent recurrence.
Important Considerations:
- Nasal vestibulitis is often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and treatment should target this bacteria 3, 4.
- Avoid nose picking, harsh nasal sprays, and irritating substances during treatment.
- If symptoms worsen or don't improve within 2-3 days of treatment, medical attention should be sought as complications like cellulitis or abscess formation may require more aggressive intervention.
Recent Study Findings:
- A 2022 study found that topical application of bFGF can promote the growth of nasal mucosa, shorten the healing time of mucosal erosion, and enhance the clinical treatment effect 2.
- Another 2022 study reviewed the literature on nasal vestibulitis and vestibular furunculosis, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and management 4.
- A 2022 case series on nasal vestibular furunculosis reported successful management with intranasal topical mupirocin and oral sodium fusidate 5.