A nasal infection is a condition caused by a bacteria that affects the skin in or around your nostrils, and it can be uncomfortable, irritating, or unsightly.
Talk to us about your health, and we’ll recommend expert treatments and offer tailored advice. Order nasal infection treatment online today.
A nasal infection is a condition caused by the bacteria staphylococcus. Staphylococcus is a commonly found bacteria that often lives on your skin without causing problems. But if you have small cuts in or around your nostrils, this bacteria can get inside and cause the infection.
Sometimes a staph infection in your nose can clear up on its own, and it usually only leads to redness, swelling, inflammation and crusting. But in rare cases it can lead to more serious conditions such as sepsis or toxic shock syndrome.
Anyone can get a staph infection in their nose, but you’re more likely to experience it if you’ve picked your nose too much or blown it a lot. It’s thought that your nose is one of the most common places for staphylococcus bacteria to live on your skin, so it only takes a small cut or abrasion in this area for you to develop a staph infection there.
Nasal infections are very common. It’s estimated that around 50% of the general population experiences intermittent ‘colonisation’ (where the bacteria have multiplied to high levels) of the nose from staphylococcus aureus - the bacteria that causes nasal infections.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
The bacteria that causes nasal infections, staphylococcus aureus, is usually harmless. You’ll often have it on your skin without it causing any issues. But sometimes it can enter a break in your skin and multiply - giving you some irritating symptoms.
Some of the things that can make you more likely to develop cuts or abrasions on or in your nose include:
Nasal infections can potentially cause a range of symptoms, such as:
If you’re experiencing some of these symptoms and think you might have a nasal infection, chat with us about your health. Our clinical team should be able to diagnose you and offer suitable treatments based on your needs.
Most of the time, a staph infection in your nose will clear up on its own - often without the need for treatment. But sometimes it can develop and cause further issues.
On rare occasions, staph infections in your nose can enter your bloodstream and quickly worsen. This could lead to you developing more serious secondary conditions such as cellulitis (a bacterial infection that affects the deeper layers of your skin), cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) - a rare condition that causes a blood clot to appear between your brain and eye sockets, or sepsis.
If you notice your symptoms quickly worsening, it’s important that you seek medical help to avoid your condition becoming more serious.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Are Host Genetics the Predominant Determinant of Persistent Nasal Staphylococcus aureus Carriage in Humans? The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 202(6), pp.924–934.
The Role of Staphylococcus aureus in Patients with Chronic Sinusitis and Nasal Polyposis. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 19(4).
Strong antibiotic cream. Apply straight to the nose to fight infections.
Antibacterial cream that both treats and prevents nasal infections.
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet Daniel
Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet Sanjeda
Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet Craig
Always read the leaflet that comes with your medication and tell us about any side effects you get.
We know health, but you know you.
Our experts tell you what’s safe, but you decide what’s best.
Answer a few questions and tell us about yourself. Get tailored advice from our clinicians so you can choose better.
Choose your treatment and how often you have it delivered.
We know things change. It’s the nature of life. We’ll check in regularly to make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Pause. Change. Skip. Start again. Any time you like.
Here are some other things we can help with.
Choose from our range of tablets and solutions. Get ongoing care and support from our experts.
Stop smoking treatments that can help you kick the habit forever, and reduce your risk of disease.
Tablets or injections. Tailored weight loss treatments combined with ongoing support from our experts.
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
If there’s a particular treatment or condition you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll look into it for you.
Submit your question here, or tell us if you’ve found an issue on our site.
We’ll get back to you very soon. We aim to respond to all queries in one working day.
You’re signed up to our newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for our latest update.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Secure delivery 
UK clinicians
