Santa May Want to Invest in Health Insurance for His Reindeer
A symptom known as the “Rudolph Sign” can be indicative of a larger infection in humans, and it’s especially common in the colder months.
What is the Rudolph Sign?
Having a red nose tip like Santa’s lead reindeer is called “Rudolph Sign,” and it’s a symptom of a greater health condition. It’s marked by a red, sore tip of the nose that can be both tender and swollen. There also may be a red boil visible inside the nose.
What Causes Nasal Furunculosis?
Nasal furunculosis, a deep infection of the hair follicle within the nasal vestibule, can cause the Rudolph Sign. It’s caused by bacteria and can be a result of a chronic runny nose or an upper respiratory infection. This makes it more common in the winter, when people are prone to colds or experience runny noses more frequently from frigid temperatures and winds.
How is Nasal Furunculosis Treated?
The infection can be treated with a few methods, including using hot and cold compresses, cleaning away any crust around the nose, and halting any of the triggering behaviors like nose-picking. Doctors may also prescribe antibiotics or antistaphylococcal agents as well as topical antibiotic ointments. In the case of a particularly bad boil, doctors can drain it and give IV antibiotics.
Watch Out, Nose-Pickers
Picking your nose can lead to other health problems, too. A 2018 study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that digging for gold up there could lead to the transmission of pneumonia.
What are the Risks of Nose-Picking?
The study found that bacteria on the hands could make it into the nose during picking — but also poking and rubbing. This can lead to the transmission of pneumococcal infection, a major cause of death around the world.
Conclusion
Nasal furunculosis is a treatable infection, but it’s essential to take steps to prevent it. Avoiding nose-picking and practicing good hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of transmission. If you experience symptoms of nasal furunculosis, such as a red, sore nose tip or a red boil inside the nose, seek medical attention.
FAQs
Q: What causes nasal furunculosis?
A: Nasal furunculosis is caused by bacteria and can be a result of a chronic runny nose or an upper respiratory infection.
Q: How is nasal furunculosis treated?
A: The infection can be treated with antibiotics, antistaphylococcal agents, and topical antibiotic ointments. In severe cases, doctors may drain the boil and give IV antibiotics.
Q: Is nose-picking a healthy habit?
A: No, nose-picking can lead to other health problems, including the transmission of pneumococcal infection.
Q: How can I prevent nasal furunculosis?
A: Avoiding nose-picking and practicing good hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of transmission. Additionally, using hot and cold compresses and cleaning away any crust around the nose can help prevent the infection.
