My bestfriend has a nose piercing that is infected. She was told that she needed to seek medical care because the infection could spread and cause serious harm. She chose not to go to the doctor. Can you please tell me why this infection is so serious and where exactly that it could spread. Thank you.

ISneezeFunny

Whenever infection is present, it can always be serious as it could turn into a staph infection or worse...but I'm thinking that the reason people are saying that it could cause serious harm is because the nose is close to the maxillary veins and the cavernous sinuses, in which if infected, the infection could work its way up into the brain and potentially cause brain damage and/or death. Of course, it's VERY rare that this happens, and most infections clear up without any complications.

Has your friend been cleaning the piercing with the solution that was given to her at the piercing shop? If not, tell your friend to clean it...about twice a day. If the infection doesn't go away in a few days, then I suggest she takes a visit to the doc.

Choux

There were a group of four physician on Dr. Phil who were talking about MRSA, a particularly drug resistant form of staph infection. They stated that the nose is the most prolific source of staph in a otherwise normal healthy human body free of infection; you see, all people have staph on their bodies normally.

So, any infection in the nose has potential to go really bad fast....in my opinion.

nauticalstar420

Your friend needs to go to the doctor and get antibiotics. Only antibiotcs will fully cure an infected piercing. Some people will suggest to use salt water, peroxide (which is a big no-no!) and things like that, but those things will only mask the symptoms, rather than cure the infection.

The infection can spread if it gets into your blood stream. It can travel to different parts of your body causing sores, other piercings, etc. to become infected as well. Please urge your friend to go to the doctor, or matters will only get worse.