Staph infection in nose -- what heals it?

[Vicki Z]

I had bump just inside my nose at the end of Aug. and it turned into a few bumps and was stingy and itchy. So my med-onc nurse had me see an ENT dr. right away and he cultured it and it turned out to be a staph infection. I used Bactroban ointment 3x/day and took Bactrim for 1 week. Now, it's Oct. and my nose feels a little sticky, irritated, etc. and there appears to be little speckles of blood or dark spots and I'm wondering if it's back and what to do about it.

Sorry to be so graphic, but I kept thinking that because my nose hairs are growing back after the chemo ended in Aug. that this was irritating the nasal passage, but I think my system is a bit out of sync. I was told that staph can live on any surface, but because my immune system is compromised, it was easy to get through this gateway of the body. Any suggestions from those of you who've experienced this? Thanks,

Vicki

[anonymous]

I carry staph in my nose. THe thing that works best is Bactroban ointment applied with a q tip and careful handwashing after.

[anonymous]

I carry staph in my nose. THe thing that works best is Bactroban ointment applied with a q tip and careful handwashing after.

[Alicia]

I also continue to get sores in my nose. I just apply polysporin and then forget to continue! They come back and I just repeat the process. I am about six months out of a 10 regimen of THC and my white counts are just getting back into the 3000 range....I am hoping for continued improvement as the counts go up! Good luck those sores are a "pain in nose!!!" Alicia

[Meg]

Hi Vicki,
I hope you are well. I too have had the infection and use Bactroban. I was told to stay VERY clean and apply Bactroban even when the symptoms are gone for two weeks. The minute you feel symptoms, start treating again.
Blessings to you,
Meg