Pterygoid ulcers are a pathological condition characterized by the appearance of ulcerative defects on the outer surface of the wings of the nose. This symptom can be a sign of various diseases, so it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination to identify the cause of the ulcers.
Etiology and pathogenesis. Ulcers on the wings of the nose can be caused by various factors, such as mechanical damage, infectious diseases, allergies, burns and others. With infectious diseases such as syphilis, ulcers on the wings of the nose and around the nose are often one of the first symptoms. In such cases, other lesions may appear in the body, such as damage to bones or teeth. The second most common are allergic reactions to various allergens. A striking example of this is atopic dermatitis or bronchial asthma, which can manifest as ulcers in the nasopharynx. The cause of ulcers can also be mechanical damage due to frequent blows to the nose, operations under anesthesia, or injuries.
Symptoms. The primary symptoms of nasal ulcers include the appearance of a red spot on the ala or skin around it, which then develops into a dark brown or black spot, and finally into an ulcer. The sores can be small, up to ten millimeters, and small, but sometimes the size can reach more than five centimeters. The inflammatory process leads to an increase in temperature and the presence of local pain upon palpation. If the ulcers are too large, the soft tissues of the surrounding areas of the nose become inflamed and swelling appears. The appearance of ulcers is accompanied by an inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa. Associated symptoms of ulcers include photophobia, lacrimation, headaches, and bad breath. Symptoms often appear slowly, and some of them may gradually spread to the skin around the eye. At the same time, the ulcer moves back, i.e. from the eye. Often, when an ulcer is present, the patient will have blood or purulent discharge in the nasal cavity or from the nose.
Treatment. One of the key points in treating wing ulcers is finding the cause of their occurrence. The main directions of treatment: etiotropic treatment, restorative treatment and organization of prevention. Drug therapy is used to fight the pathogens that cause ulcers. This is possible during infectious processes. For this purpose, antibacterial agents or antiviral drugs are prescribed. Cytostatic agents are sometimes used. If the cause of the disease is mechanical, then treatment is based on correction of the facial anatomy. Plastic surgeons, traumatologists and others may be involved in carrying out operations. Rehabilitation involves nutritional correction, massage, water treatments and physiotherapeutic methods, such as: