What causes pain when pressing on one side of the nasal bridge?

In general, pain when pressing on one side of the nasal bridge may be caused by external impact or excessive pressure, local skin friction and irritation, folliculitis, nasal vestibulitis, or deviated nasal septum with inflammation. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. External impact or excessive pressure: Accidental collision with the nasal bridge or prolonged, forceful pressing on one side can lead to local soft tissue injury, causing noticeable pain upon palpation. Within the first 48 hours after injury, apply an ice pack for cold compression to reduce swelling; after 48 hours, switch to warm compresses using a hot towel to promote healing. Avoid further pressing or impacting the affected area.

2. Local skin friction and irritation: Wearing eyeglass frames that are too tight or made from rough materials can cause long-term friction against the skin on one side of the nasal bridge, leading to localized dermatitis and tenderness. Adjust the tightness of the frame promptly, switch to softer materials, and apply a gentle moisturizing lotion locally to relieve skin discomfort.

3. Folliculitis: When hair follicles on the nasal bridge become infected with *Staphylococcus aureus*, small red papules may appear, accompanied by significant tenderness upon pressing. Patients should follow medical advice to apply topical medications such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or compound polymyxin B ointment. Avoid squeezing the lesions manually to prevent spreading the infection.

4. Nasal vestibulitis: Chronic irritation of the nasal vestibule skin by nasal secretions or skin damage from nose picking can lead to infection, with inflammation spreading to one side of the nasal bridge and causing tenderness, often accompanied by nasal itching and crusting. Patients should take medications such as cefradine capsules, amoxicillin capsules, or Pudilan anti-inflammatory tablets as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.

5. Deviated nasal septum with inflammation: A nasal septum deviated toward one side causes the mucosa at the deviation site to be chronically exposed to airflow, making it prone to inflammation, tenderness upon pressure, and associated symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. Treatment includes medications prescribed by a doctor, such as budesonide nasal spray, mometasone furoate nasal spray, or cefixime dispersible tablets.

Maintain cleanliness of the nasal bridge and nasal cavity in daily life, and avoid nose picking or arbitrarily pressing on the nasal bridge. Regularly check the comfort level of eyeglass frames when wearing glasses. Follow a light diet, minimize spicy and irritating foods, maintain regular sleep patterns, strengthen skin resistance, and support recovery from discomfort.