One week ago I got a sinus infection and started taking a Z pack. My nose became raw and painful and I thought it was just from excessive blowing and wipeing. I thought I might be getting some kind of skin infection around my nose so I started applying antibiotioc ointment. I have finished all my antibiotics and it has still not cleared up. It is now swollen and gets very crusty. After I wash it and remove the crust it seems to drain clear fluid.
Most runny noses are caused by allergies or by viruses. While Z PAK (oral azithromycin) is indeed an antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial sinusitis - usually differentiated for the above causes by the presence of high fever, severe pain behind the eyes, and thick greenish mucus - it would usually work. If it did not work for you, it is most likely that your symptoms were not caused by a bacterium. If you still have any of the signs of bacterial sinusitis (described above) you should see your doctor. If not, I would usually tell my patients to try over-the-counter cold and flu medication or an antihistamine. You could use some Vaseline on the skin around your nose to better protect the skin.