How to Treat Cold Sores in Your Nose
Figure out if you have cold sores in your nose., Allow the sore to heal on its own., Wash the sores gently., Take prescription antiviral medications., Apply a topical cream., Reduce itching and irritation with ointment., Relieve the pain of cold...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Figure out if you have cold sores in your nose.
Because it is difficult to see inside of your nose, you may need to figure out if you have cold sore instead of another condition such as an ingrown hair or pimple.
Checking the areas in and around your nose can help you figure out if you have cold sores in your nose.
Use a mirror to check the visible surfaces of your nasal cavity.
You may not be able to see much, but even detecting a cold sore can help.
Recognize symptoms of cold sores in your nose including tingling and itching, burning, feeling painful bumps, and oozing from small blisters.You may also have a fever or headache.See if there is an inflamed area either on the inside or outside of your nose that might indicate cold sores.
Avoid sticking your fingers or other objects deep inside your nose.
Things like cotton swabs can lodge themselves in your nose, which may cause severe harm.
See your doctor or leave the sore alone if you can’t locate the source of the pain. -
Step 2: Allow the sore to heal on its own.
If the cold sores in your nose aren’t too severe, allow them to heal without treatment.
In many cases, the sores may heal within one to two weeks without treatment.Use this treatment option only if you feel well and may not come into contact with anyone.
Remember that even a cold sore in your nose is contagious to others., Wash any cold sores in your nose when you notice them.
Gently cleansing the area may keep the outbreak from spreading and help heal it.Use a washcloth soaked in warm, soapy water if the sores aren’t far inside your nasal cavity.
Wash the cloth in a hot soapy cycle before using it again.Heat a glass of water to a comfortable, hot temperature that won’t burn your skin and add some antibacterial soap.
Dip a cotton swab in the water and gently place it on cold sore in your nose if it isn’t too deep inside.
Repeat the process two to three times per day. , Ask your doctor for a prescription antiviral medication and take it.
This can help treat outbreaks sooner, lessen the severity of recurrences, and minimize the chance of transmitting the virus.Common medications for cold sores are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).Follow dosing instructions given by your doctor for maximum efficacy.
Your doctor may advise an antiviral infection if your outbreak is severe., Because the sores are in your nose, this may not be the easiest treatment to apply.
Consider using these topical creams if you want to shorten the time of your outbreak, relieve discomfort, or minimize the risk of infecting someone else.
Ask your doctor about the best way to apply some of the following creams:
Penciclovir (Denavir)Acyclovir cream (the antiviral treatment in topical form — may be more effective than other topical treatments)'Docosanol 10% (Abreva), which you can purchase over the counter., You may experience itching and irritation with your cold sores.
To reduce them, consider applying a gel or cream with lidocaine or benzocaine.Be aware that these remedies may only offer minimal or short-term relief.Buy these treatments at most pharmacies and some grocery stores or large retailers.
Apply these remedies with a clean finger or cotton swab only if the cold sores are not deep inside your nasal cavity. , Blisters or cold sores associated with the herpes simplex virus can be painful.
In addition to topical ointments, there are several ways to minimize the pain and discomfort.Take an over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to minimize pain.Apply ice or a cool washcloth to the outside of your nose may also help., Studies have produced mixed results for treating cold sores with alternative therapies.Consider using these treatments if you want to avoid chemicals or in conjunction with a medical treatment, but speak with your doctor first.
Some alternative therapies that may work are:
Lysine supplements or creams Propolis, an ointment also known as synthetic beeswax Stress reduction through breathing exercises and meditation.A sage or rhubarb cream, or a combined sage-rhubarb cream.Lip balm containing lemon extract for lesions not too deep in your nose., The liquid that oozes from cold sores contains the virus and can infect others.Limiting or avoiding skin-to-skin contact can prevent cold sores from transmitting or making yours worse.
Abstain from oral sex and kissing, even if the blisters are only in your nose.Keep your fingers and hands away from your eyes., Any time you have a cold sore, even if it is in your nose, wash your hands before touching yourself or someone else.
This can keep the virus from spreading on your skin or to anyone else.Wash with any type of soap, which can kill bacteria.Lather the soap on your hands for at least 20 seconds.Dry your hands completely with a clean or disposable towel., Whenever you have blisters present, avoid sharing items with other people.
This can minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others and to other areas of your skin.Keep a separate set of utensils, towels, and other linens when you have an outbreak.Avoid using lip balms and personal items from other people., Stress, illness, fatigue may make you more prone to having an outbreak of cold sores.
Manage stressful situations as much as you are able and make sure you are getting enough rest, especially when you are sick.Organizing your day with a flexible schedule that incorporates time to relax can reduce your stress.Avoid stressful situations if possible.
Take deep breaths or try breathing exercises to help you relax.Get regular exercise, which can also help reduce stress.Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.Don't push yourself if you feel like you're getting sick.
Make sure you get adequate rest and take time off work or school if you need to. , If you begin seeing the symptoms of an outbreak, treat them promptly.
This can reduce the amount of time your outbreak lasts and reduce its severity.If you begin to experience the telltale tingling or itching sensation that is often present before an outbreak, you may wish to begin treatment immediately.
Call your doctor and ask for prescription to minimize and treat your outbreak. -
Step 3: Wash the sores gently.
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Step 4: Take prescription antiviral medications.
-
Step 5: Apply a topical cream.
-
Step 6: Reduce itching and irritation with ointment.
-
Step 7: Relieve the pain of cold sores.
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Step 8: Consider alternative therapies.
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Step 9: Limit or avoid skin-to-skin contact.
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Step 10: Clean your hands often.
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Step 11: Use your own items.
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Step 12: Manage stress
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Step 13: illness
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Step 14: and fatigue.
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Step 15: Watch for outbreak symptoms.
Detailed Guide
Because it is difficult to see inside of your nose, you may need to figure out if you have cold sore instead of another condition such as an ingrown hair or pimple.
Checking the areas in and around your nose can help you figure out if you have cold sores in your nose.
Use a mirror to check the visible surfaces of your nasal cavity.
You may not be able to see much, but even detecting a cold sore can help.
Recognize symptoms of cold sores in your nose including tingling and itching, burning, feeling painful bumps, and oozing from small blisters.You may also have a fever or headache.See if there is an inflamed area either on the inside or outside of your nose that might indicate cold sores.
Avoid sticking your fingers or other objects deep inside your nose.
Things like cotton swabs can lodge themselves in your nose, which may cause severe harm.
See your doctor or leave the sore alone if you can’t locate the source of the pain.
If the cold sores in your nose aren’t too severe, allow them to heal without treatment.
In many cases, the sores may heal within one to two weeks without treatment.Use this treatment option only if you feel well and may not come into contact with anyone.
Remember that even a cold sore in your nose is contagious to others., Wash any cold sores in your nose when you notice them.
Gently cleansing the area may keep the outbreak from spreading and help heal it.Use a washcloth soaked in warm, soapy water if the sores aren’t far inside your nasal cavity.
Wash the cloth in a hot soapy cycle before using it again.Heat a glass of water to a comfortable, hot temperature that won’t burn your skin and add some antibacterial soap.
Dip a cotton swab in the water and gently place it on cold sore in your nose if it isn’t too deep inside.
Repeat the process two to three times per day. , Ask your doctor for a prescription antiviral medication and take it.
This can help treat outbreaks sooner, lessen the severity of recurrences, and minimize the chance of transmitting the virus.Common medications for cold sores are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).Follow dosing instructions given by your doctor for maximum efficacy.
Your doctor may advise an antiviral infection if your outbreak is severe., Because the sores are in your nose, this may not be the easiest treatment to apply.
Consider using these topical creams if you want to shorten the time of your outbreak, relieve discomfort, or minimize the risk of infecting someone else.
Ask your doctor about the best way to apply some of the following creams:
Penciclovir (Denavir)Acyclovir cream (the antiviral treatment in topical form — may be more effective than other topical treatments)'Docosanol 10% (Abreva), which you can purchase over the counter., You may experience itching and irritation with your cold sores.
To reduce them, consider applying a gel or cream with lidocaine or benzocaine.Be aware that these remedies may only offer minimal or short-term relief.Buy these treatments at most pharmacies and some grocery stores or large retailers.
Apply these remedies with a clean finger or cotton swab only if the cold sores are not deep inside your nasal cavity. , Blisters or cold sores associated with the herpes simplex virus can be painful.
In addition to topical ointments, there are several ways to minimize the pain and discomfort.Take an over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to minimize pain.Apply ice or a cool washcloth to the outside of your nose may also help., Studies have produced mixed results for treating cold sores with alternative therapies.Consider using these treatments if you want to avoid chemicals or in conjunction with a medical treatment, but speak with your doctor first.
Some alternative therapies that may work are:
Lysine supplements or creams Propolis, an ointment also known as synthetic beeswax Stress reduction through breathing exercises and meditation.A sage or rhubarb cream, or a combined sage-rhubarb cream.Lip balm containing lemon extract for lesions not too deep in your nose., The liquid that oozes from cold sores contains the virus and can infect others.Limiting or avoiding skin-to-skin contact can prevent cold sores from transmitting or making yours worse.
Abstain from oral sex and kissing, even if the blisters are only in your nose.Keep your fingers and hands away from your eyes., Any time you have a cold sore, even if it is in your nose, wash your hands before touching yourself or someone else.
This can keep the virus from spreading on your skin or to anyone else.Wash with any type of soap, which can kill bacteria.Lather the soap on your hands for at least 20 seconds.Dry your hands completely with a clean or disposable towel., Whenever you have blisters present, avoid sharing items with other people.
This can minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others and to other areas of your skin.Keep a separate set of utensils, towels, and other linens when you have an outbreak.Avoid using lip balms and personal items from other people., Stress, illness, fatigue may make you more prone to having an outbreak of cold sores.
Manage stressful situations as much as you are able and make sure you are getting enough rest, especially when you are sick.Organizing your day with a flexible schedule that incorporates time to relax can reduce your stress.Avoid stressful situations if possible.
Take deep breaths or try breathing exercises to help you relax.Get regular exercise, which can also help reduce stress.Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.Don't push yourself if you feel like you're getting sick.
Make sure you get adequate rest and take time off work or school if you need to. , If you begin seeing the symptoms of an outbreak, treat them promptly.
This can reduce the amount of time your outbreak lasts and reduce its severity.If you begin to experience the telltale tingling or itching sensation that is often present before an outbreak, you may wish to begin treatment immediately.
Call your doctor and ask for prescription to minimize and treat your outbreak.
About the Author
Brenda Turner
Committed to making lifestyle accessible and understandable for everyone.
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