Download Article
How do you prevent nasal cold sores from spreading and coming back?
Download Article
Cold sores, which are sometimes called fever blisters, are a viral infection experienced by many people. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and are contagious even if you can’t see them. [1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Although cold sores usually present on the mouth or other areas of the face, in some rare cases they may appear inside your nose. [2] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source There is no cure for the virus that causes cold sores, but you can treat lesions in your nose and manage the virus by taking medications and preventing outbreaks. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
How to Treat a Cold Sore Blister on Your Nose
Use a medicated topical cream like penciclovir, docosanol, or benzyl alcohol when the outbreak starts. Take antiviral drugs like acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. You can use OTC pain killers (either pills or lidocaine) to treat discomfort.
Steps
-
Look around your nose to see if you have cold sores. 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. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- 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 if you have cold sores. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- 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.
-
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 1-2 weeks without treatment. [6] X Research source
- 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. [7] X Research source
Advertisement -
Place a cool, damp rag over the sore throughout the day. If the sore is at the base of your nose, set a cool towel on top of it for up to 10 minutes during the day. This can help the sore feel a little less irritated and look a little less red. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
-
Take prescription antiviral medications. Ask your doctor for 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. [9] X Research source
- Common medications for cold sores are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). [10] X Research source [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Follow dosing instructions given by your doctor for maximum efficacy.
- Your doctor may advise an antiviral infection if your outbreak is severe. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
-
Apply a medicated topical cream. Because the sores are in your nose, this may not be the easiest treatment to apply. Consider using topical creams (like Orajel ) 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) [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Acyclovir cream (the antiviral treatment in topical form — may be more effective than other topical treatments) [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Docosanol 10% ( Abreva ), which you can purchase over the counter. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
-
Reduce itching and irritation with numbing ointment. You may experience itching and irritation with your cold sores. Scratching can make them worse and potentially cause an infection, so to reduce the itchiness, consider applying a gel or cream with lidocaine or benzocaine. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Apply these remedies with a clean finger or cotton swab only if the cold sores are not deep inside your nasal cavity.
- Buy these treatments at most pharmacies and some grocery stores or large retailers. You could also order them online. Be aware, though, that these remedies may only offer minimal or short-term relief.
-
Relieve the pain of cold sores with painkillers and cool compresses. 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. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- 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. [18] X Research source
-
Consider alternative therapies. Studies have produced mixed results for treating cold sores with alternative therapies. [19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Consider using these treatments if you want to avoid chemicals or in conjunction with 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. [20] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- A sage or rhubarb cream, or a combined sage-rhubarb cream. [21] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Lip balm containing lemon extract for lesions not too deep in your nose. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Advertisement
-
Limit or avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has cold sores. 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. [23] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Abstain from oral sex and kissing, even if the blisters are only in your nose. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Keep your fingers and hands away from your eyes. [25] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
-
Wash your hands with soap and water often. Any time you have a cold sore, even if it is in your nose, wash your hands before touching yourself or someone else. Washing with soap and water is an effective way to reduce any virus present on your hands, which will help keep it from spreading on your own skin or to other people. [26] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- 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.
-
Avoid using other people’s items. 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. [27] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- 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. [28] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
-
Manage stress, illness, and fatigue. 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. [29] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Organize 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. [30] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Get regular exercise, which can also help reduce stress. [31] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. [32] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- 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.
-
Watch for outbreak symptoms. 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. [33] X Research source 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 a prescription to minimize and treat your outbreak.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Reader Videos
Tips
- If you have an outbreak of cold sores on your nose, try your best not to touch your face so you don’t spread it to your eyes or mouth. [34] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to sourceThanks
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently to prevent the spread of the virus that causes your cold sores. [35] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to sourceThanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Soak a cotton ball in a bowl of water with two drops of lavender oil in it, then put it in your nose for twenties minutes. Repeat three times a day.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- If you have cold sores and a high fever or severe headache, see your doctor to make sure there aren’t any underlying medical issues. [36] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to sourceThanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26252373/
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1572100018301376?via%3Dihub
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/herpes-simplex
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11160032/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24768322/
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000606.htm
- ↑ http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/cold_sores.html#
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cold-sores-self-care
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000606.htm
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000606.htm
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=16700734
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30443341/
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=9134943
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=12069980
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21121552/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28632111/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28632111/
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000606.htm
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29356205/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19409481/
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11799306
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18693101/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11160032/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27835628/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31567695/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19115974/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6289234/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21121552/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19409481/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7870507/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26111942/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26055668/
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000606.htm
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11160032/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19115974/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23494382/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
You can treat a cold sore in your nose by gently washing it with a washcloth soaked in warm, soapy water 3 times a day to prevent it from spreading. Make sure to rinse your washcloth with hot water and soap before using it again. You may also try applying an over-the-counter benzocaine cream to relieve any itching or irritation. If the cold sore doesn’t go away on its own, consider talking to your doctor about taking an antiviral medication. To learn how to prevent cold sores from recurring, read more from our Doctor co-author.
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 348,359 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "As the leaflet said "not for internal use", I was concerned that they might have meant inside the nose, hence the inquiry. Now I can use a cotton bud to apply the cream inside the nose." ..." more
Advertisement
"As the leaflet said "not for internal use", I was concerned that they might have meant inside the nose, hence the inquiry. Now I can use a cotton bud to apply the cream inside the nose."
..."
more
"I am so happy, I never believed I would be this happy again in life. I was working as an air-hostess (cabby crew) for 3 years but early this year, I lost my job. Thanks for the advice."
..."
more
"It helped me a lot, I had the sores in my nose. "
"Know what to do for cold soars now!"
