A sore is an ulcer or a skin lesion, it can occur in any part of the body, but when it occurs in your nose it is always painful. It can be small furuncle or a boil, an ulcer or simply a crack in inner nasal lining. Pain, redness, inflammation and swelling are the cardinal features of nasal sores.
There are several reasons for nasal sores, most common is bacterial infection resulting into a boil or a furuncle. The blisters of Herpes simplex virus in and around the nose can also cause lot of discomfort and pain.
Sometimes a nasal sore heals without any treatment; occasionally they come again and again.
Recurring nasal sores are something that you should not neglect. You have to consult your doctor as soon as possible for an appropriate treatment.
What Causes Painful Sores In The Nose?
There are several causes for a sore in nose let us discuss all of them in detail.
Bacteria: Staphylococcus bacteria are to be blamed for sores in nose. Normally nose is a habitat for these bacteria, at least 50 percent of humans harbor them in their nose, and rest is present on skin surface.
However they do not cause any harm. Constant picking in nose can lead to cuts and breakage of hair follicles. Staphylococcus bacteria that are present on the mucus lining or on the finger tips now enter in the cracks or hair follicle to form a boil or a furuncle. When your immune system is low nasal boils or furuncles recur many times.
Sores in nose are most common in winter season. The nasal lining becomes dry as temperature decreases. Scabs, crusts, plugs and clinkers form in the nasal cavity. Soon due to irritation you try to pick them which results into bleeding from the damaged mucus membrane. At times an ulcer like lesion may form especially on the nasal septum.
Allergy: An allergy to nasal spray, fumes from chemicals and acids, jewelry irritation are all causative factors for sores in nose.
Herpes virus: Herpes simplex virus can cause sores in and around the nose. Breakout of herpes infection around the mouth can cause pain, redness and swelling in the nose.
Symptoms And Treatment For Sores In The Nose
Since inner lining of nose is densely packed with tiny blood vessels, any lesion in that area can give rise to inflammation, redness and pain. When there is bacterial infection it leads to a boil or a furuncle, tiny red bump in the inner lining of the nasal mucosa is present. It causes severe pain. Person may not allow you to touch his nose.
If the sore in nose is due to allergy, there may be itching in the nasal cavity together with redness and irritation.
Discharge of pus and blood may be observed from the boil if it breaks.
Treatment For Nasal Sores
The treatment for sores in nose depends on the underlying cause. However whatever may be the reason do not touch the sore too often with your fingers. It will help to spread the infection to other region of your body, especially if it is staphylococcus infection.
- The best way to get relief from painful sore in nose is to apply cold fomentation. Put a piece of ice cube in a clean cloth and keep it over the swollen and red area of the nose. After few hours you will the swelling has also reduced.
- Avoid nasal sprays and chemical fumes if that is the cause for nasal sores.
- For boils and furuncles in the nose, you should take prescribed antibiotics. Besides eat nutritious and well balanced diet to ensure strong immune system. It is very important when the sores recur frequently.
- When the reason is cold winter climate, try to keep the nasal mucus membrane moist. Drink enough water to prevent dehydration that can result in dry inner lining of the nose. You can also apply a thin film of moisturizer in the inner lining of the nose to prevent dryness. Coconut oil is the best natural moisturizer.