How to Heal Nose Sores

Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: December 4, 2022 References

Most people have experienced uncomfortable nose sores. Sores may be caused by allergies, inflammation, exposure to a dry climate, or irritation from wiping your nose, or they may result from a viral infection (also called cold sores). Cold sores are tiny, fluid-filled blisters, which are contagious. Nose sores caused by allergies and dryness can be itchy, dry, and usually don't contain fluid. Most nose sores will heal on their own within a few weeks, but treating your sores may help them heal faster and can reduce any pain or discomfort.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Healing Nose Sores Caused by Viral Infections

1
Treat your nose sore with prescription medication. Your doctor will more than likely be able to make a quick diagnosis just by looking at your cold sore. There are a number of antiviral medicines available that your doctor can prescribe that will have you on your way to being cold sore free within 7-10 days.^{[2]
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- For example, your doctor might prescribe a Penciclovir or Acyclovir cream or tablets to help relieve pain and speed up the healing process. It's best to start using the treatment as soon as you feel the early symptoms of a nose sore.
- Most prescription medications used to heal nose sores are common treatments that can be taken with your other medications. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other prescriptions so they can advise of any potential side effects.
2
Apply a cool compress or ice to ease the pain and reduce swelling. Dampen a clean rag or small washcloth with cold water and place it in your freezer for 5-10 minutes. The longer it's left in, the colder it will be. Place the compress on the affected area for 5-10 minutes at a time and repeat as often as needed to relieve redness and temporarily reduce pain.^{[3]
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3
Try a topical over-the-counter cold sore medication. There are a wide variety of topical creams available for cold sore pain and treatment. The active ingredient in most of these options is usually alcohol or another type of drying agent that can help speed up the healing process. You can dab the cream onto your sores up to 5 times a day to relieve pain and prevent drying.
- Make sure you dab the cream; don't rub it into your sore.
- For example, you can buy Abreva over-the-counter to treat your cold sores.
- If you’re unsure which option is best for you, check with a pharmacist or pharmacy technician for a recommendation.
4
Purchase pain-relieving cream containing lidocaine or benzocaine. If your cold sore is especially bothersome because it’s causing you discomfort or pain, a cream with these active ingredients may offer some relief. If you are using a different over-the-counter cream, check the label for potential drug interactions. Most cold sore creams will already include lidocaine or benzocaine and an additional cream for pain-relief may not be needed.^{[4]
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5
Try using a variety of home remedies. Keep in mind that with all alternative medicine, there is very little scientific evidence that supports its medical use. Your doctor can also provide details on what home remedies could be effective in your particular case. Common home remedies include:^{[5]
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- The amino acid lysine. This is available as an oral supplement or topical cream and is widely used as a treatment for cold sores.^{[6]
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- Propolis. Also known as synthetic beeswax, propolis can be purchased as a 3% ointment cream. For best results, it is recommended to begin using it as soon as you start to notice sores develop. It can be applied as often as needed to shorten the duration of the breakout. ^{[7]
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- Reduce-stress where you can. Some people find their cold sores can be triggered by frequent stress. Practicing simple relaxation or mindfulness techniques may help reduce how often sores occur For tips on relieving stress, visit How to Relieve Stress.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Healing Nose Sores Caused by Allergies and Dryness

1
Apply an over-the-counter petroleum jelly antibacterial ointment. Creams like Neosporin contain the active ingredient neomycin, which can help fight infection and reduce pain. There are a variety of creams available on the market and, (if you are unsure) which one may be the best option for you, a pharmacist can always help provide a recommendation based on your symptoms.^{[9]
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- If you decide not to check with your pharmacist, always read the label of any antibacterial ointment you use to ensure it is safe for use inside your nose.
2
Utilize home remedies to speed up the healing process. Like with cold sores, home remedies can be an incredibly effective treatment. There are a variety of approaches available to help speed up the healing process and alleviate pain. Remember that home remedies and alternative treatments offer little scientific evidence to support their use for medical purposes.
- Try a steam treatment to soothe nasal passages. Steam inhalation is an easy option to open up sinuses and reduce nasal pain. Fill a medium-sized bowl with water and place in the microwave for 3-5 minutes. Remove the bowl and carefully place on a counter or table surface. Be careful as the water will be extremely hot. Once the bowl is set, drape the towel over your head and lean over the bowl keeping your nose at least 6 inches (15 cm) from the water. Slowly inhale and exhale for 5-10 minutes. Repeat as often as necessary.^{[10]
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- A warm washcloth can be used to reduce pain. Like with cool compresses, a warm cloth can be placed on the affected area for 5-10 minutes at a time and repeated as often as needed.
- Saline nasal spray can encourage the sore to heal faster. For instructions on how to safely use nasal spray visit How to Use Nasal Spray
3
Try prescription antibiotics if home remedies don’t work. If there has been no improvement after 5-7 days, there are a variety of prescription options available. Depending on the condition of the sore, a topical antibiotic cream is usually all that is needed.
- For sores in a more advanced stage or those caused by other types of bacterial infections, oral antibiotics will most likely be recommended for best results. Your doctor will provide you with the best antibiotic treatment based on your specific symptoms.