Herpes simplex on the nose

Cold sores - Better Health Channel

Cold sores (herpes labialis) are small blisters that usually form on the lips or skin around the mouth, nose and on the chin. They are caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). People are usually infected in childhood or young adulthood, and the infection persists for life.

HSV infection is very common

Around 90 per cent of adults have herpes simplex antibodies in their bloodstream, which means that they have been infected with the virus at some time. However, the first (or primary) infection does not usually cause any symptoms. One-third of infected people experience cold sores, which are a recurrence of the earlier infection and do not indicate recent infection. Most of these people would not have experienced symptoms from the first infection.

Symptoms of a primary HSV infection

For some people (mainly children) infected with HSV, the first (primary) infection can cause symptoms. These can include:

• fever
• tiredness
• blisters (lesions) and ulcers in and around the mouth
• swelling
• pain inside the mouth and on the gums
• a sore throat
• swollen neck glands.

The symptoms can last up to 14 days and may cause dehydration, especially in young children, because it is painful to swallow. Primary infections are more likely to be severe in newborn babies, people with atopic dermatitis (often called eczema) and in people whose immune system is suppressed.

Triggers for cold sores

In some people the HSV infection causes cold sores, which erupt following a trigger event such as a cold. This explains the term ‘cold sore’. Other triggers that may cause an attack of cold sores include:

• feverish illnesses, like influenza, or chest infections
• sunlight
• exposure to windy conditions
• hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period
• emotional or physical stress.

It is important to remember that cold sores are a symptom of ongoing infection rather than a new infection. The sores usually recur in the same place.

Cold sore symptoms

Cold sores usually develop as follows:

• Most people experience localised itching and tingling a day or two before the cold sore appears.
• A collection of small blisters forms.
• These blisters can be accompanied by pain, tenderness and a sensation of heat and burning.
• The blisters burst after a few days.
• The site develops a crust.
• The crust dries up and eventually falls off after about 10 days.

Cold sore complications

Cold sores are an annoying problem for most people who get them, but they get better without any specific treatment. However, in people with some types of immunosuppression (such as people undergoing chemotherapy, or taking very high doses of corticosteroids such as prednisolone), the cold sores can spread more widely and the symptoms can be more severe. Medication may be required in these cases.

Uncommon complications that require medical attention include:

• bacterial infections – possible symptoms include redness around the blisters, pus in the blisters and fever
• cold sores that spread to the eyes, fingers or other parts of the body – a cold sore in the eye causes a painful red eye. Immediate medical attention should be sought, as the herpes virus causes an ulcer on the cornea that can damage sight. However, permanent damage can usually be prevented by early treatment, including medication to suppress the virus. There are other more common causes of a painful red eye, which also require medical review.

There is more than one type of herpes infection

There are two types of herpes simplex infection: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Cold sores around the mouth (often called ‘oral herpes’) are generally caused by HSV-1. Most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2.

Cold sores on the mouth can cause genital infection during oral sex for people who do not already carry the cold sore virus.

There are many other viruses that are also in the herpes virus family, however the infection and symptoms are different. One example is varicella zoster virus (VZV) which causes chickenpox and shingles.

How HSV is transmitted

The herpes simplex virus spreads between people, usually through contact with saliva or direct contact with a blister. The most infectious time is in the first few days when the blister is forming. Sometimes, people can pass the virus to others when they have no symptoms. This is because the virus may be lying dormant in the skin cells of the lips.

How to avoid transmitting HSV

If you have a cold sore, be sure to wash your hands after touching it and be especially careful to avoid touching your own eyes after touching your cold sore. It is the fluid contained in the blisters that is considered to be the most infectious. While you have a cold sore it is also important to avoid:

• sharing toothbrushes
• sharing drinking glasses or bottles
• sharing cutlery
• sharing towels or other personal items
• close contact (such as kissing and hugging) with newborn and young babies
• kissing others
• close contact with children with burns or eczema
• close contact with people with suppressed immune systems.

Preventing the transmission of HSV among children

If young children with a cold sore are unable to follow good hygiene practices, it is recommended that they be excluded from childcare or school until the blister stops weeping. It is also recommended that blisters be covered by a dressing, where possible.

Treatment for cold sores

Cold sores are generally not dangerous and do not cause any permanent damage to the skin. Treatment does not cure the infection and is not necessary for most cases. Avoid picking the scab or breaking blisters as this can cause secondary infection with bacteria, or scarring.

Creams to treat the symptoms can be soothing, as can ice on the blisters. Simple painkillers may occasionally be required. Povidone-iodine ointments (commonly known as Betadine) can be dabbed onto the cold sores and may reduce symptoms in some people.

Antiviral medications come in many forms, including creams and tablets. Medications such as aciclovir and famciclovir shorten the duration of the cold sore by reducing the ability of the virus to reproduce. Aciclovir cream works best when applied to the blister at the earliest stages of cold sore development, when the area is tingling. However, not everyone experiences warning signs of an impending cold sore.

Preventing a cold sore outbreak

There is no cure for cold sores. Suggestions to reduce the number of outbreaks include:

• Avoid known triggers, if possible.
• Wear sunblock on your face and lips when outdoors.
• Pay attention to your general health and stress levels.
• Avoid getting ill or run down.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• NURSE-ON-CALL. Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Your local pharmacist

How to Treat Sores Inside Nose

Back to Dealing with Cold Sores articles

How to Treat Cold Sores Inside Nose

Pretty much everyone has heard of cold sores. They're fairly common, if frustrating, blisters that appear near or around your mouth. But can cold sores appear elsewhere too like on your nose? Let's explore the answer to find out whether or not you can get cold sores near or on your nose and other conditions that may cause nose irritation.  

Can you get nose cold sores?

Yes. Believe it or not, you can get cold sores in areas other than the most common spots near the mouth and lips. You can also get cold sore blisters on or around your nose and chin as well as on the lips and skin around the mouth. These nose cold sores should behave the same way a cold sore near the mouth does.1 Just like mouth cold sores, cold sores under the nose develop over time. These nose cold sore symptoms include:¹

• Itching and tingling near your nose a day or two before the cold sore shows up
• Small, painful blisters form under, beside, or on your nose
• The blisters burst on their own after a few days, then crust over
• The blisters scab over, fall off, and heal after a period of about 10 days

Cold sores are caused by certain strains of the herpes simplex virus and can spread from contact with someone infected with the cold sore virus. Once infected, the virus typically lies dormant in nerve cells in the skin on your face. It depends on where the virus travels as to what part of the face the virus lives in and then comes back when you get a cold sore outbreak. Cold sores outbreaks can be triggered by the same things as cold sores near the mouth, such as viral infections, hormonal changes, stress, environmental exposure, injuries, fatigue, and more.²

What to do if you get a nose cold sore

First, don't panic! A nose cold sore is just like any other, even if located somewhere else. Cold sores aren't generally dangerous and don’t cause permanent damage to the skin. Make sure to avoid picking your scab or popping the cold sore blister, which can increase the risk of secondary infections or scarring.1 When you have a cold sore, make sure to wash your hands after touching your face and do not share any items that may touch your face to prevent spreading the cold sore virus.

You can use soothing creams or ice to treat the symptoms of the cold sores, but you can't outright cure nose cold sores. You can also use treatments like Abreva Cream to help heal your cold sore quicker when used at the first signs of an emerging cold sore.

Other reasons for scabs or irritation near your nose

While irritation and blisters near your nose may be a cold sore, it's not the only condition that can cause irritation around your nose. Talk to your doctor and look into other irritation-causing conditions before deciding it's truly cold sores. Some causes of irritation near your nose include:³

Nose Injuries: The most obvious reason for irritation or scabs around your nose are nose injuries. If you run into something or fall on your face and injure your nose, it’s likely you'll have some degree of pain, swelling, and scabbing of injuries.

Inflammation: Nose inflammation can sometimes cause scabbing if you repeatedly rub your nose and cause an abrasion. Inflammation can be caused by allergies, sinusitis, or other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Dryness and Temperature Changes: Either very hot or cold environments as well as very dry air can damage your nasal lining, which may cause scabs or cause irritation.

Infections: It depends on the infection, but some can cause irritation to your nose and scabbing. The skin inside and around your nose is delicate and at risk of irritation.

When to talk to your doctor

Overall, if you're not sure as to what the cause of any blisters, irritation, or pain around or in your nose is, reach out to your doctor. They'll be able to examine and diagnose your condition confidently. In most cases, cold sores don't cause serious complications but you may be at a higher risk you have pre-existing conditions or a weakened immune system. ² If your cold sore doesn't go away in the normal time span, continues to spread, or gets worse, it's best to talk to your doctor to get help.

Now that you know a little more about nose cold sores, learn more about what cold sores are, how to keep yourself healthy, and how to deal with cold sores more effectively.

SOURCES

1. Cold Sores. Better Health and Human Services. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cold-sores/ Accessed 1/29/2020. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.

2. Cold Sore. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017/ Accessed 1/29/2020. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.

3. What are the dangers of nose scabs? ENT Ear Nose & Throat Clinic. https://www.harleystreetent.com/blog/what-are-the-dangers-of-nose-scabs/ Accessed 1/29/2020. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.

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of one of the most common viral infections considered herpes. Its carriers are 90% of the total population on the planet. However, half of them are unaware of their infection, since herpes may not manifest itself in any way. Only under the influence of some adverse factors, the disease makes itself felt. Its characteristic manifestations, as a rule, occur at the site of penetration of the virus. If, during the initial infection, the focus formed in the nose, then subsequent relapses will occur in this area. Treatment of the disease is usually successful, subject to the intervention of a doctor.

Important!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact a specialist.

Symptoms of herpes in the nose

It is easy to recognize the disease, since its clinical signs are quite characteristic. They occur around the third day after infection. Person experiences:

• body aches;
• headache;
• slight increase in body temperature;
• soreness and swollen lymph nodes;
• general malaise.

The intensity of symptoms depends on the body's defenses of a particular person. They are most pronounced during primary infection. In cases of further relapses, they may not be observed at all. However, there will always be local symptoms that manifest as:

• burning in the nose;
• tingling in nostrils;
• painful sensations when trying to blow your nose.

Herpetic vesicles, small blisters filled with fluid, also form in the nose. They cannot be seen visually, but can be felt with a finger. Sometimes the blisters extend to the outer part of the nostrils or even affect the upper lip. After 3-4 days, they burst and form sores covered with a yellow crust.

Causes of disease

Treatment of herpes in the nose depends on the symptoms, their location and route of infection. Specialists identify such methods of infection:

• sexual;
• pin;
• airborne;
• household.

Herpes, which is localized in the nose, most often develops due to airborne transmission. It can enter the body after close contact with a carrier of the virus. The disease is activated as a result of numerous adverse factors. The most common are:

• decrease in the body's defenses;
• unbalanced diet;
• SARS and acute respiratory infections;
• lack of vitamins and useful minerals;
• inflammatory processes in the body;
• courses of chemotherapy.

Young children and the elderly are at risk. This is due to the fact that their immunity is not at a high level to resist the cells of the virus. Also, women who are carrying a child often suffer from herpetic eruptions. Their body also reduces the defenses so that the pregnancy does not terminate.

Which doctor should I contact?

Symptoms of the disease bring significant discomfort to a person. Therefore, at the first sign of it, you should seek help from a specialist. To answer the question of whether it is really herpes in the nose, how to treat and what preventive measures to apply in the future, will be able to:

Our specialists

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Fomin Alexander Vasilievich

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Abramova Irina Petrovna

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Goncharova Ekaterina Olegovna

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Vlasova Svetlana Sergeevna

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Cheremisina Anna Yuryevna

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Myasnikova Natalia Petrovna

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Buchina Anaida Valerievna

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But before starting treatment, the specialist must familiarize himself with the clinical signs of the disease. Therefore, he will perform a series of actions, namely:

1. listen to the patient's complaints;
2. will ask how long he had ARVI or ARI;
3. will ask why the patient asked for help now;
4. will ask if the person has been in contact with a carrier of the herpes virus;
5. will ask what is the nature of the sensations tormenting the patient.

The doctor will also perform a visual examination of herpetic sores in the nose. After that, he will recommend the patient to undergo certain laboratory tests. Most often, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of smears from the material of rashes or cytology is prescribed.

Treatment of herpes in the nose

After the results of the tests are ready, the doctor will draw up a course of therapy that is focused on eliminating the disease. It is worth saying that it is completely impossible to get rid of the virus. Treatment involves only the removal of symptoms. For this, the doctor will prescribe:

• antiviral drugs;
• immune boosters;
• vitamin and mineral complexes.

Also an important component of the treatment of herpes in the nose are ointments and creams for external use. They have anti-inflammatory and healing properties. The number of applications is adjusted by the doctor at his own discretion. This largely depends on the stage of the disease and the affected area with rashes. It will also be useful to take medicines that relieve the symptoms of a cold, if any. The course of therapy takes approximately two weeks. After its completion, the patient should avoid hypothermia in order to prevent a possible relapse.

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References

• Lyutsko V.V. Skin biopsy in dermatology [Electronic resource] // Modern problems of healthcare and medical statistics. 2015 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/biopsiya-kozhi-v-dermatologii
• Tormosova M.Yu. Communication between dermatology and general surgery [Electronic resource] // Bulletin of medical Internet conferences. 2014 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/cvyaz-mezhdu-dermatologiey-i-obschey-hirurgiey
• Skripkin Yu.K., Kubanova A.A., Akimov V.G. Skin and venereal diseases // GEOTAR-Media, 2012
• Sokolova T. V., Gladko V.V., Safonova L.A. Practical skills in dermatovenereology. Handbook for doctors // Medical Information Agency. 2012

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Herpes on the face of a child and an adult, how to treat quickly and effectively

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Date of publication: 26.10.2018

Article content

• What is the herpes virus? When and why does it appear?
• Types of herpes
• Symptoms of herpes
• How to treat each type of herpes?
• Herpes on the face of a child
• How to treat herpes on the face - folk remedies
• How to treat herpes during pregnancy?
• Herpes remedies: tablets, ointments, patches
• How to get rid of herpes crusts

What is the herpes virus? When and why does it appear?

Herpetic infection is a very unpleasant thing. Everyone who has ever encountered a “cold on the lips” or rashes in the intimate area would like to know why herpes pops up, how much it is treated and how quickly it passes.

Doctors' forecasts cannot be called comforting - medicines can make it so that herpes will "get out" very rarely, however, it is still impossible to completely get rid of the pathogen.

Herpes is transmitted by a virus that is highly contagious. Not everyone knows how herpes is transmitted, and this has become a key factor in the widespread spread of the pathogen. The source is a sick person. It is contagious not only during the period of exacerbation - when a specific rash appears on the lips, body or genitals - but also during remission. Answering the question of how contagious herpes is, you can safely answer - all your life.

In fact, you can try to determine the contagiousness by laboratory methods - this is the so-called viral load, however, no one will do such tests every month. It is worth accepting as an axiom that a person will spread the pathogen around him for as long as herpes lives in his blood.

How quickly herpes appears in an infected person and why so often depends on the immunity and chronic diseases of the individual.

Types of herpes

Speaking of herpes, most often we mean labial herpes (almost everyone knows what it is). In fact, there are 8 types of them and, most likely, scientists will discover more and more new types of this virus.

• What is herpes type 1 and type 2? These are herpes simplex viruses that cause watery blisters on the lips and genitals. Less commonly, with low immunity or in older people, it can appear on the nose, arms and legs.
• Herpes type 3 is the causative agent of chickenpox, or it is also called Varicella-Zoster. Small children tolerate it easily, and in adults it manifests itself in the form of a characteristic painful rash, located along the nerve on the back. This is the so-called herpes zoster. Therefore, those who did not have chickenpox in childhood should be vaccinated against it.
• There is also type 4 herpes - what it is has become clear only recently. It is also called the Epstein-Barr virus, which manifests itself as a mild flu-like illness with a persistent increase in lymph nodes. Since we do not know how to get rid of herpes forever, after decades, this type can negatively affect the liver.
• Herpesvirus type 5 - cytomegalovirus - most often asymptomatic, however, it can cause some types of oncology.
• Herpesvirus types 6, 7 and 8 are not well understood, however, they are also associated with proliferative diseases leading to cancer.

Symptoms of the appearance of herpes

The usual "cold on the lips" is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Itching and burning at the site of the future vesicle.
• Redness of the skin or mucous membranes.
• Local edema.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.

Everyone has probably seen what herpes looks like on the lips, but under a microscope it becomes noticeable that the virus has an affinity for nervous tissue, destroying the myelin sheath of nerves. Now it becomes clear why herpes zoster hurts, especially in the elderly and debilitated people.

Infection may also present with non-specific symptoms:

• fever
• symptoms of intoxication
• drowsiness
• aching joints

In order for the symptoms of herpes to disappear, you need to understand how to quickly get rid of the sore itself.

How to treat each type of herpes?

Most often, herpes types 1 and 2 do not need specific treatment. To the question of how to treat herpes in adults, the answer is simple - it is enough to lead a healthy lifestyle and strengthen the immune system. But how to treat herpes on the lips and on the nose quickly is another matter. Ointments and patches can help, which, if used correctly, can reduce the time of the acute phase, or even prevent the formation of a wheal.

How to treat genital herpes on the labia is a more difficult question. In this case, drugs for oral administration are prescribed, for example, acyclovir. Complete sexual rest is also recommended so as not to infect a partner. After all, during the acute phase of herpes infection, the viral load in the blood is maximum.

Herpes on the face of a child

In children, herpes can be primary (infected independently) and secondary (infection occurred from a sick mother during childbirth). In the case of secondary herpes, the situation can be threatening to the health and life of the newborn. Therefore, we are not talking about how to quickly heal herpes, but about massive multicomponent therapy, which is carried out in a hospital setting.

Type 3 virus or chickenpox in children is treated symptomatically. Antihistamines are prescribed, and the rashes are treated with antiseptics.

How to treat herpes on the face - folk remedies

There are many recipes on the Internet on how to treat herpes on the lip at home. It is recommended to apply to the bottle:

• zinc ointment
• tetracycline ointment
• toothpaste
• lemon juice
• sage tincture
• mint drops
• strong tea from a bag
• aloe, onion and garlic juice

All this allows, rather than curing herpes, but calming the patient's nerves.

There are much fewer tips on how to treat genital herpes with folk remedies. All kinds of douches and baths are offered. It is better not to experiment with this question, but to go straight to the doctor in order to receive effective medical care.

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How to treat herpes during pregnancy?

How to quickly remove herpes is of interest to all pregnant women, since exacerbation during childbirth can harm the baby. The virus can cause spontaneous abortion in the early stages.

How to effectively treat intimate herpes or blisters that appear in the mouth during pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor. Some drugs are potentially dangerous to the fetus, so only a specialist can assess the degree of risk in each case.

Medications for herpes treatment: tablets, ointments, patches

Ointments are the main means of quickly treating herpes. In the case of labial herpes, this is very convenient - you need to apply the ointment every 2-3 hours on the affected area. How much to smear herpes with Acyclovir depends on how quickly the patient caught on. On average, the course of treatment lasts 5-7 days, after which a scab with a crust forms in place of the bubble.

Pharmacists in a pharmacy are often asked how to quickly treat herpes on the lip other than ointment. Pharmacists are pleased to offer customers therapeutic patches and lipsticks that contain the same Acyclovir or its more effective analogue Penciclovir. Some studies confirm that Penciclovir works faster, however, and costs 20 times more.

If you are wondering what else can cure herpes quickly, then these are pills. Aciclovir, Valaciclovir, Famciclovir and Isoprinosine work effectively if the dosage regimen is followed. How to treat herpes zoster on the face, arms and legs with pills will tell the doctor.

How much to drink acyclovir for herpes depends on the severity of the infectious process and concomitant diseases. For example, herpes in HIV or oncology can be fatal for a patient, so only a specialist writes the regimen for admission.

How to get rid of herpes crusts? On average, an exacerbation lasts two weeks, and the main symptoms appear on average 5-10 days.

We have analyzed how to quickly remove herpes, it remains to explain how to heal the remaining crusts after it. This is where drying agents can come in handy - toothpaste, zinc ointment and mint tincture. However, do not be zealous.

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