Blisters in the Nose
Q: I get painful blisters on the inside of my nose that can last up to three
weeks. Sometimes they hurt so much I can't even blow or scratch my nose.
Eventually they heal on their own, but then another one pops up a few months
later. What's causing this, and how can I get rid of them for good?
Dr. Donnica: Without an examination, it's impossible to tell the cause
of these blisters. Some people develop recurrent staphylococcal infections of
the nasal hair follicles called folliculitis and should be treated with
antibiotics. Another possibility (although much less common than folliculitis)
would be cold sores (herpes simplex) or fever blisters. While these are far more
common in and around the mouth, they can occur inside the nose. Prescription anti-viral
creams or systemic medicines used to treat oral herpes simplex should also work
here. Cold sores have a characteristic appearance: soon after they "break
out," one can see several small, red bumps that are clustered together.
They can and do resolve without therapy although as you've noted, they can
be painful and this can take a while. I recommend that you consult your internist
or family doctor for an examination. In the meantime, remember that herpes infections
are very contagious.
Created: 3/4/2005 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
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