Cold sores on the nose: how to recognise them and how to relieve them?

A cold sore is a small skin rash caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It is an infection that can recur regularly in some people, as the virus remains in the body for life and can reactivate under certain conditions.

This highly contagious viral infection manifests as clusters of blisters on the skin or mucous membranes. Cold sores are best known for causing lesions on the lips, but they can also affect other areas of the face, such as the mouth, eyes… and the nose.

In such cases, the rash may appear on the sides of the nose, around the nostrils, and inside the nasal mucosa. Herpes on the nose is often caused by self-contamination: for example, when a person has a cold sore, they can transfer the virus to their nose by touching the lesion and then scratching their nose.

How do you catch the herpes simplex virus?

The herpes simplex virus is highly contagious. It is often contracted during childhood through simple skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. For example, a kiss from a family member with a cold sore can be enough to infect a child. Generally, this initial infection causes no symptoms and therefore goes undetected by parents. Sometimes, it can trigger a gingivostomatitis, which manifests as an outbreak of painful canker sores, swollen gums, and a fever. Following this primary infection, the person becomes a carrier of the virus, even if they did not have any visible symptoms. In some people, the virus will reactivate from time to time, causing herpes outbreaks in the same location as the initial infection.

What triggers a cold sore?

The HSV-1 virus can lie dormant for months or years, but certain factors can help reactivate it and trigger a herpes outbreak. These are generally events that disrupt the body’s balance, such as:

Periods of stress: stress exhausts the body and weakens its natural defences, which promotes herpes outbreaks. A cold sore that appears during exam periods is a typical example of a stress-related herpes outbreak.

Lack of sleep: Similarly, fatigue weakens the body, making it more vulnerable to infections. Lack of sleep can therefore contribute to reactivating the herpes virus. This is why cold sores tend to recur during periods of overwork or after a short night’s sleep.

Fever: When the body is fighting off another virus, the herpes virus sometimes takes advantage of this to flare up. This is actually where the term “cold sore” comes from.

A weakened immune system: if there is a decline in immune function, the body is no longer as effective at fighting off pathogens. The herpes virus can therefore multiply more easily and thus cause a new herpes outbreak. This may be due to a chronic illness, certain immunosuppressive medications, or an unhealthy lifestyle.

Menstruation: In some women, hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can promote reactivation of the virus.

Exposure to the sun or cold: Intense UV rays or freezing wind dry out the skin and can trigger a herpes outbreak, especially on sensitive areas like the nose and lips.

Symptoms of herpes on the nose generally appear in stages. Recognising the early signs will help you act quickly to stop the infection.

• Tingling sensation: This is the first sign that a herpes outbreak is coming. You may feel a tingling, burning, or itchy sensation around the nostrils.

• Blister outbreak: small blisters clustered together then appear in the same area. They are filled with a clear fluid concentrated with the virus and are therefore highly contagious.

• Redness: the skin around the vesicles becomes red, irritated, and sometimes slightly swollen.

• Scabs: After a few days, the blisters burst and dry out, forming scabs. These may itch, but it is important not to scratch them to avoid a secondary infection.

If you’ve had herpes outbreaks in the past, you’ll likely recognise the symptoms without difficulty. However, if this is the first time you’ve noticed painful blisters inside or around your nose, we recommend consulting a doctor. In fact, a clinical examination by a healthcare professional is essential to confirm that it is indeed a cold sore on the nose. They can also prescribe an appropriate antiviral treatment and advise you on habits to adopt to prevent recurrences. Additionally, they will help you identify the factors responsible for your cold sore outbreaks.

Herpes is highly contagious, especially during outbreaks. Therefore, it’s important to take certain precautions to avoid spreading the infection to others or to other parts of your body.

1. Wash your hands regularly: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your sores. This habit helps prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of your body and from being transmitted to your loved ones. Also remember to wash your hands before cooking, holding a baby, or caring for someone.

2. Avoid touching your nose: even if the itching is intense, resist the urge to scratch! If you accidentally rub your nose, wash your hands immediately to prevent the virus from spreading.

3. Keep your distance: avoid kissing until symptoms have disappeared, especially around babies, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals. Also avoid oral sex for the duration of the outbreak. In fact, the virus responsible for facial herpes can also cause genital herpes.

4. Wash your lesions daily: to prevent secondary infection, keep herpes lesions clean and dry. To do this, use a mild cleanser and lukewarm water to clean the infected area. Gently pat dry with a clean towel, without rubbing. Once used, put the towel directly in the laundry.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help keep the herpes virus dormant and thus prevent recurrent nose herpes.

1. Apply sunscreen to your face: Make this a part of your daily routine to protect your face and prevent UV-related herpes outbreaks. Don’t forget your lips and the area around your nose.

2. Get enough rest: sleep at least 7 to 8 hours a night to allow your body to regenerate. Also remember to take regular breaks. Rest is a physiological need. Listening to this need is essential to avoid burnout and maintain your health.

3. Learn to manage your stress: engage in an activity that helps you relax. Choose what suits you and makes you feel good. This could be breathing exercises, an artistic activity, or something more dynamic, like running or dancing. The main thing is that it allows you to release tension and relieve everyday stress.

4. Adopt a revitalising diet: Include raw and cooked vegetables in all your meals to get plenty of vitamins and antioxidants. Also prioritise foods rich in lysine, an amino acid that slows the replication of the herpes virus. You’ll find plenty of it in legumes, fish, eggs, and nuts.

5. Boost your immune system: if you’re feeling run down, you can naturally strengthen your immune defences with certain dietary supplements. In particular, you can take vitamin or probiotic supplements. Herbs, such as echinacea or thyme, are also an excellent way to boost immune system activity.

Before applying anything to a lesion inside the nose, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Some creams or essential oils may be too harsh or unsuitable for this sensitive area. Seeking medical advice will help you avoid worsening your symptoms.

Your overall health plays a major role in the appearance of cold sores. In fact, all it takes is a bout of fatigue or a stressful moment to reactivate the virus and end up with a cold sore on your nose or lip. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is therefore the best strategy to keep the virus dormant for as long as possible.

Amandine is a writer and editor specialising in natural health. She is passionate about alternative medicine and training to become a naturopath. Through her articles, she aims to share her knowledge with as many people as possible so that everyone can bring more well-being and balance into their daily lives.