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.

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.

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.

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.

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.