A sore inside the nose is a small problem that can feel much bigger than it is. It hurts when you sniff or touch your nose, you cannot see it properly, and searching for the cause can quickly lead you to cold sore pages, even when a cold sore is not the problem.
If you are searching for cold sore in nostril treatment, there is one important point to know: cold sore cream should not be applied inside the nose. The lining inside the nostril is a mucous membrane, and UK cold sore creams are intended for cold sores on the lips and face. NHS guidance specifically advises against using aciclovir cream inside the nose.
A sore or blister inside the nose can have several causes. Bacterial infection, dryness, irritation, minor injury and inflammation around a nasal hair can all cause similar symptoms. Herpes simplex can also affect the area, but it is not the only explanation. The treatment depends on what is causing the sore, so getting the cause right matters.
This page starts with the common causes of sores inside the nose, then looks at what different types of sores can look and feel like. It explains which treatments may be suitable for each cause, why cold sore cream should not be used inside the nostril, and when it is worth getting medical advice.
Key Things to Know
- Bacterial infection around the entrance of the nostril can cause painful sores, redness and crusting
- A tingling, itching or burning feeling before a blister appears can be a sign of a cold sore
- Colour and pattern can give you useful clues, but they cannot confirm the cause on their own
- Cold sore cream is not intended for use inside the nose or on mucous membranes
- A sore that does not improve, keeps coming back or remains present for several weeks should be assessed by a healthcare professional
What Causes Sores Inside the Nose?
The inside of the nostril is easy to irritate. The skin around the entrance and the lining further inside can become dry or sore from frequent nose blowing, wiping, picking, rubbing or removing nasal hairs. A small break in the skin can then make irritation or infection more likely.
| Cause | Why it happens | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal vestibulitis | Bacteria can infect irritated or broken skin around the nostril entrance | A common cause of soreness at the nostril entrance |
| Dryness and cracking | Dry air, cold weather, heating and air conditioning can irritate the lining | Very common |
| Nasal spray irritation | Some nasal sprays can irritate the inside of the nose, particularly if used incorrectly | Can happen in regular spray users |
| Trauma | Picking, forceful nose blowing or removing nasal hairs can damage the area | Common |
| Folliculitis | Inflammation or infection around a nasal hair, sometimes after hair removal | Possible |
| Herpes simplex | The cold sore virus can affect the nose and nearby skin | Less common than other causes |
| Impetigo | A bacterial skin infection that can cause sores and golden brown crusts | More common in children, but can affect adults too |
| Contact reaction | Irritation or sensitivity to a new product, tissue, spray or cosmetic | Possible |
| Persistent ulceration | Ongoing irritation or another underlying condition | Less common and should be assessed |
Bacteria can sometimes cause sores when the skin barrier inside or around the nostril has been damaged. Staphylococcus bacteria can live on the skin and in the nose without causing problems, but they can sometimes cause an infection if they enter damaged skin.
Sorting It by What You Can See
You usually cannot get a good look inside your own nostril, so appearance is only one part of the picture. How the sore started, whether you felt anything beforehand, and how it changes over time can be just as useful.
A White Blister or Spot
A single white or yellowish spot around a nasal hair can sometimes be linked to folliculitis, particularly if the area was recently rubbed, picked or had hair removed.
A white patch that wipes away and leaves an irritated red area can have several possible causes, so it is not possible to identify the problem from colour alone.
A small, firm bump that does not change over time and is not painful may also be something other than an infection.
A Red, Raw or Sore Patch (Nasal Vestibulitis)
Redness, tenderness, swelling and crusting around the entrance of the nostril can occur with nasal vestibulitis. This is an inflammation or infection of the nasal vestibule, which is the area just inside the nostril.
It can develop after the skin has been irritated or damaged. Unlike a typical cold sore, it does not usually start with the familiar tingling or burning warning feeling followed by a cluster of small blisters.
Treatment depends on how severe the problem is and what is causing it. A pharmacist or GP may recommend simple care for mild irritation, while a bacterial infection may need antibacterial treatment.
If you are worried about whether it can spread to someone else, the condition itself is not generally treated as a contagious illness in the same way as a cold sore or impetigo. However, some bacteria can spread through close contact, so good hand hygiene is still sensible.
Blisters in a Cluster
Several small, fluid filled blisters grouped closely together can be a sign of herpes simplex, particularly if they were preceded by tingling, itching or burning.
Cold sores can occur on the nose and nearby skin. Herpes simplex can also affect areas close to the nose, although a sore inside the nostril should not be diagnosed as a cold sore based on appearance alone.
Cold sores can come back in roughly the same area. Common triggers can include illness, stress and sunlight.
The usual pattern is early tingling or burning followed by small blisters, which may break and crust before healing. Cold sores usually start to heal within 10 days.
A Crack or Split
A small split around the nostril, especially one that keeps reopening, can be caused by dryness or repeated irritation.
Cold weather, indoor heating, air conditioning, a recent cold and frequent nose blowing can all contribute. If the area keeps getting rubbed or picked, the crack may take longer to settle.
The main aim is to reduce irritation and give the skin a chance to recover. Saline nasal sprays can also help with nasal dryness for some people.
Sores Around the Nostrils Rather Than Inside
This is worth separating from a sore inside the nostril because the skin around the outside of the nose is different from the mucous membrane inside it.
Soreness and redness around the nostrils after a heavy cold can simply be caused by repeated wiping. A cold sore can also appear on the skin of the nose or the outer rim of the nostril.
A red sore or blister that breaks and leaves a golden brown crust could be impetigo. Impetigo commonly affects the face around the nose and mouth and can spread to other areas, so it is worth speaking to a pharmacist or GP if you think you have it.
Cold Sore in the Nostril: How to Recognise It
There is no single sign that can confirm a cold sore inside the nose. However, a few features can make herpes simplex more likely:
- A warning first. Tingling, itching or burning in one particular spot before anything becomes visible can be a typical early cold sore symptom.
- A cluster of blisters. Several small blisters grouped together are more suggestive of herpes simplex than a general area of redness or a single sore
- A similar pattern each time. If you repeatedly develop a similar sore in the same area, herpes simplex becomes one possible explanation
These signs can be useful clues, but they are not enough to diagnose a cold sore. If you are unsure, particularly if the sore is inside the nostril, ask a pharmacist or GP for advice.
Treatment: What Actually Works for Each Cause
This is where the cause really matters. A treatment that may help a cold sore will not treat a bacterial infection, while a product designed for dry skin will not treat every type of sore.
If It Is a Cold Sore in the Nostril
The important point is that cold sore cream should not be put inside the nostril. UK aciclovir cold sore creams are intended for cold sores on the lips and face, and the product information specifically says not to apply them to mucous membranes such as the inside of the nose.
If a healthcare professional thinks a sore inside the nostril could be caused by herpes simplex, they may consider an oral antiviral medicine. This allows treatment to work through the body rather than requiring cream to be applied inside the nose. Whether an oral antiviral is appropriate depends on the individual symptoms and clinical assessment.
For a cold sore on the outer rim or skin of the nose, the situation is different because this is skin. An appropriate cold sore cream may be used if the product is licensed for that area and the leaflet instructions allow it.
Timing can also matter. Antiviral creams are generally most useful when started as soon as the early tingling or other warning symptoms appear. They may be less helpful once a cold sore is well established.
Do not pick or squeeze the area. If you touch an active cold sore, wash your hands afterwards to reduce the chance of spreading the virus to another part of your body or to someone else.
If It Is Due to Bacterial Infections
Antiviral medicine will not treat a bacterial infection. If the problem is mild irritation, avoiding further damage and keeping the area clean may be enough.
If a bacterial infection is suspected, a pharmacist or GP can advise whether treatment is needed and which option is appropriate. Depending on the infection, treatment may involve a topical medicine or, in some cases, an oral antibiotic.
Do not start leftover antibiotics or use someone else's prescription. The right treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection.
Get medical advice sooner if redness or swelling is spreading across the nose or face, you develop a fever or feel unwell, or you have a deep, very painful lump. A boil or abscess may need assessment and, in some cases, drainage.
If It Is Dryness or a Crack
If dryness is the problem, medicine may not be necessary. The main aim is to reduce irritation and help the area recover.
- Use a suitable plain, fragrance free product around the nostril if recommended by a pharmacist
- Avoid picking or repeatedly touching the sore area
- Blot rather than rub when blowing your nose, and use soft tissues
- Consider whether dry indoor air from central heating or air conditioning is making the problem worse
- Drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration
- If you use a steroid nasal spray, check your technique. Pointing the spray away from the middle wall of the nose can help reduce irritation to the septum. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber to check your technique if you are unsure
If you have ongoing nose sores or nosebleeds while using a nasal spray, speak to a pharmacist or doctor. Some nasal sprays can cause irritation and sores as a side effect.
What Not to Use
- Cold sore cream inside the nostril, because these products are not intended for use on nasal mucous membranes
- Aciclovir eye ointment, which is a different medicine preparation intended for herpes simplex infections of the eye
- Steroid skin creams inside the nose unless they have specifically been prescribed or recommended for that use
- Household antiseptics, alcohol based products or undiluted essential oils inside the nose, as they can irritate the lining
- Anything pushed deep into the nostril with a cotton bud or another object
Wash your hands before and after touching the area. This is particularly important if you think the sore could be a cold sore, because herpes simplex can spread to other areas through touch.
Why Photographs Rarely Settle It
Searching for pictures can be tempting, especially when you cannot see the sore properly yourself. The problem is that the inside of a nostril naturally looks red and irritated, and lighting can make small changes look much more dramatic.
Different conditions can also look similar once they have crusted or been irritated. A photograph therefore cannot reliably tell you whether a sore is a cold sore, bacterial infection, dryness or something else.
If you speak to a pharmacist or GP, it can help to describe what happened before the sore appeared. Was there tingling or burning? Is it one spot or several? Did you see blisters first? Which nostril is affected? How long has it been there? Did you recently have a cold, pick your nose or remove nasal hair?
If you can safely take a clear photograph without repeatedly touching or irritating the area, a healthcare professional may also find it useful when discussing how the sore has changed over time.
When to Get It Looked At
Consider speaking to a pharmacist or GP if a sore inside the nose is not improving, keeps coming back, or you are not sure what is causing it.
Get medical advice sooner if the soreness is becoming more painful, redness or swelling is spreading across the nose or face, you develop a fever, or there is a deep and tender lump.
Get urgent medical advice if the eye becomes involved, particularly if you develop eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light or changes in your vision. Herpes simplex can affect the eye and may need same day assessment.
If you have eczema and develop a rapidly spreading cluster of painful blisters, seek urgent medical advice because herpes simplex can sometimes spread quickly across areas of eczema.
Anyone with a significantly weakened immune system should also seek medical advice earlier if they develop a suspected cold sore or an unexplained sore inside the nose.
A sore that remains present for several weeks, repeatedly bleeds, keeps returning or develops into a persistent ulcer should be examined. Ongoing nasal sores can have several causes, so a healthcare professional may need to look at the area and decide whether further investigation is needed.
Treatment Options
Treatment suitability depends on the cause and the exact site of the sore. Your prescriber or pharmacist can help decide whether a topical or oral treatment is appropriate.
| Treatment | From |
|---|---|
| Aciclovir Tablets | £12.99 |
| Aciclovir 5% Cream (for cold sores on the skin, not inside the nose) | £8.99 |
Prices are confirmed at checkout and the live product page takes precedence over any figure quoted here. Medicines are dispensed by a UK pharmacy operating under GPhC regulation, with full labelling and a patient information leaflet.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. It cannot diagnose what is causing a sore inside your nose, and it is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Prescription medicines should only be used under the supervision of an appropriately qualified prescriber. Treatment suitability depends on the individual, the suspected cause and where the sore is located. Always follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet, including instructions about where a product may and may not be applied. Do not use a medicine inside the nose if its product information does not allow this.
If a sore is worsening, spreading, accompanied by fever, involving the eye, or not improving, seek medical advice. If you develop eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light or changes in vision, seek urgent medical advice.
