herpes like sore on my nostril

[alexkuai123]

I have this recurring sore that occurs on the inside of and on my nostril.  I have gotten it three times in the past year, and this most recent time I got it at the end of a cold.  It is both itchy and tender, and it starts off as red and inflames, and looks like a cluster of conjoining pimples. It then turns very dry and scabs form and will even turn white.  It might be there for a week or so and then it goes away.  Also when there is no sore present, every once in a while I do feel itchiness on the same inside part of my nostril where the sore occurs.  Nothing will usually happen but just the itchiness and I wonder if the two are related.  Any idea what this is?  Could it be herpes, could it be an infection?  I would really like to know and how to treat it. Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Itchy sensations inside nostrils can be due to air borne allergies or allergic rhinitis or due to infections as well. If you are allergic to any air borne allergens like dust mites, pollen, smoke etc then avoiding the allergens will help.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[alexkuai123]

Thanks for your responses doctors, I appreciate it.  Just to give you a heads up, The scab that formed became very dry and took a while to go away.  It sometimes cracked and bleed a little because it was so dry, but its been about two weeks now and it is fading away.  It looks like in about 3-5 days it should be completely gone.  

Another question I have however is that my inside nostril still gets very itchy from time to time and I dont know why?  Is this related to my infection?

[Dr Prasad, MBBS]

Hi,
It doesn't look like herpes, looks more like local infection secondary to nasal infection. Best start steam inhalation every day and try to keep a good personal hygiene and try to put saline nasal drops during you running nose and you will feel better. Take addition vit c and b complex for faster recovery and making your immune system strong.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms the possibility of a recurrent boil needs to be ruled out. Herpes often is preceded by tingling sensation and is very painful. In case of boil inside the nose which is infection of the hair follicle inside the nose, it takes its own course for a week or so in healing and no treatment may be required. Apply warm moist compresses three or four times a day over the tender area. This will help to bring the boil to a head and encourage easy drainage.

Along with the warm compresses, you can take OTC pain killers and a course of antibiotics if the causative agent is bacteria.

Exact diagnosis can be confirmed only after examination of the area.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.