Experiencing a nose cold sore?

Cold sores and fever blisters generally occur around the mouth or lips, but on rare occasions a cold sore in the nose can appear. Like blisters on the lips, a nose cold sore can be painful and annoying. A nose cold sore takes about 7 to 10 days

Possible causes of a nose cold sore

A cold sore nose infection is caused by a virus. A nose cold sore is most often caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), the same virus that causes cold sores around the mouth or lips. HSV-1 infections around the mouth are known as oral herpes. When occurring in the nose, the infection is known as facial herpes.

Diagnosing a nose cold sore

A nose cold sore can be diagnosed through STD testing. Although oral herpes can be transmitted without sexual intercourse (kissing, drinking after an infected person), many STD testing services offer oral herpes testing since it can occur genitally when passed through oral sex. Oral herpes testing can diagnose a nose cold sore

Treating a nose cold sore

A cold sore nose infection can be treated with antiviral medication, such as Valtrex or acyclovir. This prescription medication can reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks in the nose or lips and suppress subsequent outbreaks. A nose cold sore can be irritating and painful, but it will heal with or without medication.