Most people, including you, have likely experienced sores on the nose that are painful and uncomfortable. Usually, the appearance of sores is caused by allergies, inflammation, a climate that is too dry, or irritation from rubbing the nose too often. However, there are also sores caused by viral infections (known in medical terms as cold sores). In general, the symptom of an infected wound is the appearance of small, fluid-filled blisters that can be contagious. Meanwhile, sores on the nose caused by allergies and dryness will feel itchy, dry, and do not contain fluids. While most nasal sores will heal on their own after a few weeks, there's nothing wrong with treating the wound to speed up the healing process and relieve any pain or discomfort that occurs.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Treating Wounds Caused by Virus Infection
Step 1. Treat the nose with medicines prescribed by the doctor
Most likely, your doctor can give an accurate diagnosis just by observing the condition of your wound. In particular, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications that you should take for 7-10 days to get the best results.
- For example, your doctor may prescribe Penciclovir or Acyclovir in cream or tablet form to relieve pain and speed up the skin's healing process. It's best to treat the wound as soon as the symptoms appear to maximize the healing process!
- Most of the prescriptions given by doctors to treat infected wounds are ordinary drugs whose use can be combined with other drugs. However, it is still advisable to consult the doctor about the desire to take several types of drugs at the same time to find out the potential side effects.
Step 2. Apply a cold compress or plastic bag filled with ice to the skin to relieve pain and swelling that appears
To make a cold compress, you just need to wet a small towel with cold water, then let it sit in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. The longer the towel sits, the colder it will be. Once the towel is completely cool, immediately apply it to the injured area for 5-10 minutes and repeat the process as many times as desired. This method is effective in temporarily relieving pain and redness that appears.
Step 3. Apply a topical cream or ointment to treat infected wounds that can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies
In fact, there are quite a few brands of topical creams that you can buy without a prescription at pharmacies, and specifically aimed at treating wounds caused by infections. Generally, the active ingredients contained in these drugs are alcohol or other drying agents that can speed up the wound healing process. To use it, you just need to apply the cream to the injured area 5 times a day to relieve pain and prevent the wound from drying out.
- Pat the cream, instead of rubbing it, onto the injured skin.
- For example, you can buy Abreva over-the-counter at a pharmacy to treat an infected wound that appears.
- If you don't know which option is best for your condition, don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist for a recommendation!
Step 4. Purchase a pain reliever that contains lidocaine or benzocaine
If the wound is very painful or bothersome, try applying a cream containing both active ingredients to temporarily relieve the discomfort. When using over-the-counter creams at the pharmacy, don't forget to check the packaging information to identify potential drug interactions. Today, most topical creams for treating infected wounds already contain lidocaine or benzocaine so you may not need to buy additional pain relief creams.
Step 5. Use natural remedies, if you wish
However, always remember that natural remedies are alternative options. That is, its medical effectiveness is not supported by sufficient scientific evidence. However, you can still ask for a detailed explanation from your doctor regarding natural medicines that are suitable to treat your condition. Some types of natural remedies that are commonly used are:
- The amino acid lysine. These essential amino acids are available as oral supplements or topical creams at major pharmacies, and are commonly used to treat infected wounds.
- Propolis. Also known as synthetic beeswax, propolis with levels of 3% can be purchased at various pharmacies in the form of an ointment. For best results, it is best to apply the ointment as soon as the wound has formed. Propolis ointment itself can be applied as often as possible to shorten the duration of the appearance of the wound.
- Stay away from stress whenever possible. In fact, the emergence of several types of infectious wounds is triggered by exposure to intense stress, you know! Therefore, try practicing various relaxation techniques and/or mindfulness meditation to relieve stress and reduce the frequency of sores appearing. To find stress-reducing tips, try reading the wikiHow article on How to Relieve Stress.
Method 2 of 2: Treating Wounds Caused by Allergies and Dryness
Step 1. Apply a petroleum gel or ointment that contains an antibacterial agent
For example, you can use over-the-counter creams under the brand name Neosporin. This type of cream contains the active ingredient neomycin which can help fight infection and relieve skin pain. Apart from Neosporin, there are also various other brands of topical drugs available in the market that you can try. If you don't know which type of cream is most suitable for your skin problem, don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist for a recommendation after first explaining the various symptoms you are experiencing.
If you are reluctant to consult a pharmacist, always read the label on the product packaging to make sure the ointment is safe when applied to the inside of the nose
Step 2. Take advantage of various natural healing methods to speed up the skin's recovery process
As for healing wounds caused by infection, you can also apply various natural healing methods to speed up the skin's healing process and relieve pain that appears. However, always remember that the effectiveness of using natural and alternative methods of treatment is not based on sufficient scientific evidence.
- Try steam therapy to clear your airways. Steam therapy is one of the easiest ways to open sinus congestion and relieve the pain it causes. To do this, all you need to do is fill a medium-sized bowl with water and heat the bowl in the microwave for 3-5 minutes. After 3-5 minutes, remove the bowl from the microwave and place it on the kitchen counter. Be careful because the water temperature at that time will definitely be very hot! After placing the bowl, turn your face towards the bowl about 15 cm apart and hang a towel around the back of your head. Slowly, inhale and exhale for 5-10 minutes. Repeat the process as many times as desired!
- A warm towel can also be used to relieve pain. Like a cold compress, a warm towel can be placed directly on the injured area for 5-10 minutes. Throughout the day, you can repeat the process as many times as needed.
- Saline spray can speed up the wound healing process. For a safe method of using a saline spray, try reading the wikiHow article on How to Make a Nasal Wash.
Step 3. Try taking antibiotics prescribed by your doctor
If your condition does not improve after using natural remedies for 5-7 days, check with your doctor for a prescription for a more effective medicine. Although it really depends on the condition of the wound, your doctor will most likely prescribe an antibiotic cream to be applied topically to the injured area.
If the wound is more severe or caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will likely prescribe oral antibiotics to maximize the healing process. Don't worry, your doctor will be able to recommend the type of antibiotic that best suits your symptoms
Tips
- Avoid direct interaction with other people when you have a viral infection.
- Don't wipe your nose with a rough tissue so you don't irritate your skin afterwards.
