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How Do I Treat Nasal Herpes?

Marisa O'Connor
Marisa O'Connor

Unfortunately, there is no cure available for nasal herpes or any other herpes for that matter, but the good news is that it's quite treatable. Oral and topical medications are available to treat facial herpes, either over the counter or in stronger doses by prescription. Applying these medications carefully and quickly can heal the outbreak and ease symptoms.

Nasal herpes, like any other cold sore, should be treated as early as possible. At the first signs of burning, tingling, or bumps and redness, medication should be applied. Any blemish on the face can be devastating, as the face is such a strong part of people's identity. Treating symptoms of cold sores early can shorten the lifespan of the outbreak and can even prevent the sores from developing in some cases.

Oral medications may be used to treat facial herpes.
Oral medications may be used to treat facial herpes.

Usually, the first outbreak of nasal herpes is the worst, and recurrent infections are milder. The first infection may require oral medications, but subsequent outbreaks can typically be treated with a topical medication. Keep in mind that medications to treat oral herpes will usually work just as well on herpes in the nose. The effectiveness of different medications can vary between individuals, so don't be discouraged if the first few medications you try are not very effective. Keep trying out different ingredients until you find a brand that works with your system.

It is important to wash one's hands before applying topical cream for nasal herpes.
It is important to wash one's hands before applying topical cream for nasal herpes.

When applying a cream to treat this condition, following a few simple precautions can greatly increase the effectiveness of the medication. Always wash your hands before using a topical cream. Avoid touching the cream to your hands and instead apply the cream to a cotton applicator like a q-tip. Never use the same piece of cotton more than once, as this can contaminate the cream.

Aspirin may help minimize itchiness and swelling associated with herpes.
Aspirin may help minimize itchiness and swelling associated with herpes.

There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat the symptoms of nasal herpes. Abreva®, Denavir®, and Valtrex® are some of the most popular and effective antiviral drugs on the market to treat herpes. There are also drugs and ointments available that can soothe the uncomfortable symptoms of a herpes outbreak. Aspirin, camphophenique, and blister lip ointment can all help to stop or minimize itchiness and swelling associated with herpes.

Cornstarch can be used on herpes sores to dry them up and relieve itching.
Cornstarch can be used on herpes sores to dry them up and relieve itching.

During a nasal herpes outbreak, there are some additional steps you can take to treat the sores and speed along your recovery process. It is recommended that you refrain from touching the sores and hold off on kissing until the outbreak has healed. Applying cornstarch has been shown to ease some of the itchiness and help prevent scratching while the sores heal. Ice packs applied to the sores can also soothe itchiness and lessen swelling of the area.

Discussion Comments

anon993417

I use Herpicin-L. You can get it at Walmart for $5. It is like a lip balm. I rub it right in my nose. If you catch it before it breaks out, when the tingling starts, it will take it away in like two days before anything breaks out, with no scabs or anything. It works miracles. I swear by it and I get a breakout like two to three times a year. It must be stress that brings it on. But this stuff is safe and effective. It works great I never the get any sores anymore. When I feel it coming on I use it right away. Give it two or three days and all symptoms are gone with no outbreak.

anon357672

I use a variety of things: Bactrin, Abreva, and sometimes just plain hydrogen peroxide to clean and dry out.

donasmrs

@MikeMason-- There is a supplement at the pharmacy called lysine (or l-lysine). It helps speed up recovery of cold sores and prevents them too. I highly recommend it. I start taking it when I feel a cold sore coming on.

ddljohn

@MikeMason-- I hate nasal blisters. I think they're worse then lip blisters.

Yes, try an antiviral cream. I used one last time and I think it made a difference. The blister seemed to heal more quickly than it usually does. It didn't do anything for the pain though.

Sometimes a nasal blister causes pain on my cheek on the same side. I usually apply a cold pack, that reduces the pain somewhat.

stoneMason

I usually get cold sores on my lip in the winter. I let those heal on their own and use a medicated lip balm that moisturizes and relieves pain.

For the first time ever, I have a cold sore blister in my nose. It's extremely painful and I don't know what do. I don't really want to put lip balm on it because I don't see how that will help. Lip balm works on lip blisters because dry, chapped lips are more prone to blisters and make things worse.

Should I try an antiviral cream?

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    • Oral medications may be used to treat facial herpes.
      By: StockPhotosArt
      Oral medications may be used to treat facial herpes.
    • It is important to wash one's hands before applying topical cream for nasal herpes.
      By: Elenathewise
      It is important to wash one's hands before applying topical cream for nasal herpes.
    • Aspirin may help minimize itchiness and swelling associated with herpes.
      By: pogonici
      Aspirin may help minimize itchiness and swelling associated with herpes.
    • Cornstarch can be used on herpes sores to dry them up and relieve itching.
      By: Yuriy Afonkin
      Cornstarch can be used on herpes sores to dry them up and relieve itching.
    • Nasal herpes can occur when a cold sore spreads into the nasal passages.
      By: Marco2811
      Nasal herpes can occur when a cold sore spreads into the nasal passages.
    • Use a cotton swab to apply medication to nasal herpes.
      By: jlcst
      Use a cotton swab to apply medication to nasal herpes.
    • Nasal herpes may cause itching and discomfort in the nasal passages.
      By: julaszka
      Nasal herpes may cause itching and discomfort in the nasal passages.