What causes blisters on the outside of the nose? How can a blister on the nose be treated? Discover the 8 common causes of nose blisters and effective ways to manage them.

Causes of Blisters on the Nose

Blisters on the outside of the nose can have several underlying causes, including skin abscesses, relapsing polychondritis, pimples, and non-specific nose rashes. Let’s explore these in more detail:

Skin Abscess

A skin abscess is a pocket of pus that forms just beneath the skin, often due to a bacterial infection through a small cut or scratch. Symptoms include a large, red, swollen, and painful lump. If left untreated, it can spread and cause serious illness. Diagnosis is made through a physical examination, and treatment may involve draining the abscess and prescribing antibiotics.

Relapsing Polychondritis

Relapsing polychondritis is an inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the cartilage in the ears and nose. It can also impact the eyes, airways, heart, and other areas. Mild cases are typically managed with medications like NSAIDs and steroids, and it’s important to see a primary care physician for this condition.

Pimples

Pimples, also known as comedones, are small skin eruptions filled with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. They often first appear during puberty when hormones increase oil production and clog pores. Symptoms include blocked pores, swollen blemishes, and reddened skin. Over-the-counter acne treatments and keeping the skin clean can help manage pimples.

Non-Specific Nose Rash

A non-specific nose rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin on the nose that doesn’t have a clear underlying cause. This type of rash is often a variation of normal and may not require any treatment, unless it worsens.

Other Potential Causes

In addition to the above, other potential causes of blisters on the nose include:

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis, is an inflammatory disease that can affect the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys. It is caused by the body’s immune system attacking its own blood vessels. Early diagnosis and treatment with medications like steroids and cell-damaging drugs are important for managing GPA.

Chronic Allergies

New-onset seasonal allergies, also called adult-onset allergies, can cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and other symptoms. These allergies may be triggered by a change in geographic location or during pregnancy. Allergy medications can help provide relief.

Treating Blisters on the Nose

The treatment for blisters on the nose will depend on the underlying cause. Some general tips include:

Skin Abscess

If the blister is caused by a skin abscess, it may need to be drained by a medical professional. Antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent the infection from spreading.

Relapsing Polychondritis

For relapsing polychondritis, medications like NSAIDs and steroids are typically used to manage the inflammation and pain.

Pimples

Pimples can be treated with over-the-counter acne remedies and by keeping the skin clean. Severe or persistent cases may require a visit to a dermatologist.

Non-Specific Rash

A non-specific nose rash may not require any treatment, unless it worsens or becomes problematic.

When to See a Doctor

If a blister on the nose is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, fever, or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider right away. They can properly diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Preventing Nose Blisters

To help prevent blisters on the nose, it’s important to keep the skin clean, avoid excessive friction or irritation, and manage any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the problem. Proper hygiene and skin care can go a long way in preventing and managing nose blisters.

Conclusion

Blisters on the outside of the nose can have a variety of causes, from skin abscesses to relapsing polychondritis. Understanding the potential causes and seeking appropriate treatment is key to managing this common skin condition. By following good skin care practices and addressing any underlying issues, you can help prevent and effectively treat nose blisters.

8 Nose Blister Causes | How to Treat a Blister on the Nose

Skin abscess

A skin abscess is a large pocket of pus that has formed just beneath the skin. It is caused by bacteria getting under the skin, usually through a small cut or scratch, and beginning to multiply. The body fights the invasion with white blood cells, which kill some of the infected tissue but form pus within the cavity that remains.

Symptoms include a large, red, swollen, painful lump of pus anywhere on the body beneath the skin. There may be fever, chills, and body aches from the infection.

If not treated, there is the risk of an abscess enlarging, spreading, and causing serious illness.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination.

A small abscess may heal on its own, through the body’s immune system. But some will need to be drained or lanced in a medical provider’s office so that the pus can be cleaned out. Antibiotics are usually prescribed.

Keeping the skin clean, and using only clean clothes and towels, will help to make sure that the abscess does not recur.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: rash with bumps or blisters, red rash, red skin bump larger than 1/2 cm in diameter, pus-filled rash, rash

Symptoms that always occur with skin abscess: rash with bumps or blisters

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Relapsing polychondritis

Relapsing polychondritis is an episodic, inflammatory and destructive disorder involving primarily cartilage of the ear and nose. It can also potentially affect the eyes, tracheobronchial tree, heart valves, kidneys, joints, skin, and blood vessels.

You should visit your primary care physician for mild severity of relapsing polychondritis. Medications such as NSAIDs and steroids are generally prescribed.

Pimple

Pimples are also called comedones, spots, blemishes, or “zits.” Medically, they are small skin eruptions filled with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Pimples often first start appearing at puberty, when hormones increase the production of oil in the skin and sometimes clog the pores.

Most susceptible are teenagers from about ages 13 to 17.

Symptoms include blocked pores that may appear flat and black on the surface, because the oil darkens when exposed to the air; blocked pores that appear white on the surface because they have closed over with dead skin cells; or swollen, yellow-white, pus-filled blisters surrounded by reddened skin.

Outbreaks of pimples on the skin can interfere with quality of life, making the person self-conscious about their appearance and causing pain and discomfort in the skin. A medical provider can help to manage the condition, sometimes through referral to a dermatologist.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination.

Treatment involves improving diet; keeping the skin, hair, washcloths, and towels very clean; and using over-the-counter acne remedies.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: pink or red facial bump, small facial lump, painful facial bump, marble sized facial lump

Symptoms that always occur with pimple: pink or red facial bump

Urgency: Self-treatment

Non-specific nose rash

A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin. Often, rashes are unidentifiable and some variation of normal. For example, scratching one’s arm causes it to turn red (which is caused by mast cells releasing chemicals into the local area), but that’s completely normal.

At this time, you do not need treatment for this rash. If it worsens, you may need to consult a physician.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: nose redness

Symptoms that always occur with non-specific nose rash: nose redness

Urgency: Wait and watch

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, or shortened GPA, was formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis. It is caused by inflammation of the blood vessels by the body’s immune system. The inflammation can happen anywhere, but often affects the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys.

You should visit your primary care physician soon to provide an early diagnosis. Treatment of inflammatory diseases commonly involve prescription medications such as a steroid to decrease inflammation, and a cell-damaging medicine to kill abnormal cells.

Chronic allergies

New-onset seasonal allergies, also called adult-onset seasonal allergies, are sensitivities to pollen, mold, and other irritants that cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and sore throat.

Seasonal allergies commonly begin in childhood but can start at any age, especially among those with a family history. Moving to a different geographic location may trigger the allergy in someone with a genetic predisposition. Anyone with asthma is more likely to experience adult-onset seasonal allergies.

Sometimes the symptoms are actually from “pregnancy rhinitis” – nasal congestion and sneezing due to the effects of pregnancy hormones on the nasal tissue.

A new-onset allergy is often thought to be a cold, but a cold will clear up without treatment. Allergies persist, never getting better or worse, and can interfere with quality of life.

Diagnosis is made by an allergist, who will use skin tests and blood tests.

There is no cure for seasonal allergies but the symptoms can be managed for greater comfort and relief. Antihistamines, corticosteroid nasal sprays, and immunotherapy or “allergy shots” can be very effective.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: fatigue, irritability, trouble sleeping, runny nose, congestion

Symptoms that never occur with chronic allergies: fever, yellow-green runny nose, chills, muscle aches

Urgency: Self-treatment

Allergic contact dermatitis of the nose

Allergic contact dermatitis means the skin has touched something that provoked an allergic reaction, causing inflammation and irritation.

“Contact” means the allergic reaction came from touching something, not from consuming something. The first exposure to the substance sensitizes the immune system, and then the second exposure actually causes the symptoms.

The most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis are:

• Nickel, a metal often used in belt buckles, the buttons on pants, and jewelry, including piercing jewelry.
• Poison ivy.
• Various types of perfumes, including those founds in soaps, fabric softeners, and detergents.
• Of course, there are many more.

Symptoms include red, itching, scaling, flaking skin that may be painful due to the irritation and inflammation.

Diagnosis is made through first avoiding contact with any suspected substance, to see if the dermatitis clears. Patch testing can be done if the results are not certain.

Treatment involves fully avoiding the allergy-provoking substance and using topical steroid cream as prescribed. Cool compresses and calamine lotion can help to ease the discomfort.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: nose itch, nose redness, scabbed area of the nose

Symptoms that always occur with allergic contact dermatitis of the nose: nose redness

Urgency: Self-treatment

Acne rosacea

Rosacea is a long-term disease that affects the skin and sometimes the eyes. It causes redness and breakouts. Acne rosacea is the type of Rosacea that causes pimples. Rosacea is most common in women and people with fair skin. It most often affects middle-aged and older adults.

You should visit your primary care physician, who could help with a treatment plan (no diagnostic testing necessary). Treatment can’t cure you, but helps the symptoms and includes brimonide gel, laser therapy, and even an antibiotic.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: facial redness, rough skin on the face, pink or red facial bump, nose redness, raised rash

Symptoms that always occur with acne rosacea: facial redness

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Wegener’s granulomatosis

Wegener’s granulomatosis, more recently re-named granulomatosis with polyangiitis, is a disorder in which a dysregulated immune system causes widespread inflammation of small blood vessels throughout the body. This results in slower or impaired blood flow to your nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and kidneys.

Symptoms can be widespread and affect various parts of the body such as the eyes and ears or respiratory system, yet usually begin more generally with fever, fatigue, a loss of appetite, and weight loss. With treatment, a full recovery is possible; however, this condition can be fatal.

Treatments include immunosuppressive medications in order to control the disease in the short- and long-term.

Rarity: Ultra rare

Top Symptoms: fatigue, loss of appetite, joint pain, shortness of breath, fever

Urgency: Primary care doctor

How to Treat Sores Inside Nose

Back to Dealing with Cold Sores articles

Pretty much everyone has heard of cold sores. They’re fairly common, if frustrating, blisters that appear near or around your mouth. But can cold sores appear elsewhere too like on your nose? Let’s explore the answer to find out whether or not you can get cold sores near or on your nose and other conditions that may cause nose irritation.  

Can you get nose cold sores?

Yes. Believe it or not, you can get cold sores in areas other than the most common spots near the mouth and lips. You can also get cold sore blisters on or around your nose and chin as well as on the lips and skin around the mouth. These nose cold sores should behave the same way a cold sore near the mouth does.1 Just like mouth cold sores, cold sores under the nose develop over time. These nose cold sore symptoms include:¹

• Itching and tingling near your nose a day or two before the cold sore shows up
• Small, painful blisters form under, beside, or on your nose
• The blisters burst on their own after a few days, then crust over
• The blisters scab over, fall off, and heal after a period of about 10 days

Cold sores are caused by certain strains of the herpes simplex virus and can spread from contact with someone infected with the cold sore virus. Once infected, the virus typically lies dormant in nerve cells in the skin on your face. It depends on where the virus travels as to what part of the face the virus lives in and then comes back when you get a cold sore outbreak. Cold sores outbreaks can be triggered by the same things as cold sores near the mouth, such as viral infections, hormonal changes, stress, environmental exposure, injuries, fatigue, and more.²

What to do if you get a nose cold sore

First, don’t panic! A nose cold sore is just like any other, even if located somewhere else. Cold sores aren’t generally dangerous and don’t cause permanent damage to the skin. Make sure to avoid picking your scab or popping the cold sore blister, which can increase the risk of secondary infections or scarring.1 When you have a cold sore, make sure to wash your hands after touching your face and do not share any items that may touch your face to prevent spreading the cold sore virus.

You can use soothing creams or ice to treat the symptoms of the cold sores, but you can’t outright cure nose cold sores. You can also use treatments like Abreva Cream to help heal your cold sore quicker when used at the first signs of an emerging cold sore.

Other reasons for scabs or irritation near your nose

While irritation and blisters near your nose may be a cold sore, it’s not the only condition that can cause irritation around your nose. Talk to your doctor and look into other irritation-causing conditions before deciding it’s truly cold sores. Some causes of irritation near your nose include:³

Nose Injuries: The most obvious reason for irritation or scabs around your nose are nose injuries. If you run into something or fall on your face and injure your nose, it’s likely you’ll have some degree of pain, swelling, and scabbing of injuries.

Inflammation: Nose inflammation can sometimes cause scabbing if you repeatedly rub your nose and cause an abrasion. Inflammation can be caused by allergies, sinusitis, or other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Dryness and Temperature Changes: Either very hot or cold environments as well as very dry air can damage your nasal lining, which may cause scabs or cause irritation.

Infections: It depends on the infection, but some can cause irritation to your nose and scabbing. The skin inside and around your nose is delicate and at risk of irritation.

When to talk to your doctor

Overall, if you’re not sure as to what the cause of any blisters, irritation, or pain around or in your nose is, reach out to your doctor. They’ll be able to examine and diagnose your condition confidently. In most cases, cold sores don’t cause serious complications but you may be at a higher risk you have pre-existing conditions or a weakened immune system. ² If your cold sore doesn’t go away in the normal time span, continues to spread, or gets worse, it’s best to talk to your doctor to get help.

Now that you know a little more about nose cold sores, learn more about what cold sores are, how to keep yourself healthy, and how to deal with cold sores more effectively.

SOURCES

1. Cold Sores. Better Health and Human Services. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cold-sores/ Accessed 1/29/2020. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.

2. Cold Sore. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017/ Accessed 1/29/2020. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.

3. What are the dangers of nose scabs? ENT Ear Nose & Throat Clinic. https://www.harleystreetent.com/blog/what-are-the-dangers-of-nose-scabs/ Accessed 1/29/2020. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.

Benign nasal growths – Diseases

• fibromas
• papillomas
• angiomas and angiofibromas
• osteomas
• nevi
• warts
• neuromas
• pigment tumors, etc.

Typical signs of nasal tumors are:

• difficulty breathing through that half of the nose
• that is affected by a tumor disease
• hyposmia
• anosmia
• in some cases, slight bleeding occurs

If the disease is not treated, then at a later stage it can lead to deformation of the facial skeleton, headaches, visual disturbances, etc. diagnosis is carried out using endoscopy, probing, palpation, histological examination of a piece of the tumor.

Papillomas are most often localized in the vestibule of the nose. Papilloma has the appearance of a small bush or a single papilla located on a narrow base. This tumor grows slowly and may recur after removal. Therefore, the removal of papilloma should be radical. After removal of the tumor, electrocoagulation or laser destruction of the wound surface is performed.

Nasal fibroma removal

Nasal fibroma is a relatively rare disease. Most often, fibroma is located in the vestibule of the nose or nasopharynx. The first signs of fibroma are unilateral nasal congestion, which later turns into a complete absence of nasal breathing. If the tumor is not removed in a timely manner, its growth causes changes in the shape of the upper jaw, cheeks, and nasal septum. Also, the patient has bleeding, which over time becomes stronger and more frequent. The first signs of fibroma are nasal congestion, if the treatment is not started in a timely manner, then later on there is a deformation of the cheek, palate and upper jaw. Treatment of fibroma should be only surgical. If the tumor is small, then it is removed using curved scissors or special forceps.

Removal of osteoma of the nose

Osteoma of the nose most often develops at the age of 15-25 years. Such tumors grow quite slowly and are located mainly in the ethmoid bone or the walls of the frontal sinuses. In some cases, osteomas can cause persistent headaches and various brain disorders. Osteomas are treated only surgically. Even if the osteoma is of medium size and does not cause severe symptoms, it is still subject to complete removal.

Nasal angioma removal

Angiomas of the nose are benign formations of the nose that occur as a result of intrauterine damage to the vascular system. Quite often, angiomas are multiple – this disease is called angiomatosis. Angioma can be capillary, cavernous or branched. A capillary angioma is a collection of swollen capillaries, a cavernous angioma is a tumor formed from large blood-filled cavities, and a branched angioma is a tangle of dilated or tortuous veins or arteries. Angiomas in most cases do not cause any functional impairment. Only when the angioma is located on the wings of the nose or on their inner surface, nasal breathing can be disturbed. Angiomas are diagnosed by examination. They are easily recognized by their shape, bluish or purple-pink color, and soft texture. Angiomas of the nose are often combined with angiomas of the accompanying half of the face. Treatment for angioma depends on its type. Capillary angiomas are destroyed by electrocoagulation, cryodestruction or with a laser. Larger capillary or cavernous angiomas are surgically removed.

Nasal angiofibroma removal

Nasal angiofibroma can develop in different parts of the nasopharynx. Angiofibroma can be located in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses, so it can sometimes be confused with an angioma or fibroma. This fact is very important to take into account in the diagnosis. When conducting differential diagnosis, it should be taken into account that angiofibroma is not just a fibroma rich in vessels or an angioma with a developed stroma, but a two-component tumor, in which both components equally have tumor properties. Treatment of angiofibromas is exclusively surgical, but removal should take into account the fact that this tumor is prone to invasion and recurrence.

Removal of nasal neuroma

A neuroma is a benign tumor that develops from nerve tissue. Neuromas as such are further subdivided into gliomas and neuroblastomas. Gliomas are congenital neuromas and are benign, while neuroblastomas can appear at any age and are malignant. Glioma can be detected at an early age and manifests itself as a swelling in the nose. The size of the tumor increases when the child cries or coughs. The glioma is firm to the touch. Neuroblastoma is detected when the patient begins bleeding, difficulty in nasal breathing, headaches, since in the initial stage it grows very slowly. Having reached a certain size, the tumor begins to grow very quickly and penetrates into the surrounding tissues. External signs are the expansion of the root of the nose, swelling in the region of the inner corner of the eye. At rhinoscopy, the tumor is a reddish-gray formation that bleeds even when lightly touched with a probe. Nasal neuroma is treated only by surgery and in some cases combined with radiation therapy. After removal, the tumor tends to recur.

Removal of pigmented tumors of the nose

Pigmented tumors (nevi) occur in more than 90% of the population. They appear both from birth and throughout life. A pigmented tumor is a flat or slightly elevated nodule with clearly defined borders above the skin surface. The color of pigmented tumors can vary from brown to black. In the course of life, pigmented tumors can turn into melanoma, one of the most malignant tumors. Melanoma in the vast majority of cases develops at the site of a skin nevus. The transition from a pigment tumor to melanoma is facilitated by trauma, hormonal changes in the body, increased levels of radiation, excessive ultraviolet radiation, etc. Today, pigment tumors can be removed by various methods and this is recommended to prevent melanoma.

If you suspect this disease, you can consult an otorhinolaryngologist at our clinic.

Herpes in the nose, symptoms and treatment, how to treat the disease?

One of the most common infections of viral origin is herpes. Its carriers are 90% of the total population on the planet. However, half of them are unaware of their infection, since herpes may not manifest itself in any way. Only under the influence of some adverse factors, the disease makes itself felt. Its characteristic manifestations, as a rule, occur at the site of penetration of the virus. If, during the initial infection, the focus formed in the nose, then subsequent relapses will occur in this area. Treatment of the disease is usually successful, subject to the intervention of a doctor.

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact a specialist.

Symptoms of herpes in the nose

It is easy to recognize the disease, since its clinical signs are quite characteristic. They occur around the third day after infection. Person experiences:

• body aches;
• headache;
• slight increase in body temperature;
• soreness and enlargement of lymph nodes;
• general malaise.

The intensity of symptoms depends on the body’s defenses of a particular person. They are most pronounced during primary infection. In cases of further relapses, they may not be observed at all. However, there will always be local symptoms that manifest as:

• burning in the nose;
• tingling in nostrils;
• painful sensations when trying to blow your nose.

Herpetic vesicles, small blisters filled with fluid, also form in the nose. They cannot be seen visually, but can be felt with a finger. Sometimes the blisters extend to the outer part of the nostrils or even affect the upper lip. After 3-4 days, they burst and form sores covered with a yellow crust.

Causes of disease

Treatment of herpes in the nose depends on the symptoms, their location and route of infection. Specialists identify such methods of infection:

• sexual;
• pin;
• airborne;
• household.

Herpes, which is localized in the nose, most often develops due to airborne transmission. It can enter the body after close contact with a carrier of the virus. The disease is activated as a result of numerous adverse factors. The most common are:

• decrease in the body’s defenses;
• unbalanced diet;
• SARS and acute respiratory infections;
• lack of vitamins and useful minerals;
• inflammatory processes in the body;
• courses of chemotherapy.

Young children and the elderly are at risk. This is due to the fact that their immunity is not at a high level to resist the cells of the virus. Also, women who are carrying a child often suffer from herpetic eruptions. Their body also reduces the defenses so that the pregnancy does not terminate.

Which doctor should I contact?

Symptoms of the disease bring significant discomfort to a person. Therefore, at the first sign of it, you should seek help from a specialist. To answer the question, is it really herpes in the nose, what to treat and what preventive measures to apply in the future, will be able to:

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m. Therefore, he will perform a series of actions, namely:

1. listen to the patient’s complaints;
2. will ask how long he had ARVI or ARI;
3. will ask why the patient asked for help now;
4. will ask if the person has been in contact with a carrier of the herpes virus;
5. will ask what is the nature of the sensations tormenting the patient.

The doctor will also perform a visual examination of herpes sores in the nose. After that, he will recommend the patient to undergo certain laboratory tests. Most often, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of smears from the material of rashes or cytology is prescribed.

Treatment of herpes in the nose

After the test result is ready, the doctor will draw up a course of therapy that is focused on eliminating the disease. It is worth saying that it is completely impossible to get rid of the virus. Treatment involves only the removal of symptoms. For this the doctor will prescribe:

• antivirals;
• immune boosters;
• vitamin and mineral complexes.

Also an important component of the treatment of herpes in the nose are ointments and creams for external use. They have anti-inflammatory and healing properties. The number of applications is adjusted by the doctor at his own discretion. This largely depends on the stage of the disease and the affected area with rashes.