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How Do I Relieve a Sore Nose?

By T. Carrier
Updated Jan 22, 2024
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A sore nose may result from a number of causes, usually via infections or injuries. Particular causes and symptoms may require different treatment approaches. Cold-generated sore noses, for example, are generally characterized by irritated skin and thus benefit most from cream or ointment applications. An injury-related sore nose, on the other hand, can be treated with ice or heat compresses. Other possible aids include drugs, dietary changes, and alterations in sleeping habits.

Most cases of a sore nose derive from a cold infection. Since the nose is coated with mucous irritants and rubbed often when one has a cold, sensitive patches of skin often develop. Skin creams designed for irritated and sensitive skin may help heal these wounds. Some sufferers also gain relief from applying ice cubes to the raw areas.

Colds can also lead to the development of tiny red clusters of bumps called cold sores. Anti-viral creams — many of which are designed specifically for cold or canker sores — may present the best treatment option for these particular sore nose causes. Some substances like nasal sprays, however, contain harsh ingredients that can worsen soreness for sensitive individuals. An individual may wish to cease use of such substances and mark any possible improvements in soreness symptoms.

In some cases, a sore nose results from a bacterial infection. These specific conditions are usually accompanied by a crusty surface and a pus-like discharge. The most effective combatant for these types of transmissions is antibiotic ointments or similar immune-enhancing drugs. A healthy diet can also bolster the immune system’s responses to these attacks.

Gentle application of any treatments will likely help healing. An individual should clean the nose with a soft and warm cloth. Distribution of creams and ointments also needs a soft touch. Natural ingredients like those found in aloe will also work more gently on the nose. In addition, a slight amount of burn cream may alleviate bad burning sensations.

While infectious agents are the culprits behind many sore noses, a nose injury can cause soreness as well. Just like other parts of the body, the nose is vulnerable to bruising, bleeding, or even breakage. In such injuries, a combination of cold and heat can help alleviate swelling, discoloration, and discomfort. Ice wrapped in a cloth should be placed on the nose in roughly two hour intervals for around ten to fifteen minutes at a time. An individual may likewise treat the sensitive blood vessels underneath by applying heat packs or warm cloths in spurts of fifteen minutes about a day after the initial injury.

For accompanying pain and breathing difficulties in any of these conditions, pain tablets and nasal decongestants are helpful aids for many sufferers. Some degree of head elevation when sleeping can further decrease soreness and pain in some instances. If soreness and other symptoms persist for an extended time, a visit to an ear, nose, and throat specialist may be in order.

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Discussion Comments

By pleonasm — On Jan 17, 2015

@clintflint - As long as you're able to tell the difference between a cold and a sinus infection. Because they can feel very similar. And if you're sore inside your nose from a cold all you really need to do is wash it out with warm salt water and wait. Medication isn't going to do anything except mask your symptoms.

By clintflint — On Jan 16, 2015

@MrsPramm - I had symptoms like that and my doctor sent me to get X-rays of my nasal passages because he was worried that I had polyps or something, so that's a possibility as well (even though that's not what it turned out to be for me).

Also, if you suspect an infection of any kind it's much better to get it treated than to try and ride it out. A small infection can quickly turn into something more serious. If you've got a sore, swollen nose and a temperature, I'd just go and get some proper medication to deal with it.

By MrsPramm — On Jan 15, 2015

If the pain in your nose extends up into your head, then I would suspect that you've got a nasal passage infection. I get them all the time, unfortunately, because I get allergies and I guess my nasal passages become irritated. It's definitely possible to get them without any kind of discharge, but just feeling ill and sore around the top of your nose and near the eye sockets.

Unfortunately, there's not much you can do except go to the doctor and get antibiotics or treat it like a cold and hope it will go away.

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