What are Nose Blisters?

Nose blisters are sores that form on the inside or outside of a person’s nose. These blisters can form for a variety of reasons. In some cases, for example, they form because of some type of injury to the nose. More often, however, they form because of a bacteria infection or even as the result of a virus. A bacteria called impetigo is a common cause of nose blisters; viruses such as herpes can cause them as well.

Often, nose blisters develop around a person’s nostrils or inside of his nose. Many people develop them just inside the rim of their noses. These blisters are often filled with fluid and are frequently painful or tender to the touch. In some cases, the fluid that is inside of a nose blister begins to seep out. When this occurs, the blister and the surrounding area may develop crusting.

A person also may develop a nose blister because of some type of irritation or injury to the nose. Sometimes, for example, a nasal spray may irritate the inside of the nose and cause a nose blister. In most cases, however, these blisters develop because of a virus or bacterium.

One of the most common types of nose blister is a fever blister. These blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus and often are reoccurring. A person may develop an initial nose blister after the herpes virus enters his body and then be free of blisters for a very long time, as the virus can lie dormant in a person’s body. When the herpes virus is reactivated, a person may get more nose blisters or even develop fever blisters on the mouth.

Bacterial infections may cause nose blisters as well. One common bacteria that causes blisters is called impetigo. Staph bacteria are responsible for the development of impetigo and cause infection of the nasal hair follicles. The infection often causes reddened bumps to appear inside the nose, but the bumps eventually develop into fluid- or puss-filled blisters. Over time, the blisters may burst and crust may form over the area that has been infected.

The treatment for nose blisters may depend on their cause as well as their severity. If a person develops a mild case of fever blisters in or on the nose, he may try to reduce pain at home by using cold compresses. If the cause is bacterial or the case is severe, a person may need an antibiotic or an antiviral medication instead. It is usually important to determine the cause of a nose blister before trying to treat one at home, as bacterial nose blisters have the potential to spread bacteria to other parts of the body or even infect other people.