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Suggest Treatment For Painful Sore In Corner Of Left Nostril
I have a sore in the corner of my left nostril. It has been there for about a year and won t go away. It looks like a hill with strands of skin coming out of it. It is very painful to the touch and bleeds a lot. Each strand can be pulled out individually, but not with a lot of pain and a good 20 minutes of bleeding. What could it be? How to take care of it?
Wed, 24 May 2023
Hi,
The sore in the corner of your left nostril could be nasal vestibulitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the nasal vestibule. This can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, irritation from blowing the nose too hard or picking at the nostrils, or an allergic reaction.
To take care of it, you can try the following:
- Keep the area clean and dry: Gently clean the sore with a warm washcloth or cotton swab dipped in warm saltwater. Avoid using any harsh soaps or chemicals on the area.
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment: Apply a small number of over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin or Bacitracin to the sore a few times a day to help prevent infection.
- Avoid picking or touching the sore: Picking at the sore can cause further irritation and delay healing. Also, avoid blowing your nose too hard or forcefully.
- Use a humidifier: A humidifier can help keep the air in your home moist and prevent the nasal lining from becoming dry and irritated.
If the sore does not improve or gets worse, seek medical attention: If the sore persists or becomes increasingly painful, you should see a healthcare provider. They may prescribe a stronger topical or oral antibiotic medication to help treat the infection.
In addition to these steps, it is important to practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items such as towels or washcloths with others to prevent the spread of infection.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
The sore in the corner of your left nostril could be nasal vestibulitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the nasal vestibule. This can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, irritation from blowing the nose too hard or picking at the nostrils, or an allergic reaction.
To take care of it, you can try the following:
- Keep the area clean and dry: Gently clean the sore with a warm washcloth or cotton swab dipped in warm saltwater. Avoid using any harsh soaps or chemicals on the area.
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment: Apply a small number of over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin or Bacitracin to the sore a few times a day to help prevent infection.
- Avoid picking or touching the sore: Picking at the sore can cause further irritation and delay healing. Also, avoid blowing your nose too hard or forcefully.
- Use a humidifier: A humidifier can help keep the air in your home moist and prevent the nasal lining from becoming dry and irritated.
If the sore does not improve or gets worse, seek medical attention: If the sore persists or becomes increasingly painful, you should see a healthcare provider. They may prescribe a stronger topical or oral antibiotic medication to help treat the infection.
In addition to these steps, it is important to practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items such as towels or washcloths with others to prevent the spread of infection.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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