In the June 9, 2008 edition of "Archives of Internal Medicine," dermatologist Christina Cernik, M.D. says that fever blisters are one of the most common complaints encountered by primary care physicians. Ninety percent of fever blisters develop on the lips, according to Cernik. About 5 percent develop inside the mouth. The remainder, says Cernik develop on other sites of the face, including the nose. Relieving a fever blister that's inside the nose starts with a call to the doctor. Since it's difficult for the average person to see inside their nose, a doctor can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most effective medications.
Step 1
Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as symptoms appear. When you call, make sure to let the receptionist know you need to see the doctor right away. According to Cernik, fever blister treatment is most effective when it's started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Step 2
Make a list of the names and doses of all of the medications you use. Be sure to include over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements, such as vitamins.
Step 3
Arrive at your appointment at least 10 minutes in advance. Bring the list you previously prepared, your health insurance card, a form of identification and a method of payment.
Step 4
Tell your doctor about your symptoms. Be sure to mention whether you have had fever blisters in the past and, if you used antiviral drugs during previous outbreaks, how they affected you.
Step 5
Fill your prescription promptly, if you receive one. Ask the pharmacist for recommendations on how to take your medication.
Tips and Warnings
- The type, dose and course of medication depends on the severity of your symptoms. According to Cernik, a first-time or severe outbreak of fever blisters often merits a seven or 10 day course of medication. A recurrent outbreak may be managed with a one, three or five days course. Always complete the entire course of medication prescribed for you, even if your symptoms resolve sooner. Side effects of antiviral medications used to treat fever blisters include headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Patients who use topical medications may experience symptoms of skin reactions including acne, dryness, itching, redness, burning or swelling. If these symptoms are severe or seem to get worse over time, discontinue use and contact your doctor for advise. Antiviral drugs reduce the duration and severity of fever blister symptoms. For interim discomfort, MayoClinic.com recommends oral medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. Alternating hot or cold compresses to the outside of the nose may also help. Never insert anything inside the nose while you have a fever blister, except as directed by your doctor.
- Abstain from using any intranasal medications such as steroid drops for nasal allergies on the affected side of your nose until you have seen your doctor. Do not pick or play with the lesion. Doing so increases your risk of scarring and secondary bacterial infections. Do not use any topical fever blister medications inside the nose until you check with your doctor.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; "The Treatment of Herpes Simplex Infections; Christina Cernik, M.D., et al.; June 9, 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Cold Sores: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 11th Edition"; Bertram G. Katzung, M.D., Ph.D. et al.; 2008
