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For The Past Month, I’ve Had A Sore On The
Question: For the past month, I’ve had a sore on the inside of my nose, on the septum, on both sides. I can’t remember what brought it on, it may have been after a long bout of the cold. On the right side it’s worse.
When I leave it to its own accord, not only does a hard red scab form, but thick, sticky mucous also builds up around the scab. This partially blocks my nose and is quite uncomfortable. I have tried rinsing with warm, salty water when I can but this only provides temporary relief and doesn’t seem to be promoting much healing. Every morning when I wake up, my nose has scabbed up as badly as ever. When it’s not covered in the scab (if I have picked it, blown it out or dissolved it with salt water), it looks almost like an ulcer. It looks very raw and sore, and protrudes.
I have MS and I’m on disease modifying immunosuppressive drugs (Dimethyl Fumarate 240mg/day), so I don’t know if this might have something to do with the slow healing process.
I haven’t been to my GP about this yet. Is there anything you can recommend to allow the scabs to heal? And do you know why they aren’t healing - should I be worried?
Kind regards,
Louise
When I leave it to its own accord, not only does a hard red scab form, but thick, sticky mucous also builds up around the scab. This partially blocks my nose and is quite uncomfortable. I have tried rinsing with warm, salty water when I can but this only provides temporary relief and doesn’t seem to be promoting much healing. Every morning when I wake up, my nose has scabbed up as badly as ever. When it’s not covered in the scab (if I have picked it, blown it out or dissolved it with salt water), it looks almost like an ulcer. It looks very raw and sore, and protrudes.
I have MS and I’m on disease modifying immunosuppressive drugs (Dimethyl Fumarate 240mg/day), so I don’t know if this might have something to do with the slow healing process.
I haven’t been to my GP about this yet. Is there anything you can recommend to allow the scabs to heal? And do you know why they aren’t healing - should I be worried?
Kind regards,
Louise
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned re the presence of prolonged sores.
Though in many persons, the present of these sores is related to a previous history of cold/flu, there are other causes as well that may need to be considered.
(1) the medication for the MS , though it mainly modifies the immune system, can sometimes suppress it and any medication that suppresses the immune system can delay healing of infections. This means that if the lesions are due to a previous cold/flu, healing may simply be delayed due to slight immune suppression
(2)bacterial or fungal infections can also affect the nasal cavity and the use of an antibiotic or antifungal might be all that is needed for healing to occur. To determine if an infection is present, however, would require a visit to your doctor. In some persons, these infections may follow a cold/flu, the exposed area can become contaminated by bacteria or fungus causing the infection to occur
(3)Far less commonly parasitic infections such as leishmaniasis- as stated, this is not common but if found can be easily treated with medication
(4)can sometimes be due to autoimmune conditions such as lupus or vasculitis but the infective causes are more common
Because the lesions have been ongoing for the past month and you have been treating them correctly with the normal saline, it would be best to be seen so that your doctor can take a look at them and accurately determine the exact cause and treatment.
If this is not possible at this time then you can consider the continued use of a normal saline spray along with an antibacterial powder. Bacterial infections are more common than fungal so this can be started first.
The normal saline spray can be used twice daily
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned re the presence of prolonged sores.
Though in many persons, the present of these sores is related to a previous history of cold/flu, there are other causes as well that may need to be considered.
(1) the medication for the MS , though it mainly modifies the immune system, can sometimes suppress it and any medication that suppresses the immune system can delay healing of infections. This means that if the lesions are due to a previous cold/flu, healing may simply be delayed due to slight immune suppression
(2)bacterial or fungal infections can also affect the nasal cavity and the use of an antibiotic or antifungal might be all that is needed for healing to occur. To determine if an infection is present, however, would require a visit to your doctor. In some persons, these infections may follow a cold/flu, the exposed area can become contaminated by bacteria or fungus causing the infection to occur
(3)Far less commonly parasitic infections such as leishmaniasis- as stated, this is not common but if found can be easily treated with medication
(4)can sometimes be due to autoimmune conditions such as lupus or vasculitis but the infective causes are more common
Because the lesions have been ongoing for the past month and you have been treating them correctly with the normal saline, it would be best to be seen so that your doctor can take a look at them and accurately determine the exact cause and treatment.
If this is not possible at this time then you can consider the continued use of a normal saline spray along with an antibacterial powder. Bacterial infections are more common than fungal so this can be started first.
The normal saline spray can be used twice daily
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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