Herpetic infection easily enters the body and infects it with a high probability. It "settles" most willingly on the mucous membranes and skin, therefore, it is found on almost the entire body, including inside the upper respiratory tract. How to treat herpes in the nose should be determined together with a doctor. The doctor studies in detail what kind of strain affected the patient, what features the course of the disease has, and how best to get rid of its symptoms.
Infection mechanism
There are many types of herpes, but it is the infection of the first type that most often appears in the nose. It can be transmitted in a variety of ways:
- contact - with close bodily contact, the virus is very quickly transmitted from a sick contactee to a healthy one and is highly likely to infect him;
- household - the use of dishes, towels, handkerchiefs and other personal belongings of an infected person in most cases leads to infection;
- airborne - when sneezing and talking, particles of saliva and mucus from the nose carry thousands of viral cells, when they get on the mucous membranes of a healthy person, they can begin to actively multiply.
A well-functioning immune system can suppress the multiplication of viral cells, but if there are wounds, cracks or other damage on the skin or mucous membranes, and the protective barrier is weakened, the likelihood of infection is very high.
The disease immediately affects the inner layers of the skin, pathogens kill living cells that release toxic substances. This causes pain, itching, and tingling at the site of infection. The virus quite successfully and quickly spreads to nearby healthy areas. If you do not follow the rules of hygiene during an exacerbation, then a bacterial infection is possible.
Features of the choice of therapy
Treatment of herpes in the nose is prescribed depending on the specifics of the disease. If the infection is primary, it proceeds with some complications, for example:
- headache;
- an increase in body temperature;
- general weakness and malaise;
- redness of the outer skin around the nose and their swelling;
- compaction and inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose.
In this case, together with antiviral drugs, drugs are prescribed to relieve other unpleasant symptoms. With a secondary infection, the symptoms are less pronounced, the patient already knows that the precursors of herpes are a feeling of tightness, itching and tingling at the site of the future sore.
With the timely use of special ointments, in some cases, you can even prevent the appearance of watery pimples. If the patient often suffers from relapses (more than 4 times a year), then immunomodulators are used together with local medicines.
Drug treatment
It should be noted right away that it is completely impossible to cure herpes in the nose or on other parts of the body. During the first outbreak, the cells of the virus reach the nerve fibers and travel to the spinal cord with their help. There, neither medicine nor immunity can affect the infection, it is a reliable "shelter" from which it is impossible to expel the disease completely. With the help of various means, you can only maximize the period of remission, but no more.
In order to alleviate the condition with rashes and prevent their recurrence, the following medications are used:
| Group of drugs | Names | Mechanism of action |
|---|---|---|
| Antiviral | Acyclovir, Zovirax, Valacyclovir, Valtrex, Famciclovir, Viferon, Genferon. | They suppress the action of viruses from the inside, are available in the form of injections, oral tablets, suppositories, and are effective in primary infection. |
| Local remedies | Erazaban, Virumerts, Zovirax, Panavir. | Available in the form of gels and ointments, they can reduce symptoms of the disease and accelerate recovery. |
| Antibacterial agents | "Zinc ointment", "Tetracycline ointment". | Prevent secondary damage to nearby areas of the nasal mucosa and the addition of a bacterial infection. |
| Immunomodulators | "Immunoriks", "Immunoflazid", "Proteflazid", "Echinacea", "Taktivin", etc. | Increase the body's resistance to viruses and bacteria. |
Folk remedies
Not only does the pharmaceutical ointment for herpes in the nose help to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, traditional medicine also offers effective remedies. Treatment can give good results, but it is worth remembering that it will not completely replace the drug therapy prescribed by your doctor. You can choose among such healing agents:
- Sea buckthorn, fir and rosehip oil. Natural oils can be used when cold sores are at the ulcer stage. Treat the affected areas with products 3 times a day, this will help soften the mucous membrane and significantly speed up its healing.
Infusion of propolis. To prepare the product, we need an infusion of propolis and chilled boiled water. Mix the ingredients in a 1: 1 ratio and apply to the affected areas of the nose.- Healing teas. Special teas and infusions will help to strengthen the immune system and have an anti-inflammatory effect. They can be prepared from the flowers of chamomile, ginseng, calendula, St. John's wort and other herbs. Such a collection will be effective: dried juniper berries (10 g), lemon balm leaves (30 g), bird cherry flowers (20 g). Pour the raw material with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for half an hour, then add honey and take a glass three times a day between meals.
- Aloe juice applications. You need to apply aloe juice 3 times a day to the wounds. The plant has a high biological activity, it disinfects mucous membranes, relieves inflammation and soothes itching.
- Baking soda. Prepare a pasty mass from baking soda and water and treat the nasal cavity with it 2 times a day. Soda fights bacteria, it prevents damage to healthy tissues surrounding the wound, soothes inflammation and relieves swelling.
Infusion of propolis. To prepare the product, we need an infusion of propolis and chilled boiled water. Mix the ingredients in a 1: 1 ratio and apply to the affected areas of the nose.Precautionary measures
For herpes in the nose, treatment is selected individually for each patient. The disease can occur in different forms, have pronounced or almost imperceptible symptoms. Some topical medications and antivirals should not be taken by children under 12 and pregnant women.
Expectant mothers should be especially careful, because the primary infection is dangerous for the fetus, it can lead to a violation of its development and the appearance of pathologies. Secondary diseases are treated with different means, they are chosen depending on the gestation period.
The use of the methods offered by alternative medicine should also be discussed with the doctor. Not all natural medicines work the same way for different patients. Some plant components and beekeeping products may have personal intolerance, their use will only aggravate the situation. Self-medication by any means for herpes infection is prohibited.
Prevention
We cannot completely get rid of the virus. Once in our body, it remains in it for life. However, there are effective measures 
prevention, which will help minimize recurrence and significantly alleviate symptoms in the event of a secondary manifestation of the disease.
To protect your body, follow these simple tips:
- strengthen the body, temper, take vitamins, eat right and have a good rest, play sports;
- avoid catching colds;
- do not overcool or overheat in the sun;
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- avoid stress and overwork.
Drawing conclusions
Herpes in the nose can appear due to infection with carriers of the disease. The virus is very well transmitted by household, contact and airborne droplets, it "takes root" in the spinal cord and tends to recur under suitable circumstances. However, proper treatment and adherence to preventive measures will help to avoid re-manifestation of the violation.
