Nose blisters in children

Fact Checked

The development of blisters in and around the nose can cause extreme pain and can easily become infected. When children end up with nose blisters, medical care is required in order to decide on the exact cause. Even though blisters are typically caused by minor infections, they do not normally indicate a serious underlying condition. In case the child suddenly develops nose blisters, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible to prevent complications from developing.

Health issues and infections

Nose blisters typically indicate an infection. The staph infections are caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria which are found in the skin and nose. Take note that chicken pox typically starts around the nose and develops as itchy, brittle blisters. In some cases, hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood virus that spreads via contact with infected individuals and animals. Children who have this condition often develop fever and blisters around the mouth and nose.

What are other possible causes?

Nose-blisters
Instruct the child not to squeeze or pop blisters around the nose. Remember that this can push the infection deeper into the skin and spread it to other parts of the body.

Children who have sinus infections can develop nose blisters due to frequent rubbing of the nose. Even though these blisters typically vanish once the sinus infection eventually subsides, there is a risk for the development of infection. Some cases of nose blisters might be allergic reactions due to direct skin contact with a variety of allergens. The food sensitivities can cause skin irritation and the reaction might occur several days after eating the food.

Home remedies

Instruct the child not to squeeze or pop blisters around the nose. Remember that this can push the infection deeper into the skin and spread it to other parts of the body. The child must be encouraged to avoid rubbing or picking on the blisters since this can further irritate the skin particularly if the blisters were caused by skin irritation.

The child should be encouraged to drink plenty of water. Take note that dehydration will worsen the symptoms of staph infections, hand, foot and mouth disease as well as skin allergies. There are over-the-counter numbing sprays and gels that can help reduce the itchiness and pain, but these should only be used as long as prescribed by the doctor.

Medical care

The doctor will determine the exact cause of the nose blisters. In case the blisters are triggered by an infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed. The child should finish the full course of treatment even if the symptoms subside before the antibiotics are finished. If the treatment is stopped before completing the course, it can increase the risk for recurrent infections.

In case the blisters are triggered by hand, foot and mouth disease, the virus will go away on its own, but the child should avoid exposure or contact with other children to prevent the spread of the virus. The doctor will test the child for any allergies or ask about foods recently eaten to determine if the nose blisters are triggered by an allergic response.

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