Differential Diagnosis for Sores Inside Nostril
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Nasal septal ulceration or nasal dryness: This is often due to environmental factors such as dry air, or could be a result of picking or rubbing the nose, leading to irritation and ulceration of the nasal septum or lining.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Allergic rhinitis: Prolonged allergic reactions can lead to nasal irritation, including sores inside the nostril.
- Viral or bacterial infections (e.g., common cold, sinusitis): These infections can cause inflammation and sores within the nasal passages.
- Irritants or allergens (e.g., chemicals, tobacco smoke): Exposure to certain substances can irritate the nasal lining, leading to sores.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Nasal tuberculosis: Although rare, tuberculosis can manifest in the nasal passages and cause sores or ulcers.
- Syphilis: This sexually transmitted infection can cause painless sores or ulcers in the nose during its primary stage.
- Leukemia or lymphoma: In rare cases, cancers of the blood or lymphatic system can cause nasal sores or lesions.
- Wegener's granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): This autoimmune disorder can cause inflammation and sores in the nasal passages.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause inflammation and granulomas in various parts of the body, including the nose.
- Relapsing polychondritis: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the cartilage, including the nasal septum.
- Rhinoscleroma: A rare, chronic bacterial infection that can cause lesions and sores in the nasal passages.