What causes frequent sores and irritation inside my nose, as well as redness, soreness, and swelling on the outside of my nose?

Frequent Nasal Sores with External Redness and Swelling

You likely have nasal vestibulitis (infection/inflammation of the nasal opening) or rhinitis medicamentosa from overuse of nasal decongestant sprays, though facial swelling requires urgent evaluation to rule out serious complications like acute bacterial sinusitis with soft tissue involvement.

Immediate Concern: Rule Out Serious Complications

Your combination of internal nasal sores AND external facial swelling is a red flag that requires prompt medical attention. Facial swelling with erythema in the context of nasal symptoms may indicate complicated sinusitis requiring urgent evaluation 1. Specifically, you need assessment for:

• Orbital involvement: Look for double vision (diplopia) or eye bulging (proptosis) 1
• Soft tissue infection: Especially if you have fever and feel systemically unwell 1
• Acute bacterial sinusitis: Characterized by purulent nasal discharge persisting beyond 10-14 days, facial-dental pain, or postnasal drainage 1

If you have any of these warning signs—fever, severe headache, vision changes, eye swelling, or worsening symptoms—seek immediate medical care.

Most Likely Causes

1. Rhinitis Medicamentosa (Rebound Congestion)

If you've been using over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays (like oxymetazoline or phenylephrine) for more than 3 days, you may have developed rhinitis medicamentosa 2. This condition causes:

• Rebound nasal congestion and irritation 2
• Nasal mucosal damage with loss of ciliated cells 2
• Chronic inflammation leading to sores inside the nose 2
• In rare cases, nasal septal perforation 2

The FDA explicitly warns against using topical nasal decongestants for more than three days, as frequent or prolonged use causes nasal congestion to recur or worsen 3. The preservative benzalkonium chloride in these sprays, when used for 30 days or more, augments local tissue damage 2.

Treatment approach:

• Immediately stop all topical nasal decongestant sprays 2
• Start intranasal corticosteroid spray to control symptoms during the withdrawal period 2
• A short course of oral corticosteroids may be needed if symptoms are severe 2
• Once resolved, investigate for underlying allergic rhinitis that may have prompted the initial decongestant use 2

2. Chronic Rhinitis with Secondary Infection

The internal nasal sores suggest chronic irritation and possible secondary bacterial infection of the nasal vestibule. Contributing factors include:

• Allergic rhinitis: Causes chronic inflammation, nasal congestion, clear rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal itching 2
• Vasomotor (non-allergic) rhinitis: Triggered by irritants like smoke, fumes, and chemicals 2
• Drug-induced rhinitis: From ACE inhibitors, alpha-blockers for prostate issues, or erectile dysfunction medications 2

The external redness and swelling suggest the inflammation has extended beyond the nasal cavity, possibly indicating:

• Nasal vestibulitis (infection of the nasal entrance)
• Early cellulitis of the nasal skin
• Underlying sinusitis with facial involvement 1

3. Atrophic Rhinitis (Less Common)

If your nasal passages feel abnormally dry with crusting, you may have atrophic rhinitis, characterized by:

• Progressive nasal mucosal atrophy 2
• Nasal crusting and dryness 2
• Abnormally wide nasal cavities on examination 2
• Can be secondary to chronic sinusitis or excessive nasal surgery 2

Diagnostic Approach

See a physician for:

1. Physical examination focusing on:

   • Nasal mucosa appearance (pale/bluish swelling suggests allergy; erythema suggests infection) 2
   • Presence of purulent discharge (suggests bacterial infection) 1
   • Extent of external swelling and tenderness 1
   • Assessment for nasal septal perforation or crusting 2

2. Medication review: Document all current medications, especially:

   • Nasal decongestant sprays and duration of use 2
   • Antihypertensive drugs, psychotropic agents 2
   • Any new medications started before symptom onset 2

3. Allergy testing (skin or blood IgE testing) if:

   • Symptoms are chronic or recurrent 2
   • You have seasonal patterns or exposure-related symptoms 2
   • Empiric treatment fails 2

4. Imaging is NOT routinely needed unless complications are suspected 2, 1. CT imaging should only be obtained if you have proptosis, severe headache, vision changes, or other concerning findings suggesting complications 1.

Treatment Strategy

If Rhinitis Medicamentosa:

• Stop topical decongestants immediately 2
• Intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone) daily 2
• Consider short oral corticosteroid course for severe rebound 2

If Allergic Rhinitis:

• Intranasal corticosteroids as first-line therapy 2
• Oral antihistamines or intranasal antihistamines 2
• Allergen avoidance based on testing results 2
• Consider immunotherapy if inadequate response to medications 2

If Bacterial Infection Suspected:

• Topical or systemic antibiotics if purulent secretions are present 2
• Saline nasal irrigation for crusting 2

Supportive Measures:

• Saline nasal irrigation to promote healing and remove crusts 2
• Adequate hydration 4
• Avoid nasal trauma (no picking or excessive blowing) 2
• Humidification of indoor air

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Do not continue using over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays—this will perpetuate the cycle 2, 3
2. Do not ignore facial swelling—this requires evaluation for complications 1
3. Do not assume imaging is needed—it's not indicated for uncomplicated rhinitis 2, 1
4. Do not treat empirically without stopping causative medications (if drug-induced) 2

When to Seek Specialist Referral

Consult an otolaryngologist or allergist if you have 2:

• Prolonged symptoms despite appropriate treatment
• Recurrent episodes
• Complications like chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps
• Need for allergy testing and immunotherapy
• Suspected anatomic abnormalities
• Symptoms significantly impacting quality of life or sleep