Hi F Jean,
I am newly diagnosed in July. At the time of my diagnosis I had multiple, very painful sores in both nostrils. There was no uninvolved tissue. I was miserable, could not find an explanation for the sores, and was frantic. The oozing from the sores was so bad it had become obvious to others at work.
I began taking Plaquenil and the sores resolved spontaneously about 2 weeks later. About 3 weeks after that, I overexerted myself and new sores reappeared in my left nostril, along with a very swollen lymph gland in my neck on the same side. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic and I used antibiotic ointment (Muciprocin?). The sores went away again after a few days.
A culture showed the nose sore to be a form of staph so we are watching carefully if more appear. I have learned that for me, nose sores are a sign of uncontrolled lupus. I am still learning my own triggers but can certainly sympathize with you on this one. Hope this helps!