How do i know if i have a cold sore in my nose or shingles?

Distribution.: Cold sores are typically a single blister, or a small solitary group of blisters. Shingles would usually extend from your nose along one cheek, and around to the back of the head. But not every case is typical, and there are other causes of sores in the nose, such as bacteria, traumatic injury, and various tumors. If the sore persists, let your doctor take a look and tell you exactly what it is.