Hen's nostrils are wearing away.........

[Country4ever]

My 4 remaining hens are very old.........10 years 8 months. One of them (an easter egger) has white around the tops of her nostrils. I took a better look today, and it looks like the beak substance is wearing away, around both nostrils. I haven't seen anyone picking on her. She doesn't have any drainage and is acting fine (other than she's living with a bad limp). Any ideas what this might be?
Thanks.

 

[Country4ever]

anyone?

I've found only a few articles about this. Seems like its either a fungus or a mite. One person had it in their 8 year old chicken. Maybe its just what happens when they get really old? My other 3 don't have it.
Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

Favus is a common fungus in chickens and is treated with miconazole, lotrimin, and other antifungal creams. I haven't seen anything about it affecting nostrils, but if you post a picture, you may get more replies.

 

[Country4ever]

Thanks Eggcessive.

It would be hard to get a pic of her for now. Do you think I could just use human antifungal cream? Have you ever heard of mites causing this?
Thanks again.

 

[Eggcessive]

I've never heard of the mites doing this, but fungal infections are rather common. They look white, ray, or yellow like powder. Human antifungal creams are fine to use--just apply it, and clear the nostrils with a Q-tip. This is a picture off the web of favus: