Putting cream on ham's nose?

[Nika]

Hi, my little Pepper has started having some scabs on his nose. It seems to bother him quite a bit, so I took him to the vet. We received a cream to put on his nose, and while the vet said it shouldn't be harmful for him to ingest, it is best if he doesn't (plus wiping it off immediately will hardly let it work).

Does anyone have any advice on how to prevent him from washing it off right after I smear it on his nose? He's not a huge fan of being held for extended periods of time, and it's not like holding his little hands away from his little face for several minutes is possible or fun for either of us.

Thanks!