A dry nose can be an inconvenient and irritating symptom. Whether the inside of your nose or the skin around it feels dehydrated or sore, a dry nose can lead to uncomfortable issues like bleeding, irritation and even cracked skin. Luckily, there are several effective ways to help minimize and relieve dry nose symptoms.
1. Use a Humidifier
Although Charleston has its fair share of humidity, dry indoor air, especially during the winter, can aggravate nasal dryness. Try running a small humidifier at night to keep your nasal passages hydrated. Be careful not to place the humidifier too close to any wood or cloth furniture, as it can lead to damage or mold.
2. Use Soft Tissues
When you have a cold or flu, you may find yourself running through countless tissues. Blowing your nose so many times throughout the day can quickly irritate your nasal passages and the skin around your nose, leading to dryness. To help minimize dryness, make sure to buy soft facial tissues, preferably with lotion in them.
3. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Good hydration starts from the inside out. Not only can drinking plenty of water help keep your skin and nasal passages moisturized, but it can help regulate your body temperature, lubricate your joints, promote healthy organ functioning, prevent infection and improve sleep, cognition and mood quality. Although the right amount of water differs per person, most experts recommend an average of 11 cups per day for women and 16 for men. If you have trouble drinking enough water, add cups of fruit juice or herbal teas from the Charleston Tea Garden to your daily routine.
4. Use a Moisturizer
If your nasal dryness is mainly on the skin around your nose, a moisturizer can help calm dryness and inflammation. Find an unscented, ultra-moisturizing lotion designed for sensitive skin for the best results. If your skin is severely dry or cracked, using petroleum jelly products can help.
5. Treat the Underlying Cause
Nasal dryness often results from persistent runny nose or congestion, which can be caused by a variety of factors. Some common causes include:
- Atrophic rhinitis (when the tissues inside your nose thins or atrophies)
- Allergies
- Sinus infections
- Dry or cold air
- Cold or flu
- Certain medications
- Nasal polyps
- Overuse of decongestant nasal spray
An ENT specialist can help you identify the underlying cause of chronic nasal dryness and find the right treatment method to restore moisture and minimize inflammation.
If you’re experiencing chronic nasal dryness, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.