The primary purpose of the nose is to process air before it reaches the lungs, states the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO). The nose is responsible for filtering, humidifying and warming inhaled air. Without proper care, the nose is unable to perform these basic functions, which leaves the sinuses and lungs vulnerable. Injury, surgery, illness or a lack of environmental humidity can all lead to nose dryness and irritation. During these times, the nose requires special care to encourage healing and prevent infection.
Step 1
Keep your nasal passages moist by using an OTC saline nasal spray. A dry nose is unable to work properly, according to the AAO. To make your own saline solution, mix 1/2 tsp. salt with 12 oz. water. Use the solution two to four times each day when your nose is dry.
Step 2
Use a humidifier inside your home to restore environmental humidity removed by central heating and air conditioning systems. Kaiser Permanente suggests boiling a pot of water on the stove and standing over the steam, if you do not have access to a humidifier.
Step 3
Avoid picking your nose or blowing hard to remove mucus or crusts. Instead, soak a cotton swab in saline and gently wipe around the inside of your nose. This will loosen any crust and dislodge thick mucus. Do not insert the swab beyond the inside rim of your nose.
Step 4
Sterilize any instruments used to cut nasal hairs before each use. The skin inside the nose is delicate. Just a slight scratch from a sharp pair of scissors or other tool can damage your nose and potentially lead to infection. Sterilize nasal tools by pouring rubbing alcohol over them and then allowing them to air dry.
Step 5
Protect your nose from irritation by applying a small amount of petroleum jelly inside both nostrils every few hours when sick or when environmental humidity is especially low.
Step 6
Give your irritated nose a rest by placing a small piece of cotton just inside each nostril. Kaiser Permanente states that this will prevent drying and increased irritation caused by airflow into and out of the nose.
Step 7
Prevent dry skin on your nose by applying a moisturizing lotion every morning and again before bed. Moisturize before putting on your makeup. Moisturizers are available with built-in sunscreen.
Step 8
Avoid exposing your nose to allergens and environmental irritants, such as pollen, dust mites, cigarette smoke, animal dander and fur and chemical fumes. Inhalation of these irritants can cause nasal inflammation, congestion and dryness.
Step 9
Take care of nosebleeds by sitting upright and leaning forward while pinching your nose with your thumb and index finger. Continue pinching for 10 minutes. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping your head higher than your heart for several hours after the bleeding stops to prevent re-bleeding. Frequent nosebleeds require medical evaluation.
Step 10
Use OTC medications designed to relieve nasal congestion carefully. Decongestants, antihistamines and mucolytic medications are effective at opening the nasal passages and thinning mucus, but these medications may cause side effects when used long-term. Jackson Sinus recommends choosing single ingredient products whenever possible. The AAO warns against using decongestant sprays, as these may be addictive or worsen nasal problems.
Step 11
Watch for nose-related side effects from medications you are taking. Anti-anxiety medications, birth control pills, beta-blockers, eye drops and diuretics can dry out the throat, increase nasal congestion or cause nasal irritation, according to the AAO. These side effects, when chronic, can damage your nose.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter (OTC) saline nasal spray
- Humidifier
- Cotton swabs
- Rubbing alcohol
- Petroleum jelly
- Cotton balls
- Moisturizer
