The list of things that can dry out a person's nasal passages is seemingly endless--the environment, dust, dry air from household heating systems, decongestants, allergies or the medication to control them, among others. In addition to the annoying itchiness and redness that accompanies dry nose, flaky, dry skin can appear at the entry of the nose and the potential for nosebleeds is greater. Treating a dry nose is as simple as boiling water or using a spray.
Humidify your space
If the source of dryness is the space around you, try to introduce some humidity to the air. Water vapor conditions the nasal passages, reducing the inflammation and pain that accompany dry nose. Purchase a vaporizer or humidifier from a drug or home improvement store. These can add much-needed humidity to a room or whole house. An old home remedy calls for boiling a pot of water and standing near, but not over, the steaming pot. The evaporated water can be breathed in, soothing the nose.
Use a saline solution
Drug stores carry different nasal sprays for different conditions. A handful of sprays contain a saline solution and no medication at all. These sprays bathe the sinus and nostrils, hydrating the top layer of skin and flushing any foreign particles from the passages. The sprays are perfectly safe, as their only ingredients are salt and water.
Moisturize dry passages
Help the healing process by using a moisturizer. Aloe vera and water-based moisturizers have long been used to treat sunburns and skin irritations and have the same effect on the nose. Using a cotton swab or a clean finger, take a dab of the moisturizer and gently coat each nostril. This topical application will be absorbed by the nasal wall and hydrate the nasal passage.
Use petroleum jelly
Much like the moisturizing cream, petroleum jelly can heal dryness and help restore order to a dry nose. However, the Mayo Clinic warns that prolonged application of petroleum jelly to the nose can lead to it accumulating in the lungs, resulting in a serious form of pneumonia called lipoid pneumonia.
