How to Prevent Bloody Noses

Overview

Spontaneous nosebleeds, where no injury is involved, are fairly common in children and young adults. Noses bleed when tiny, fragile blood vessels in the nasal passage burst. Although nosebleeds often continue on into adulthood, generally the older you get, the less frequent they happen.

Step 1

Steam up the bathroom. Take showers instead of baths every day or night, so that you fill the bathroom with moist air. Breathe in the air to moisturize your nasal passages.

Step 2

Use a humidifier. Unless you live in a particularly humid climate and the air inside your home is naturally moist, keep a cool humidifier going in your bedroom at night while you sleep, and on your desk or in any room where you spend a lot of time during the day.

Step 3

Rearrange your bedroom. If you sleep close to heater in winter months, moving your bed to another location might help prevent your nose from getting dry while you sleep.

Step 4

Cool down the room. Keep your thermostat set for under 65 degrees F, especially at night, to prevent dry heat from aggravating the nasal membranes while you sleep.

Step 5

Use a saline spray. If your nose feels dry, or if you suffer from allergies or take allergy medication that might have a drying effect, spray a mist of saline solution into each nostril several times a day.

Step 6

Apply petroleum jelly. With a Q-tip or the tip of your finger, apply a dab or petroleum jelly or a drop of unscented oil, such as Vitamin E or mineral oil in and around each nostril.