As if having a cold or allergies wasn't bad enough, now you have a sore nose as well. Wiping your nose repeatedly can cause the delicate skin around your nostrils to become red, inflamed and even raw, adding to the misery you already feel. You can easily take care of this problem -- and also prevent it from happening in the first place -- by learning and following a few tips.
Causes
A sore nose can be caused by a cold, allergies or flu that goes on for more than a day or so. Each time you blow your nose, the tissue rubs against your skin, creating irritation. While this isn't normally a problem, after wiping or blowing your nose 50 times in a day, the irritation can become quite pronounced. Rough tissue can be part of the problem as well -- purchase tissue with added lotion to help reduce abrasiveness.
Treatment
Take an antihistamine to stop or reduce the constant drainage that is causing you to have to wipe your nose repeatedly. Antihistamines are available over-the-counter and by prescription. To help relieve the immediate problem of your sore nose, apply petroleum jelly or a soothing emollient lotion. If the problem is severe, apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream three times a day, advises the University of Michigan Health Service.
Prevention
If your drippy nose persists, and the cause is allergies, see your physician. She may be able to prescribe a topical steroid spray that will stop your nasal symptoms. You may also need to take an antihistamine on an ongoing basis during allergy season. Ask your doctor which non-sedating formula might be right for you. If the cause is a cold or the flu, however, the best thing you can do is to continue to apply soothing petroleum jelly to your nose and blow it gently. When your nose feels drippy, instead of making a wiping motion, simply hold the tissue against your nostrils, blotting any discharge.
Quick Fix
If you find yourself getting a sore nose while at work or another place where applying petroleum jelly or hydrocortizone cream is not convenient, apply unscented lip balm to the skin under your nose to help soothe and protect the delicate skin in that area immediately. Keep a tube of lip balm handy just for this purpose if you are prone to getting a sore nose. Keep it separate from the balm you use for your lips, and throw it away after your cold has resolved.
