Dry weather, sinus infections and even pregnancy can suck the moisture from your nasal membranes, leaving the sensitive skin there parched, itchy and prone to bleeding. As your nose dries out, mucous builds up inside it, causing congestion and stuffiness. Dry nose is rarely a serious problem, but it's often an uncomfortable one. Treating a dry nose often requires a combination of everyday actions and occasional more intensive treatments.
Step 1
Turn on a humidifier or a vaporizer before you go to bed at night. Adding moisture to the air while you sleep will help moisturize your nose. Close the door to your bedroom to keep the more humid air in the room with you.
Step 2
Use a nasal saline spray every few hours during the day or when your nose starts to feel very dry or itchy. Spritz the saline solution directly into your nostrils. Choose one that contains just saline and water.
Step 3
Dip the tip of a cotton swab into a squeeze of antibiotic ointment, and use the cotton swab to rub a little of the ointment inside your nasal passages, rubbing up about 1 inch. The ointment will protect your nose from cracking and bleeding because of dryness and help seal in moisture.
Step 4
Drink plenty of water to help hydrate your nasal passages.
Step 5
Irrigate your nose once a week by filling a bulb syringe with warm water and gently squeezing the water into your nostril. Keep your head bent over a sink, and tilt your head until you feel the water draining from the opposite nostril. Repeat with your other nostril.
Tips and Warnings
- You can substitute petroleum jelly for antibacterial ointment, but be aware that in a few rare cases, people who have inhaled petroleum jelly developed a condition called lipoid pneumonia. If you do get a nosebleed, keep your head raised and hold a clean tissue or cloth pressed firmly against your nose to stop the blood. Don't lie down or tilt your head back, which could make the bleeding worse.
- Sometimes, a persistent dry nose can be a symptom of a more serious health condition. If your nose is frequently dry, see your doctor to rule out more significant health problems.
Things You'll Need
- Humidifier or vaporizer
- Nasal saline spray
- Cotton swab
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bulb syringe
