A case of a dry nose can be really irritating. It can be caused by breathing excessively, which in turn dries the mucus inside your nasal lining. Without the mucus, your nose becomes dry. While it’s simply more irritating than serious, leaving your nose dry could cause the skin inside to crack and give you a nasty nosebleed.
Dry nose usually last for just a few minutes or hours. However, some cases take five days, and more serious ones can go on for up to ten days. In this case, you might want to check your doctor for it could be a sign of a more serious illness.
For minor and simply irritating cases of dry nose, here are a few remedies you can try out:
- You can apply a tiny drop of petroleum jelly on the tip of your finger and spread it around the insides of your nostrils. Petroleum jelly is a good moisturizer and is completely safe for this type of treatment.
- Dip a cotton swab in a teaspoon of coconut oil and apply it in your nostrils. Not only does it make your nose moist, it also softens the skin that had to harden due to dryness. Also, it allows the dried mucus in your nasal lining to be easily removed.
- Boil two cups of water and pour them in a bowl. Now breathe in the water for at least five minutes and allow the steam to enter your nose. The steam rising from the hot water is condensed water vapor, and letting it into your nostrils allows the steam to slowly convert to tiny droplets of water as they are trapped within your nasal lining. This effectively moistens your dry nose and gives you a feeling of comfort. To make this remedy more effective and pleasant, you may add mint as well.
- Cutting up onions, though odd this remedy might be, is also effective in regulating the flow of mucus. Onions contain an unstable chemical called syn-propanediol-S-oxide that stimulates crying. As you cry, your tears are drained out by a passage at the inner corner of your eye which leads to your nose. This is the reason why our noses run when we cry.
- There are also nasal sprays and ointments available. Some of these are used specifically for dry nose, while some target specific glands in your body to induce the production of mucus. These may be purchased from local convenience stores and pharmacies. Take note that you must follow the instructions and cautions listed in the container if there are any. They might notify you of doses and side effects.
- Baby wipes can also help. Wipe the wet fabric along your nostrils to prevent irritation and drying. If these wet wipes aren’t available, you may take a piece of tissue and dampen (dampen; not drench) with cold water. You may use other liquids also, like petroleum jelly or coconut oil. But you must avoid using alcohol as these dry up too quickly, and might irritate any wounds you have in your nose caused by a cracked skin.
- The dry nose could also be a result of intense heat and dehydration. So always keep your fluid levels maintained, especially in summer. Drinking water also assists in stimulating the flow of mucus. Also, stay indoors and turn down the temperature. If you live in hot regions, turn on the fan or air conditioner. But avoid direct exposure to wind as this might dry up your nose even more.
- Going to a sauna is one of the most pleasant ways to treat dry nose. As mentioned, the condensed water vapor is effective in keeping your dry nose moist, and a sauna is a whole room full of it. Not only does it relieves you from your nasal irritation, but helps regulates blood circulation as well. Take note not to stay in the sauna too long, though. The heat will make you sweat out the water in your body and lead to dehydration. Always drink a lot of water as you exit a sauna.
- Treating your dry nose could be as simple as dabbing your nose with a damp cotton swab every few minutes. But since just simply water dries too quickly, it is advisable to use petroleum jelly or coconut oil as simple remedies.
- Avoid going outside if your nose is still irritated. One of the leading cause of dry nose is breathing too much air, which dries the mucus inside. Going outside means you are most likely to be exposed to the wind, dust, and smoke from passing vehicles. Part of the treatment is keeping the ailment from getting worse, so it’s best to stay indoors where your nose is safe. If you must go outside, a quiet, peaceful park is the best place to take a stroll.
There are a lot of other treatments for dry nose also. Keep in mind that the nose must stay moist, so do what you can to keep it in that state. You may use a lot of other homemade remedies as well other than petroleum jelly or coconut oil. As long is it’s safe and easy on the nose, you may use it. Lastly, remember to keep your nose clean. Don’t pick it with your fingers – this is a bad habit and might cause further damage. Instead, use a damp cotton swab and gently dab your nose. In hours, your dry nose will just be another memory. But if it lasts for more than a few days, then it’s best to call your doctor.
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