Some individuals experience dryness of the nose. It is true that it does not happen to most people. However, it is a common symptom of some environmental changes. Also, some individuals experience this dryness due to side-effects of some medicines. In general, the nose in the human needs a certain level of humidity to carry out its functions rightly. When they visit places with extremely hot or dry environment, people can face dry nose issue. Even, some individuals face this issue when they stay in an air-conditioned room for long. Low humidity can also contribute to dry nose.
What Type Of Medicines Causes Dry Nose?
Dry nose occurs as a side-effect of medications like decongestants and antihistamines. Most people experience this issue from the overuse of nasal sprays and antihistamines.
Which Diseases Cause Dry Nose?
Not just environmental factors and medications, a disease can also contribute to dry nose. Yes, an autoimmune disease called
Sjogren’s syndrome is known to cause dry nose. It also causes, dry mouth and dry eyes, which results in the dry nose as well. The reason is that the disease affects the moisture-secreting glands and mucous membranes in the entire body. Generally, healthy tear flow drains through the nasal passages. When there is inadequate tearing that occurs as a result of this disease, it reduces this source of nasal moisture, thereby causing dryness. The relieving thing here is that dryness is not a serious health condition. However, if it arises along with high
Fever or difficulty in breathing, it is better to seek medical help. Otherwise, some effective home remedies that are natural can effectively address the dry nose issue.
Symptoms Occurring With A Dry Nose
The dry nose can accompany other symptoms that will differ based on the underlying disease. The reason is that condition that regularly affects the nose may also involve the other systems in the human body. The symptoms that commonly occur with dry nose include:
- Swelling, warmth, redness in the nose
- Nasal Congestion
- Change or alternation in the smell
- Bleeding
Further, some individuals will experience swollen salivary glands,
Skin Rashes, and prolonged fatigue. Even, some will have loss of appetite, dry skin and mouth along with dry eyes and drowsiness. Blurred vision is yet another symptom associated with a dry nose.
Read More On Flu Remedies
How About The Natural Remedies?
In short, not just the dry nose, the symptoms associated with it is something frustrating. So, rather than relying on OTC medicines, the individuals suffering can rely on some natural home remedies like those mentioned below:
1. Coconut OilSome people use petroleum jelly as a remedy for dry nose. But, it can affect the lungs when it reach trachea and lungs. The best and safe alternative to petroleum jelly is coconut oil.
How To Use? - Dip a cotton swab into the pure extra virgin coconut oil and apply in the nostrils. Unlike petroleum jelly it will not affect lungs, so it is safe to use. Further, the good aroma will also bring a good feel
- If the coconut oil has turned solid due to a cold climate, just melt till semi liquid before applying
- You can apply it three times a day if the dryness is severe. Remember to apply once before going to bed.
Alternative Method- Alternatively, you can also pour two drops of coconut oil in each nostril for relief. Just once a day use will make it an effective remedy for dry nose.
Why Is It Effective?Coconut oil soothes dry nose and fills the gap between the dry cells and effectively reduces the pain associated with a dry nose. Coconut oil has excellent healing properties to alleviate the symptoms of dry nose.
2. Try Almond OilAlmond oil soothe dry nose by restoring humidity and ease pain. In addition to this it keeps nasal passage clean by removing dirt from nostrils, relieve blockage and aid in easy breathing.
How To Use?- Dip a cotton swab in almond oil and apply generously in both nostrils to get the best relief
- You can apply almond oil inside your nostrils for 2-3 times a day to relieve dry nose
- Otherwise, you can also use two drops of almond oil in each nostril
Alternative Method- Alternatively, you can add a few drops of almond oil to aloe vera gel and mix thoroughly. Take Q tip and soak in the mixture and then swab inside the nostrils.
- Otherwise apply the mixture all over your nose and face to get relief from the dry nose
- As against aloe vera gel, you can use castor oil along with almond oil to get relief.
How Does It Work?Almond oil is natural emollient, known for its healing and moisturizing properties. It makes skin inside the nostril softer and pliable there by lessen the cracks. Almond oil reduces the evaporation and gives lasting moisture inside the nose. It will relieve all the symptoms and pain associated with a dry nose.
3. Take A Steam BathYou might feel crazy about this remedy but it really works against the dry nose. You might be wondering how to take sauna bath or steam bath at home. But it is highly possible. Here is how to do it:
How To Take A Sauna Bath At Home?- Select the smallest bathroom in your house. It is important to make sure that the steam and the heat generated quickly as compared to a larger bathroom.
- Take a clean washed cloth. Remember to soak it in cold water. It is better to keep it handy when you take a sauna bath. The reason is that it will come handy if you feel too much hot and need to cool off yourself.
- Close the doors and windows and block the gaps if any, so that air will not filter in or escape out.
- Plug in your bathtub drain and fill hot water into the tub and get into the hot water tub.
Alternative Method- Alternatively, you can use some aroma oil in the sauna bath water
- The oil will bring in better relaxation for sure.
How Does It Work?Sauna bath treat dry nose by improving blood circulation. It will also relieve the soreness if any caused by cold and flu. Of course, you can take a sauna bath in the centres dedicated for this purpose as well but, it will cost you more.
4. Consider Using Saline WaterYou might be wondering how saline water can turn out to be a home remedy? But, the fact is that you can make saline water at your home. It is not a rocket science. Saline water is nothing but salt water.
How To Make A Saline Solution?Ingredients- You should have half a teaspoon of sea salt or Himalayan rock salt. Remember not to use iodized table salt.
- Also, you will need one cup or around 250 ml of water.
How To Prepare?- Bring the water to boil. The reason is that boiling will kill the bacteria.
- Just dissolve the salt in the water and let it cool. Your saline solution is now ready.
How To Use?- Fill the prepared saline water in a spray bottle
- Just spray it in both nostrils to relieve symptoms of dry nose
- Otherwise, you can also drop the solution directly in both nostrils to relieve the symptoms of dry nose.
How Does It Work?Saline water is effective in restoring the moisture content in your nostrils. Further, due to the antibacterial property of the salt, it will get rid of bacteria causing the dryness in your nasal passage.
5. Mustard OilMustard oil is also an effective solution for the dry nose like coconut oil and other essential oils.
How To Use?- Take some mustard oil in a swab and apply inside nostrils
- Otherwise, drop a few drops of mustard oil in nostrils
- Once you drop the oil, inhale slowly such that the oil will reach the nostril passage as well
- Do it before going to bed and repeat daily for at least a week to treat dryness.
How Does It Work?As mustard oil has a greasy texture, it will help with relieving dryness in the nose. It will also maintain healthy moisture levels to help with dryness. Further, if cold and flu are causing dryness, with its anti-bacterial properties, this oil will bring the right relief.
6. Aloe Vera GelAloe vera gel with its excellent moisturizing property will help with relieving dry nose.
How To Use?- You can find aloe vera gels available in the market. Make sure to choose a dependable brand
- Otherwise, you can get the natural gel from the aloe vera plant
- Apply the gel in both nostrils using a cotton swab
- It will effectively reduce irritation caused by dry nostrils.
Alternative MethodYou can also mix the aloe vera gel with sweet almond oil. Take both in an equal quantity of a quarter spoons each. Apply generously on both sides of the nostrils to get the required relief.
How Does It Work?Aloe vera gel is known for its moisturizing abilities. It also has the ability to relax the nasal tissues. It will also bring down the pain and even it will treat cracks in the nostrils to bring relief from pain and itchiness.
7. Olive Oil
- Olive oil is one of the effective remedies for dry nose. You can use this oil similar to the coconut and almond oil. Take some oil in a swab and can apply it inside your nostrils to get the best relief.
- The good thing about this oil is that in addition to hydrating, it will also relieve swelling and irritation inside your nose.
- Alternatively, you can also put the olive oil in a dropper and pour a few drops in both nostrils. To get the utmost benefits, you can use this oil two times a day.
8. Warm CompressYou can apply warm compress on the upper cheeks, nose, and forehead to easily get rid of both the dry nose and nasal congestion.
How To Use Warm Compress?- Take some warm water in a bowl and make sure that the water is not too hot
- The temperature should be comfortable for you but, it should not be colder than your body temperature
- Dip a cotton towel in the warm water
- Apply the warm towel on your forehead, nose, and upper cheeks.
Alternative MethodAlternatively, you can add essential oils or even sea salt to the warm water for warm compress.
How Does It Work?The warm water massage will decongest your sinuses. In turn, it will ensure better
Mucus flow. When there is a natural mucus flow, the dryness will automatically disappear.
Now, you know the remedies that are effective in addressing dry nose at home. But, you should also learn the ways to prevent dry nose. Here are some ways to prevent it:How To Avoid Dry Nose?
- Make sure to clean your nose regularly. It will avoid bacterial build-up.
- You can practice daily nose cleaning with warm water before going to bed. It will maintain the moisture content.
- Most of the time people with dry nose pick their nose. They do this due to irritation. But, it will actually worsen the condition. So, avoid doing it.
- When you visit places with high temperature, toxic gases, pollutants, and allergens, it is better to wear a mask. It will prevent the unwanted pollutants from getting into your nose and cause dryness.
- Also, drink plenty of water. It will keep your body hydrated. Dehydration is one of the important factors contributing towards not just dryness of skin, but also dryness in the nose.
- Indoor plants and gardening can help with preventing dryness in the air. Plants transpire and the water you feed them for their growth eventually gets to the air through their leaves. So, the good moisture content will be present in the air inside your home. In turn, you can prevent dry nose.
- You can also consider taking herbal teas on a regular basis. Herbal teas are effective remedies during the winter season to decongest not just your nose, but also your respiratory pathways.
