Home » Nose Condition » Dry Nose Symptoms, Remedies, Treatments, Dry Skin on Nose

Dry Nose Symptoms, Remedies, Treatments, Dry Skin on Nose

We may earn a commission when you purchase via links on this page. See our affiliate disclosure.

Having a dry nose can be an unsightly problem. Unfortunately, most people will have to deal with it at some points in their life particularly as they age. So what can be done about dry nose? Read on to find out about the symptoms, remedies and treatment options available for dry skin on

Dry Nose Symptoms, Remedies, Treatments, Dry Skin on Nose - Dry Skin on Nose
Dryness on the side of the nose

the nose.

Dry Nose Symptoms

Dry nose is usually not a sign of a serious medical problem. Nose dryness may be accompanied other symptoms depending on the underlying ailments or conditions. Some of these symptoms are nasal congestion, reddened skin, and variation in smell.

Some patients may also experience dry mouth, dry eyes and skin rashes among other symptoms.  While these are not an indication of a serious problem, you should seek medical attention immediately (maybe call 911 or 112) if dry nose accompanies by difficulty in breathing.

Very Dry Nose

Having a very dry nose can be an indication of prolonged exposure to moisture stealing condition such as strong winds and cold climate (e.g. during winter), but if it appears persistent, this might be an indication of an underlying skin condition e.g. eczema and it is best to go see a dermatologist or your doctor.

Dry Skin on Nose and What Causes it?

Dry Nose Symptoms, Remedies, Treatments, Dry Skin on Nose
How a dry nose might look

Most people have to contend with dry skin on the nose at some point in their life. This is caused by various factors. The major contributing factor for dry skin on the face is exposure to harsh environmental conditions. This often happens in winter when low humidity levels, and harsh winds deplete the skin’s natural moisture.

People also tend to use furnaces and other heating equipments in winter to keep themselves warm. These can draw the moisture present in the air inside the house, leading to low humidity. As a result, the skin may get drier and you might end up with dry skin on nose as well as other parts of the face.

The ageing process can also make the skin dry leading to a dry skin on and around the nose, as well as other parts of the body such as the hands and legs. The reason why this happens is because the sebaceous glands underneath the skin become less effective as a person grows older.

Poor cleaning routine is another common cause of dry skin on the nose. Some harsh soaps and facial creams, for example, can cause a drying-out effect on the facial skin. Using hot water also depletes the skin of its oils which can make it notable dry. Having extended shower times also has the same effect on the skin. Saunas can also have a drying effect on the nose.

Using a towel the wrong way can also cause or worsen the problem of dry skin. While patting your skin gently after a shower or washing the face is generally recommended, some people rub the towel across the face. This is harsh to the facial skin and often leads to a drying-out effect.

Another culprit for dry skin on the face is the use of certain cosmetics. While it is not possible to state exactly what cosmetics cause this problem since different skins respond differently to different cosmetics, stopping to apply any cosmetic you recently started using on your face may be a great option when trying to get rid of a dry skin on the nose or any other facial area.

Some skin conditions such as eczema, Rosacea and dermatitis can also cause dry skin around nose. Such skin conditions may be accompanied by other symptoms such as red rashes, itching and inflammation of the skin.

Dry nose can also be a side-effect to certain medications such as antihistamines and decongestants. This happens when a person overuses antihistamines and nasal sprays.

Dry Inside Nose

The inside of the nose can also get and feel dry leading to an impairment of nasal functions such as smelling. It can also cause frequent nosebleeds. The skin inside the nose might also get cracked resulting in painful, bleeding fissures. Crusting of the skin can also be experienced. This can make the nasal skin susceptible to bacterial infection.

Dry inside of the nose can be the result of side-effects caused by certain medications such as antihistamines. This can happen following the use of antihistamine drugs and nasal sprays for treatment of runny nose. These typically contain atropine which can make the nasal passages very dry.

Harsh environmental conditions such as high temperatures and low humidity in the air can also cause dry inside of the nose.

Dry inside the nose can also be a symptom for Sjögren’s syndrome and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The two disorders are however very rare.

In addition to drinking lots of water, using some over-the-counter saline nasal sprays can also help. It is also a great idea to invest in a small humidifier in your house to restore moisture in the air. In case you are regularly using some antihistamines, you should seek the advice of your doctor on whether to discontinue using them.

Dry Nose Treatment, Relief and How to Treat Dry Nose

Dry skin on the nose in most clears with an adjustment to your skin cleaning regime in order to not only get rid of the harsh factors but also to restore the skin’s moisture.

How to Fix a Dry Nose

Dry Nose Symptoms, Remedies, Treatments, Dry Skin on Nose - Skin
Dry Skin on Nose

Here are a few steps that can help you fix dry nose:

Pamper your nose with a moisturizing cleanser

Using a moisturizing cleanser is a great way to fix that unsightly dry nose. Preferably use a cleanser with ingredients such as olive and rosemary oils which have a soothing effect on the facial skin.

Before applying the moisturizing cleanser, apply some warm water on the face (or nose) to make it wet. Once done, rinse the cleanser off completely with the water before applying some alcohol-free hydrating toner using a small cotton wool.

Apply a moisturizer

Once you are done washing your nose with a moisturizing cleanser, apply a moisturizing cream or lotion. The best time to do this is just before your skin dries completely in order to trap in some moisture. A product containing skin nourishing ingredients such as avocado oil, rosemary oil or olive oil is a great option.

You should consider applying a moisturizer any time your nose feels dry or tight. Ointments and oils e.g. petroleum jelly, lanolin, and baby oil work best at sealing in moisture, followed creams and lotion. Ideally the moisturizer you choose should have hypoallergenic ingredients which mean it is less likely to cause an irritation of the skin.

Apply a facial mask once a week

Applying a moisturizing facial mask once per week is also a great way to fix a dry nose. This not only moisturizes but also nourishes your face (and nose of course). Simply apply it on the face and leave it for the recommended time before rinsing it off with water. The instructions however vary from one facial mask to another.

Drink enough water

Water is important for hydration of the skin, so you should as recommended by doctors drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.

Use a sunscreen

Direct sunlight is a common cause of skin dryness. So if you are frequently getting a nose that is dry, you should consider applying a sunscreen to not only your nose but also any other exposed area of your skin before going out in the sun.

How to Cure a Dry Nose

Restoring moisture can treat dry nose. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using mild cleanses and soaps on your face. This coupled with a moisturizing regimen thereafter e.g. using a petrolatum jelly or lanolin can easily cure a dry nose.

However, if dry nose doesn’t seem to clear even with an adjustment to your cleansing and moisturizing routine, or if it gets worse, you should consider seeing your doctor.

Dry Nose Symptoms, Remedies, Treatments, Dry Skin on Nose - Treatment
Remedies

Dry Nose Remedies

Even though a nose that is dry is usually not a serious problem, you may want to use home remedies to restore moisture and prevent further dryness on the nose. Here are several dry nose remedies that you may consider:

  • Petroleum jelly: Applying a little amount of petroleum jelly on the nose can help to seal in moisture. The best time to do this is after a face wash or shower. You should however use a small amount inside the nose as excess petroleum jelly can get swallowed or leak into the nasal cavity.
  • Invest in a humidifier: A small humidifier in your room can help to maintain optimal humidity level and thus prevent nose dryness.
  • Saline sprays: This is yet another great home remedy for nose dryness. You can get a saline spray in most drugstores.
  • Apply sesame oil or other moisturizers: Applying a little sesame oil inside the nose also helps to relieve nose dryness. A little calamine lotion can also be used inside the nasal passages to restore moisture.

If the dry nose problem however doesn’t seem to clear with the use of the above home remedies or gets worse, you should consider seeing a doctor.

Suggested Further Reading:

Leave Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *.