Almost everyone knows the unpleasant feeling: dry, itchy and reddened skin around the nose. Especially in the winter months, when colds are at their peak and we frequently switch between cold outside air and warm indoor air, the sensitive nasal mucosa is particularly stressed. But other factors such as environmental influences or certain medications can also impair the natural protective function of the nasal mucosa and dry it out.
Fortunately, in most cases you can actively combat these complaints with simple measures – we have summarized some tips for you in this blog post.
How does a dry nose occur? – Causes and triggers
A dry nose can be caused by various factors, which usually dry out the nasal mucosa or impair its natural function. A combination of different causes is also possible. Common triggers are:
- Lack of skin moisture
- Insufficient fluid intake
- Dry indoor air caused by heaters in winter or air conditioning in summer
- External stimuli and environmental pollution caused by exhaust fumes, fine dust or tobacco smoke in the environment
- Fluctuations in hormone levels caused by menopause or pregnancy
- Flu, cold and allergy with constant nose blowing
- Side effects of medicines such as antihistamines, cortisone-containing creams and excessive use of nasal sprays with decongestant effects
- Medical interventions, treatments and rheumatic diseases
Typical symptoms of dry nasal mucous membranes
The typical symptoms of a dry nose include not only the dryness itself, but also an unpleasant tickling and/or itching , which leads to an increased urge to sneeze . The dryness can also cause the nasal mucous membranes to become sore and inflamed , which often leads to the formation of crusts and occasional nosebleeds . It can also happen that the nose becomes blocked due to the irritated and swollen mucous membranes, which impairs breathing and the sense of smell .
What can you do about a dry nose?
- Moisturizing care for the skin : The most effective immediate help for a dry nose is a particularly rich moisturizing care. It helps to moisturize the mucous membranes and supports the natural regeneration of the skin. Our med balm nourishes the skin with a selection of hypoallergenic ingredients such as almond oil, organic jojoba oil, organic cocoa butter and organic shea butter, making it velvety soft again.
- Drink a lot and regularly : Sufficient fluid intake should generally be part of your everyday life, but it also ensures that the mucous membranes remain moist.
- Increase humidity: Especially in the cold season or when the air in the room is dry, regular ventilation and the installation of a humidifier can help to improve the indoor climate and prevent the nasal mucosa from drying out.
- Minimize external stimuli : Even if external stimuli in the environment can only be avoided to a limited extent, you should avoid exposure to polluted air and tobacco smoke (including passive smoking) as much as possible in order to protect your irritated nasal mucous membranes.
- Inhalation for cold symptoms : Inhalations provide soothing care for dry or irritated mucous membranes caused by cold symptoms. Steam baths with additives such as thyme or eucalyptus moisten the mucous membranes and at the same time have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.
Dry nose in babies – what helps?
Our tip : Moisten a cotton swab with our med balm and gently use it to care for your baby's nostrils. This will gently remove any crusts and keep the mucous membranes supple. Nasal sprays and other medications should only be used in consultation with your pediatrician.
OUR EXPERT
Dr. med Michaela Hagemann I boep founder, doctor & mother of three
