Having a dry crusty nose can be an annoying situation, especially when you’re in a public setting. You have to fight the urge to pick because it’s unsightly and unsanitary. However, the discomfort and irritation can get overwhelming sometimes.
Want to know how to keep your nose clean and moist so you never have to pick? Here is a list of all the reasons why your nose might be getting crusty and some effective remedies.
What Is Dry Crusty Nose?
A dry crusty nose is an uncomfortable condition where the nostrils begin to produce sticky, dry mucus. Sometimes, this can even cause your nostrils to get clogged unless you remove the dirt manually.
Sometimes, the crust may even emit a foul odor that you can’t stop smelling since it’s right there in your nostrils. It’s a condition with many potential causes, some external and some internal.
What Other Symptoms Might Occur with Dry Nose?
Here are some of the symptoms that can occur with a dry nose; some of them are extreme conditions.
#1. Bleeding
#2. Redness
#3. Warmth
#4. Swelling of the nostrils
#5. Nasal congestion
#6. Foul odor
A dry nose can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Here are some of the symptoms that have been known to accompany a dry nose, possibly due to infection.
#1. Drowsiness
#2. Infection
#3. Dry mouth
#4. Dry eyes
#5. Skin rashes
#6. Swollen salivary glands
#7. Loss of appetite
#8. Dry skin
#9. Fatigue
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms along with a dry crusty nose, you should promptly seek medical attention:
#1. Blurred vision
#2. Difficulty in breathing
#3. High fever
#4. Irregular heartbeats
#5. Urine retention
Causes Of Dry Crusty Nose
#1. Air Conditioning
Cold air from your air conditioner can trigger the nervous system reflexes in your nose that cause glands and membranes to start producing mucus. This is particularly common in people with allergies. Normally, the mucus is runny, but if the air around you is dry, it can cause a crusty nose.
#2. Desert Climate
One of the main causes of a dry nose is a dry climate. Environments low in humidity can cause your nasal sinuses to become irritated and dry. This causes the mucus produced to become sticky and accumulate dirt from the air you breathe.
#3. Sauna Without Steam
A sauna without any steam is almost the same as being in the desert. If you’ve spent more than half an hour in a seamless sauna, that may be what’s causing your dry nose.
#4. Medications, Such as Decongestants, Antihistamines, And Anticholinergics
Many medications cause nasal dryness as a side-effect, most commonly antibiotics. If you’re on an antibiotic cycle or some other form of medication, your nose should start feeling better once you’ve completed it.
#5. Misuse Of Nasal Sprays
Over or underuse of a prescription nasal spray can irritate your nostrils and cause dryness. You need to follow the instructions provided on the bottle or by your physician when you’re using any kind of nasal spray.
#6. Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic dryness in your nose by attacking the mucus and moisture-producing membranes of the body. This also causes dryness in the mouth and eyes. It needs to be treated by a medical professional.
Treatment For Dry Crusty Nose
1. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly, or Vaseline as it’s also commonly referred to, is a moisturizer that’s applied externally to keep your skin or lips moist.
Smear the petroleum jelly on the tip of your finger and apply it to the inner walls of your nostril. This will keep them moist throughout the day. And the jelly’s pretty thick, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally inhaling it.
2. Humidifier
Humidifiers are especially effective if you live in a dry climate. Humidifiers work by adding some much-needed moisture into the air, so that the air you breathe isn’t dry. It can help clear your sinuses, reduce inflammation, and thin mucus.
The effects of a humidifier don’t last long but it does provide instant relief if you’re ever experiencing tremendous discomfort.
3. Nasal Spray
There are a variety of over-the-counter nasal sprays available at your local pharmacy. They contain a small amount of salt and sterilized water and help to loosen mucus that’s trapped in the nose.
Just one spray in each nostril can give you a couple of hours of relief with no dryness or crustiness. It’s an effective solution to eliminate and prevent the crust from forming again.
Make sure you purchase the correct type of spray. They’re each designed to deal with a specific symptom.
- Steroid Nasal Sprays – For calming inflammation, sneezing, and a runny nose.
- Antihistamine Nasal Spray – For treating seasonal allergies.
- Decongestant Nasal Spray – To cure stuffy nose.
- Saline Nasal Spray – To keep the dry nose moist.
4. Steam Or Sauna
Inhaling warm moist air can thin the mucus in your nasal passageway and clear up your sinuses. There are also a number of other health benefits you can acquire with steam therapy.
5. Damp Wipes
A damp wipe or wet wipe can help you clean the inner walls of your nose and provide a coating of moisture to prevent dryness. It’s a much cleaner solution than picking your nose and lets you have the satisfaction of getting your finger in.