Dry Nose (Nasal Dryness)

What a dry nose feels like

The inside of the nose is lined with mucous membrane that keeps itself moist. It warms and humidifies the air you breathe and traps dust. When it dries out you may notice:

• a tight, burning or stinging feeling inside the nostrils
• crusts or hard flakes of dried mucus
• small nosebleeds, especially when blowing your nose
• itchiness, soreness or cracked skin just inside the nostril
• a stuffy feeling even though little mucus comes out
• a dry throat on waking, often from mouth breathing at night

Dry nose is especially common in the winter, in dry climates and at high altitude.

Causes of a dry nose

Environment

• Low humidity: central heating, wood stoves and air conditioning dry the air. Indoor humidity often drops below 30% in winter.
• Dry climates and air travel: airplane cabin air is very dry.
• Smoke and irritants: cigarette smoke, dust and chemical fumes damage the lining.

Medicines and nasal sprays

• Decongestant sprays such as oxymetazoline. Using them for more than 3 days causes rebound congestion and dryness, called rhinitis medicamentosa.
• Oral antihistamines and decongestants, which dry secretions.
• Steroid nasal sprays, especially when aimed at the center of the nose (the septum). Aim slightly outward instead.
• Isotretinoin for acne, which dries all mucous membranes.
• Diuretics, some antidepressants and other medicines with drying side effects.

Breathing equipment

CPAP for sleep apnea and home oxygen deliver dry, moving air. A heated humidifier attachment usually solves this.

Health conditions

• Sjögren's syndrome: an autoimmune disease that attacks moisture glands. Dry nose comes with dry eyes and dry mouth.
• Aging: the nasal lining makes less mucus with age.
• Dehydration, including from illness or low fluid intake.
• Atrophic rhinitis (rhinitis sicca): thinning of the lining with crusts and sometimes a bad smell, more common after nasal surgery or in hot, dry regions.
• Empty nose syndrome: a rare problem after surgery that removes too much nasal tissue. The nose feels dry and paradoxically blocked.
• Hormonal changes, including menopause and hypothyroidism.

Painful sores inside a dry nose

Dry, cracked skin inside the nostrils lets bacteria in. Picking or frequent nose blowing makes it worse.

Do not squeeze spots inside the nose. Veins in the central face drain toward the brain, so infections here are treated carefully.

People who get repeated staph infections in the nose may be offered treatment to clear staph carriage, such as an antibiotic ointment applied inside the nostrils for several days.

Dry nose and nosebleeds

Most nosebleeds come from a cluster of tiny vessels at the front of the septum called Kiesselbach's area. A dry, cracked lining here bleeds easily. Keeping the nose moist is the most effective way to prevent nosebleeds.

To stop a nosebleed: sit up and lean forward, pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for 10 to 15 minutes without letting go, and breathe through your mouth. Do not tilt your head back.

How dry nose is diagnosed

A doctor diagnoses dry nose by looking inside the nostrils with a light. They will ask about your home environment, medicines, nasal spray use, CPAP and symptoms such as dry eyes and mouth. Blood tests for Sjögren's syndrome or thyroid function are done only if other symptoms suggest them. A swab may be taken from recurring sores to identify bacteria.

Dry nose treatment and remedies

Moisturize the nose

• Saline nasal spray or drops several times a day. Saline is safe for long-term use and for all ages.
• Saline or water-based nasal gel at night for longer-lasting moisture.
• A thin smear of petroleum jelly just inside the nostrils can help occasionally. Use only a small amount and never deep inside the nose, and avoid it with home oxygen because of fire risk.
• Sesame oil drops are used by some people, though evidence is limited.

Fix the air

• Use a humidifier in the bedroom, aiming for 40% to 50% humidity. Clean it regularly to prevent mold.
• Add a heated humidifier to CPAP.
• Avoid smoke and fumes.

Change habits

• Stop decongestant sprays after 3 days. If you are dependent on them, a doctor can help you wean off, often with a steroid spray.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether any of your medicines could be drying.
• Drink enough fluids.
• Avoid picking. Keep fingernails short and use saline to soften crusts before removing them gently.

Treat any infection

Infected sores, folliculitis or a nasal boil may need a prescription antibiotic ointment or tablets.

Frequently asked questions

What causes a dry nose?

The most common causes are dry indoor air from heating or air conditioning, overusing decongestant sprays, oral antihistamines, CPAP machines and smoking. Medical causes include Sjögren's syndrome, isotretinoin treatment, aging and dehydration. Dry nose is worse in winter and in dry climates.

What are the painful white-head sores inside my nose?

Recurring white-head bumps inside the nostrils are usually folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles, often by staph bacteria. Dryness, picking and plucking nose hairs make them more likely. Warm compresses help. A doctor can prescribe an antibiotic ointment, and treat carriage of staph if they keep coming back.

What is the best remedy for a dry nose?

Saline nasal spray during the day, a saline or water-based gel at night, and a bedroom humidifier work for most people. Stop decongestant sprays, avoid smoke, and drink enough fluids. Improvement usually follows within a few days.

Can a dry nose cause nosebleeds?

Yes. Dry, cracked lining at the front of the nose bleeds easily, especially when you blow, rub or pick it. Moisturizing with saline gel and using a humidifier are the best ways to prevent recurring nosebleeds.

Is Vaseline safe for a dry nose?

A small amount of petroleum jelly just inside the nostril is generally fine for short-term use. Do not apply large amounts or push it deep inside, as inhaled oil can rarely irritate the lungs. Avoid it entirely if you use home oxygen. Water-based gels are a safer choice.