It’s that dreadful time when you have a cold again. Not only are you tired, cranky, and quite frankly not looking forward to work. You look like the dead and no amount of makeup can help. Your throat hurts, your whole-body hurts, and your nose is visibly peeling, cracked and inflamed.
Causes – dry nose and blowing
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In fact, colds are the main cause of a dry nose.
Small cracks in the skin around your nose develop when the dry skin in the area is irritated. The irritation is caused by blowing it. The tissue causes excess friction which causes the small cracks to develop around your nose.
Not only that, but the wet mucus dripping into the skin evaporates and causes even more dryness.
It seems hopeless often, but there are some things you can do to look a little better during the cold season.
Chapped nose treatment
1. Hydrate it
Your body needs water, especially when you are sick. Drinking plenty of liquids keeps your skin from drying.
It is also suggested that you avoid showering with very hot water although this is especially nice when you are sick. Try however to keep the water off your face if you are like me and can’t help it. It may even allow your nose to heal a little in the steam of the shower.
2. Petroleum jelly
A heavy ointment like Vaseline is well advised for helping soothe a chapped nose. That’s because they absorb into the skin, relieving dryness.
Vaseline however, is far too great to gracefully put on below make up and too shiny to walk around with. For those reasons, it’s better to apply a thick layer on the skin of your nose before you sleep. This way, all the moisture is absorbed all night long. During the day, opt for a thick cream instead.
You can also rub a small amount into the inside lining of your nose. It is not harmful when used sparingly as your stomach can handle it. But don’t use it too much.
3. Tissue
Although there are moisturizing tissues out there, made for the very same purpose, they may make the problem worse. this is simply because the additives and fragrances can be irritating on raw, cracked skin.
Instead, use baby wipes specially formulated to prevent irritation or simply dampen a tissue and wipe it around your nose.
If ever there was a time to splurge on tissue, this would be it. Cheaper tissue brands are usually too harsh, especially when you have a cold. Use plain, soft tissue if you can.
4. Humidifier
A dry mist humidifier helps to increase the humidity levels in the room, preventing excessive drying. Because of this, a humidifier used all night offers relief to your nose and nasal passages.
5. Nasal spray
These are useful to wet the nasal passage reducing dryness and as a result, chapping. They also help moisturize your nose and clean out any dirt or dust.
Nasal sprays can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy.
Home remedies
1. Honey
Honey is priceless in the kitchen. Along with being fantastic for your skin, it is also good at getting rid of redness and soreness around the nose. It also helps with regeneration of cells.
Apply a thick layer directly on it and wait for 30 minutes, after which you can choose to rise it off with warm water or dab it dry with a soft dampened cloth.
2. Vitamin e oil
Vitamin E is especially adept at rehydrating the skin. Use a few drops and rub gently along the irritated area and leave it on.
3. Aloe Vera and almond oil
Aloe Vera is well known for being soothing on irritated skin. Almond oil also works to soften the area. These can be used separately or together to increase healing. If used together, mix in a 2:1 ratio of almond oil and aloe gel respectively.
This mixture can also be applied on the inner lining of the nose, however, only in small amounts. A cotton swab dipped in the mixture should do the trick, and it makes application easier.
4. Coconut oil
Also, priceless to have as it is hydrating to the skin and locks in moisture. It can be used to help ease the dryness on your nose.
Use the oil in a liquid form (heat if necessary.) A few drops are all it takes. Rub it into the top area on and around it. You can use these 4 or 5 times a day.
You can also use it on the inside its lining using cotton swabs.
5. Sesame oil and tumeric
Sesame oil helps keep the skin soft and moisturized while turmeric is a natural antiseptic. A mix of the two is wonderful for a chapped nose.
Combine ½ a tsp of turmeric powder and 1 tsp if sesame oil. Apply the concoction on your nose before bed. Keep it overnight and rinse with lukewarm water in the morning. After rinsing, apply a little sesame oil and gently rub it in.
Do this until you are cured of your cold.
References
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/327712-what-can-i-put-on-my-nose-if-it-is-dry-from-being-sick/
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/327712-what-can-i-put-on-my-nose-if-it-is-dry-from-being-sick/
- https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/How-Treat-Chapped-Nose-You-Get-From-Cold-13198855
- https://theindianspot.com/5-incredible-home-remedies-for-dry-or-chapped-nose/