How to Relieve a Dry Nose

Do you suffer from nasal dryness? Let's look at 7 things you can do according to the experts.

Reviewed and approved by el médico Diego Pereira.

Written by Josberth Johan Benitez Colmenares

Last update: 13 March, 2023

Nasal dryness is a relatively common consequence of the flu, cold, and allergies. Although it’s often classified as a minor problem, the truth is that it can be very uncomfortable. There are many things you can do about it, and today we are collecting 7 ways to relieve a dry nose at home.

The therapies that you will find below are endorsed by experts, so their effectiveness is not in doubt. Of course, each case is different; so its effectiveness is highly variable from person to person. Try several of them until you find the one that gives you the greatest relief.

7 tips to relieve a dry nose

Nasal dryness can cause itching, irritated breathing, discomfort, crusting in the nostrils, and even nosebleeds. This is a very annoying condition, one that can be difficult to eradicate at times. We leave you with 7 recommendations to relieve a dry nose.

1. Buy a humidifier

An extremely humid environment can cause your mucous membranes to dry out. To counteract this you can use a humidifier, a device that adds moisture to the air. On average, they regulate humidity between 30% and 50%. The use of air conditioning and central heating significantly reduces humidity levels in the environment.

It’s essential that you clean the humidifier periodically, since it can easily accumulate mold and bacteria that can worsen your dry nose. In the same way, you must regulate the percentage of humidity in the room. This is because an excess can favor the growth of fungi, mites, and other agents that can affect your health. Used wisely, humidifiers are the best strategy to relieve nasal dryness.

2. Do steam inhalations at home

Inhaling water vapor can be another way to relieve a dry nose. Keep in mind that its effect is only temporary, and you should avoid dependence on this practice. There’s evidence that improper use of them can cause burns and scalds in the nose, mouth, and mucous membranes. Beyond being a main option, try to implement it as a secondary therapy.

There are several things you can do to avoid these unpleasant consequences. First of all, make sure that the water isn’t boiling when you start. Wait a few minutes for it to cool a bit, thus reducing the chances of suffering a burn. Second, keep a safe distance between your face and the bowl. Use a towel over your head to further concentrate the steam.

3. Drink plenty of water

Nasal dryness can be a consequence of dehydration, as well as a sequel to episodes of fever. Even if this is not the case, drinking plenty of water can help relieve a dry nose.

As a general rule, you should make sure you drink at least two liters of water throughout the day, although the exact amount depends on many factors. For example, you should drink more on hot days and when doing strenuous activities.

It’s very important that you opt for natural water, and avoid replacing it with carbonated drinks, alcohol, coffee, or tea. In certain conditions, all these can have the opposite effect and dehydrate you. Always have a bottle of water on hand, and distribute your intake throughout the day. It’s very likely that you drink less water than you really think you do.

4. Use a saline nasal spray

There is evidence that the use of saline sprays is helpful in moisturizing the nasal cavity. They should be used sparingly, as an excess can cause irritation of the mucous membranes. These types of aerosols help to eliminate possible allergens in the nose, such as dust, pollen, and dirt. You can buy them without a prescription, and you should always follow each manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Making your own nasal sprays at home is often recommended, but be aware that a mistake in the proportions can irritate the inside of your nose. These are affordable products, so we encourage you to purchase them at a pharmacy. This option is especially recommended for episodes of nasal dryness that have been postponed for a while.

5. Do a thorough clean of your home

As experts point out, mucous membranes tend to dry out in the presence of high concentrations of dust. It’s for this reason that keeping your home clean is an effective strategy to relieve a dry nose. Ideally, you should avoid excessive dust accumulation, so you don’t have to spend your whole day cleaning. At first, focus on the following:

• Regularly wash curtains, sheets and covers
• Reduce the number of rugs you have in your home
• Keep the windows closed when it’s too windy
• Include vacuuming as a central part of cleaning

The important thing is that you focus on the areas in the house where you spend the most time. Cleaning regularly will also reduce your episodes of allergies, if you have them.

6. Use moisturizing products

These moisturizing products include petroleum jelly, moisturizing ointments, and baby wipes. They’re an effective option to avoid nasal dryness for a couple of hours, and can be a valid option for many people. As with the previous options, avoid excessive dependence on these products. When you use them more than necessary, they can worsen the symptom or cause irritation.

7. Consult with a specialist

If the above tips to relieve a dry nose don’t work, the best thing you can do is consult a professional. Most episodes are benign in nature, such as colds and allergies. When you suffer from any of these conditions, you tend to blow your nose very frequently, which over time can lead to excessive dryness.

It can also be a sequel to the intake of certain medications, the consumption of recreational drugs, or tobacco smoking. Only a few cases are due to more serious conditions, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, nutritional deficiencies, or chronic atrophic rhinitis. In any case, if the problem persists, be sure to consult a professional.

These are the best tips to relieve a dry nose, and they have the approval of experts. There are many home remedies that you can implement, but keep in mind that the effectiveness of these is doubtful to say the least. Don’t hesitate to consult an expert if the symptom is not relieved by these practices.