Dry Nose: Causes, Treatment and Remedies for Dry Nostrils

01Symptoms

Symptoms of a dry nose

• Dry, tight or burning feeling inside the nose.
• Crusts or scabs in the nostrils.
• Soreness or small cracks at the entrance of the nose.
• Nosebleeds, often minor.
• A blocked feeling despite little mucus.
• Itching and frequent urge to pick or rub the nose.
• Reduced sense of smell in some people.

02Causes

Common causes

• Dry air: central heating, air conditioning, cold winters, deserts and high altitude.
• Decongestant nasal sprays: using them for more than a few days can cause rebound congestion and dryness.
• Medicines: antihistamines, some acne treatments such as isotretinoin, and others that dry mucous membranes.
• CPAP machines for sleep apnoea, especially without a humidifier.
• Smoking and exposure to irritants.
• Dehydration.
• Frequent nose blowing or picking.

03Other

Less common causes

• Sjögren’s syndrome: an autoimmune condition causing dry eyes, dry mouth and sometimes dry nose.
• Atrophic rhinitis: thinning of the nasal lining with crusting and a bad smell.
• After nasal surgery or radiotherapy.
• Hormonal changes, such as menopause.
• Nasal steroid sprays used incorrectly, aimed at the middle of the nose.

04Remedies

Home remedies for a dry nose

• Saline nasal sprays or drops: several times a day to moisturise the lining.
• Saline gels: last longer than sprays, useful at night.
• Humidifier: in the bedroom, aiming for indoor humidity around 40–50%; clean it regularly.
• Steam: inhaling steam from a bowl of warm water or a warm shower.
• Fluids: drink enough water through the day.
• Nasal ointment: a thin layer at the entrance of the nostrils only, not deep inside.
• Avoid picking and blowing the nose too hard.

05Saline

Saline sprays and rinses

Saline sprays add moisture and help loosen crusts. Larger-volume saline rinses, such as with a squeeze bottle or neti pot, are mainly used for chronic sinus problems; a Cochrane review found some benefit from large-volume saline irrigation for symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Use sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled water for rinses. More detail is in our guide to neti pot sinus rinses.

06Avoid

What to avoid

• Using decongestant sprays for more than five to seven days.
• Putting large amounts of petroleum jelly or oils deep inside the nose, especially before lying down.
• Picking crusts, which causes bleeding and more crusting.
• Smoking and vaping.
• Very hot, dry rooms; lower the thermostat at night if possible.

07Nosebleeds

Dry nose and nosebleeds

Dryness makes the small blood vessels near the front of the nose fragile, so they bleed more easily, particularly in winter. To stop a nosebleed, sit up, lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10–15 minutes. Keeping the nose moist helps prevent repeated bleeds. See how to stop a nosebleed and nosebleed causes.

08CPAP

Dry nose with CPAP

Dry nose and mouth are common with CPAP for sleep apnoea. A heated humidifier attached to the machine, adjusting the humidity setting, using a mask that fits well, and saline gel before bed usually help. Speak to your sleep team if dryness persists, rather than stopping treatment.

09Medical

Medical treatment

A doctor may examine the inside of the nose to look for crusting, infection, perforation of the septum or other problems. Treatment may include prescription ointments, treating infections, adjusting medicines that cause dryness, or referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist. If dry nose comes with dry eyes and mouth, tests for Sjögren’s syndrome may be considered.

10Cases

Three common situations

• Crusty, dry nose every winter: humidifier, saline gel at night and fluids.
• Using decongestant spray for weeks: stop gradually and use saline instead; see a pharmacist for advice.
• Dry nose with dry eyes and mouth: see a doctor to check for Sjögren’s syndrome.

11Night

Dry nose at night

Many people notice dryness most on waking. Breathing through the mouth, heating left on overnight and sleeping in a dry room all contribute. A humidifier, a saline gel before bed, keeping the bedroom slightly cooler and treating nasal blockage so you can breathe through your nose can help. If you snore loudly or wake with a very dry mouth, mouth breathing may be part of the problem; see mouth breathing.

12Travel

Dry nose when flying or at altitude

• Aircraft cabins have very low humidity.
• Use a saline spray before and during long flights.
• Drink water regularly and limit alcohol and caffeine on board.
• At high altitude or in desert climates, use saline gels and a humidifier where possible.

13Summary

Key points to remember

• Dry air, sprays and medicines are the most common causes.
• Saline sprays, gels and humidifiers help most people.
• Avoid long-term decongestant sprays and picking.
• See a doctor for persistent symptoms or frequent nosebleeds.