Why the nose itches
When an allergen or irritant lands on the nasal lining, mast cells release histamine and other chemicals. Histamine stimulates nerve endings, causing itching and sneezing, and makes blood vessels leak, causing a runny and blocked nose. Sneezing is the body’s way of clearing the irritant.
The trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the nose, also reacts to temperature, dryness and chemicals, which explains itching without allergy.
Allergies and hay fever
- Seasonal: tree, grass and weed pollen; see when is allergy season.
- Year-round: house dust mites, pets, mould and cockroaches.
- Clues: itchy eyes, sneezing fits, clear watery mucus, rubbing the nose upwards and symptoms linked to places, seasons or animals.
Children with allergies often have a crease across the nose from rubbing it upwards, the “allergic salute”.
Irritants and non-allergic rhinitis
Smoke, perfume, cleaning products, strong smells, cold air, alcohol and spicy food can all trigger itching, sneezing and a runny nose without an allergy. This is called non-allergic or vasomotor rhinitis and is more common in adults.
Dry air and dry nose
Central heating, air conditioning, flights and dry climates dry the nasal lining, causing itching, crusting, burning and small nosebleeds. Picking crusts makes it worse.
Saline sprays, a humidifier and a thin layer of petroleum jelly or nasal ointment inside the nostrils help. See dry nose and nose burning.
Colds and infections
- Common cold: a tickle and itch before sneezing and a runny nose.
- Nasal vestibulitis: infection of the skin just inside the nostril, with itching, redness, crusts and soreness.
- Cold sores: tingling and itching before blisters appear on the nostril.
- Impetigo: honey-coloured crusts, common in children.
See also sores in nose.
Itching on the outside of the nose
- Eczema and dermatitis, including reactions to skincare, glasses frames or masks.
- Rosacea, with redness and small bumps.
- Sore, chapped skin from repeated wiping during colds and allergies.
- Insect bites.
Fragrance-free moisturisers and soft tissues with balm help chapped skin.
Medicines and nasal sprays
Some medicines cause nasal symptoms, including certain blood pressure medicines and aspirin or anti-inflammatories in sensitive people. Using decongestant sprays for more than a week can cause rebound congestion and irritation. Some people react to preservatives in nasal sprays.
How to relieve an itchy nose
- Non-drowsy antihistamine tablets or antihistamine nasal sprays.
- Steroid nasal sprays, used daily, for ongoing allergy symptoms.
- Saline sprays or rinses to wash away allergens and moisten the lining.
- A humidifier in dry rooms.
- Petroleum jelly around the nostrils to trap pollen and soothe skin.
- Avoiding known triggers and not picking or rubbing the nose.
When an ENT assessment helps
If symptoms persist despite treatment, an ENT specialist examines the inside of the nose with a small camera and checks for polyps, a deviated septum, chronic sinusitis and other causes, and may arrange allergy tests. See nasal polyps and deviated septum.
Itchy nose in children
Children with an itchy nose often rub it constantly, pick it, sniff and get nosebleeds. Allergic rhinitis is common in children with eczema or asthma and can disturb sleep and concentration at school. Symptoms that are worse at night or on waking often point to dust mites or pets in the bedroom.
Children’s doses of antihistamines and nasal sprays are available; a pharmacist or doctor can advise. Keep nails short to reduce damage from scratching. See how to stop a nosebleed.
When to see a doctor
- Symptoms on one side only that persist, with blockage, bleeding or discharge.
- Sores or crusts inside the nose that do not heal within 2 weeks.
- Spreading redness, swelling or fever.
- Loss of smell lasting more than a few weeks.
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Key points to remember
- Allergies are the most common cause of an itchy nose.
- Irritants, dry air, colds and skin problems also cause itching.
- Antihistamines, nasal sprays, saline and avoiding triggers help.
- One-sided, bleeding or non-healing symptoms need assessment.
Questions about itchy nose
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
Why is my nose itchy inside?
Usually allergies, irritants or dry air irritating the nasal lining.
Is an itchy nose a sign of a cold?
It can be an early sign, usually followed by sneezing and a runny nose.
Why does my nose itch at night?
Dust mites in bedding, dry bedroom air and pets in the bedroom are common causes.
What is the best medicine for an itchy nose?
Non-drowsy antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays for allergies. A pharmacist can advise.
Can stress cause an itchy nose?
Stress can make you more aware of itching and worsen skin conditions, but allergy and irritation are more common causes.
Why does my nose itch before I sneeze?
Nerve endings are stimulated by the irritant, causing an itch that triggers the sneeze reflex.
Is it bad to scratch inside your nose?
Yes. It damages the lining and can cause bleeding and infection.
Can an itchy nose be a sign of a sinus infection?
Sinus infections more often cause blockage, facial pain and thick mucus than itching.
Sources
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.