What could be the reasons for (and remedies to clear up) dry, painful scabbing inside the nostrils?

Question

I have had major dryness and a feeling of tighness of the skin lining each nostril for the past couple of weeks, accompanied with scabbing in differents parts inside, as well as bleeding from these "scabby" areas. (They do need to be removed from time to time, as they get too big and block the airway. Removing them makes them bleed.) I've tried nasal moisturizing spray (from the makers of ZICAM) and AYR nasal moisturizing gel with aloe (but that gel only burns). Is there anything else I can do to clear this up? The dry, tight skin inside each notril actually hurts!

I think some of these answers are GREAT - thanks so much! Just as an FYI I live in northern NJ in a 1-bedroom apartment and the heat we have is steam radiator heat. I thought that kind of heat was supposed to be better for people like me who dry out like this? Would I still need a humidifier in my bedroom at night anyway?

Answer 1

dont look like there's any doctors in answers so, I'll suggest you go see your doctor and find out exactly whats wrong....just my opinion.....good luck

Answer 2

The ultra-dry air in homes during the winter is the #1 cause of dry, scabby noses. You need to run a humidifier in your house and keep the humidity around 40-45%. A simple vaporizer such as those you might use when you have a cold works as well as anything, although you could also just simmer a pot of water on the stove throughout the day (although don't let it run dry and use a pot that you don't mind having lime build-up).

In the meantime, coat the inside of your nose with petroleum jelly a couple of times a day. It will help a lot.

Edit: You can determine if you need more humidity by simply buying a little indoor thermometer that measures room humidity as well. They are very cheap. Also, do you see evidence of static electricity when you are walking around, changing clothes, combing your hair, etc.? That means the air is dry. But really, if your nose is dry...you need it. So, yes I'd get a humidifier for night especially.

Answer 3

I am currently having the same problem, i just recently moved into a new place. The air get dry in the winter, because of the lack of moisture in the air. Try using a humidifier, in your bedroom when you sleep at night, you can also put a pot of water on the stove on low, when you are home, to help put the moisture back into the air. Hope this Helps!

Answer 4

you need to moisturize the air you are breathing. Place a humidifier in your bedroom at night and have it running constantly at a light mist.

For inside your nose, it will take a bit for it to soften with the misting, but the very best thing I have found is plain petroleum jelly. Swipe some up each nostril to keep the scabs and skin softer until they heal. It's going to feel yukky for awhile, but it works. The mists and gels likely have propellants and alcohol in them and that's not helping your dryness problem at all since alcohol is a drying agent.

Answer 5

Everyone who suggested a humidifier: YES, you are right on. Everyone who suggested coating the inside of the nasal passages with Vaseline, very good (but do it directly after a steamy shower). Everyone who suggested saline spray, very good! People who wanted to put the kettle on to boil; not bad, but simply not enough humidity to solve this problem.

Let's also include upping your fluids to keep your mucous thin so the nasal drip will not collect bacteria.

If you're taking antihistamines, this will also exacerbate the problem as it dries out fluids.

OK...I'm done! You all did great!!!

Answer 6

Have you tried cremes? you should try bag balm it is used for cows dry utters but humans use it for many things too use a q tip and apply if as needed to your nostrils also you can try using A & D ointment found at walmart or almost anywhere these will help to keep your nose mositurized and help it to heal. when you are at home you can put a pan full like five quarts of water on the stove to boil and let your house fill with steam or get a humidifier thses should also help.

Answer 7

Nasal saline is good, or if your nose is really sore, a bit of petroleum jelly (Vaseline.)

Try using a humidifier, because this condition is usually due to dry air in the winter.

Sorry, but steam heat does not put steam in the air, it just heats your metal radiator which in turn heats the air. The outside air is also drier in the winter (presuming it ever gets cold in the Northeast....)

Answer 8

First I would stop with the "doctoring" as this may be exacerbating the problem. If you've had any initial itching it possibly could be herpes (cold sores) as you can get this virus "inside" the nose as well as other areas. It could be simply a vitamin deficiency, impetigo or a number of other things. You need to see a doctor to determine the cause.

Answer 9

I don't know what this is, but I get it too and it drives me crazy. I've tried vaseline....makes it worse. Tried moisturizing sprays...no good. What did help a little was drinking a lot of water and using a vaporizer at night. I think it's just a lack of moisture...then again I do live in Arizona. I'm watching for what other people have to say....

Answer 10

Now that I've left my beautiful southern clime, and temporarily inhabit this dry arid waste known as the north, I use a thin coat of Vaseline.

Answer 11

Go to your grocery store and buy some saline nasal spray and use it daily to keep nose moist.
Boil steam in your home and add a pinch of salt and put near heaters