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Health advice on dry cracked nostrils

How do you relieve or cure very dry, cracked nostrils?
(14 Sep 2007)

Dry, cracked nostrils can not only be annoying, but can also be painful. This condition can be caused by many things. It can be changes in weather, dry climate, a cold, an allergy or sensitivity to something, excessive rubbing or picking at the area, etc. You need to keep the area as clean and dry as possible.

Try to keep your hands away from the area so you don’t irritate the skin. This can be hard because we have a natural tendency to ‘explore’ areas that bother us.
Some remedies you can try are:

Apply petroleum jelly and leave for a couple of minutes, then gently wash with warm water. The dead skin can then be gently removed with a cotton swab. Apply a moisturizer.

Use a moisturizer to keep the area from becoming dry.

To enhance the effects of the moisturizer, you can add a drop of tea tree oil. Use both in the morning and at night.

Apply raw milk or cream of milk to the nostril. Allow it to dry, after which you can wipe it gently with a cotton swab.

A cotton swab or soft flannel like cloth can be used to gently remove dead skin; never use your nails. Your nails can cause more damage or even an infection.

The application of comfrey tea three to four times a day.

A calendula ointment can be applied to the nostril three to four times a day.

Drink dandelion, chamomile, or peppermint tea.

Add five drops of essential oil of lavender to boiling water. Use as a steam treatment. Drape a towel over your head and the container of boiling water. Steam for about ten to fifteen minutes. This will work like a softener and lubricant for the skin, helping it heal faster.

Apply a mentholatum rub.

Use a topical salt water nasal spray.

Use a humidifier.

Drink plenty of liquids.

Try not to pick at your nose. This only makes matters worse.

Remember, keeping the area clean and dry is very important. If you are prone to dry, cracked nostrils; then you should use a moisturizer on a regular basis. Make it part of your morning routine. This can help prevent the dryness from happening in the first place. If you have an allergy or sensitivity, it is important to find out what you are sensitive to and how to avoid it as much as possible. Sometimes the home remedies will not work, so you may still need to go to the doctor to find out what is causing your problem and what you need to do about it.

answered by G M on 15 Feb 2010, 10:46:22

Home Cures for cracked nostrils

Apply any petroleum jelly to your nostril and leave it for a few minutes. Wash your nostril with warm water and gently remove the dead skin with a cotton ball. Now, apply some moisturizer to it and leave it uncovered. You can add 1 drop of tea tree oil to the moisturizer. Do this once after getting up in the morning and once before going off to bed at night.
Apply the cream of milk or raw milk to the cracked nostril and leave it till it for sometime. After it dries, lightly wipe with a cotton ball.
Never use your nails to remove the dead or extra skin. Always use a cotton ball or a soft cotton cloth.
Apply Aloe Vera gel to the cracked area 4 to 5 times a day. Aloe Vera is good for healing and moisturizing the skin.
Apply comfrey tea or calendula ointment to the nostril 3 to 4 times a day as they aid in softening up the skin. You can also drink chamomile, dandelion or peppermint tea.
Boil water in a container and add 5 drops of lavender in it. Inhale its steam by covering your head with a towel and let your nostril be heated properly. This will soften and lubricate the skin and the cracks can heal faster.

answered by D D on 28 Jan 2008, 11:04:46

Health advice on dry cracked nostrils

How do you relieve or cure very dry, cracked nostrils? (14 Sep 2007)

How do you relieve or cure very dry, cracked nostrils?
(14 Sep 2007)