A dry feeling on the outside of your nose, often accompanied by tightness, flaking, or discomfort, is common. This sensation can range from mildly irritating to quite painful. Understanding its causes helps in managing the condition.
Environmental Influences
The environment significantly affects skin hydration, particularly the exposed areas like the nose. Low humidity, indoors or outdoors, impacts the skin barrier, causing water loss and dryness. Cold weather and strong winds exacerbate this by stripping skin of moisture. Indoor heating and air conditioning also reduce humidity, drawing moisture from the skin. Prolonged sun exposure also damages skin, leading to burning, flaking, and peeling.
Everyday Habits and Products
Everyday habits and products contribute to nasal dryness. Insufficient water intake, or dehydration, affects skin moisture. Frequent or aggressive nose blowing creates friction, removing natural oils and causing irritation.
Harsh skincare products strip the skin of protective lipids and proteins. Ingredients like alcohol, strong cleansers, retinoids, or acne treatments such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, cause excessive dryness and compromise the skin barrier. Even long, hot showers deplete skin moisture.
Skin and Health Conditions
A dry nose can indicate an underlying skin or health condition. Seborrheic dermatitis causes flaky skin and redness around the nostrils, often appearing in areas that can also be oily. Other skin conditions like eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, cause dry, red, and flaky patches in the nasal area. Rosacea can cause redness, sensitivity, and dryness on the nose and cheeks. Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition, may also cause flaky, itchy patches around the nose.
Allergies and common colds often lead to nasal dryness due to inflammation and constant irritation from nose blowing. Certain medications can cause skin dryness as a side effect. Antihistamines and decongestants, commonly used for allergies and colds, reduce mucus and dry out the skin.
Topical and oral retinoids, used for acne or anti-aging, accelerate cell turnover, decreasing oil production and causing dryness and peeling. Diuretics, a blood pressure medication, can contribute to dehydration and skin dryness. Rarely, persistent dryness might signal systemic issues like Sjögren’s syndrome or atrophic rhinitis.
Finding Relief
Several steps can help alleviate a dry nose. Increase daily water intake for hydration. Use a humidifier, especially in dry indoor environments or during colder months, to add moisture to the air, which the skin can absorb. Apply gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers or balms to the affected area is also beneficial. Look for products with humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin), occlusives (petroleum jelly), or emollients (ceramides, shea butter), and apply to damp skin to lock in moisture.
It is also beneficial to avoid harsh skincare products that strip natural oils; opt for mild, pH-balanced cleansers. When blowing your nose, use soft tissues and apply a protective balm to reduce friction and irritation. Take shorter, lukewarm showers to preserve skin moisture. Protect your nose from sun with sunscreen and wear scarves in harsh, windy conditions to prevent dryness.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While many cases of dry skin on the nose respond to home remedies, professional medical advice is sometimes recommended. If dryness persists despite consistent at-home care, a consultation with a healthcare provider is advisable. Seek medical attention if you experience accompanying symptoms like pain, persistent redness, cracking, or frequent bleeding. Signs of infection, such as fever, thick nasal discharge, or swelling around the nose, also warrant prompt medical evaluation. If you suspect an underlying skin condition or believe your medications are contributing to the dryness, a doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan.