In this guide
For information only. Products do not replace diagnosis, treatment or a varied diet. Seek professional advice for symptoms, pregnancy and use by children.
Heating, air conditioning and time indoors dry out the air, and with it the lining of the nose. The nose then stings, crusts form and nosebleeds become more common. Simple measures can ease most symptoms, but it is important to know what not to put in your nose.
Air humidity
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally between 30 and 50 percent. You can track it with an inexpensive hygrometer.
- If the air is too dry, use a humidifier and clean it regularly as the manufacturer instructs.
- Do not overdo it, because too much moisture encourages mould.
- Air your rooms briefly several times a day.
Rinsing your nose safely
A saline rinse removes crusts and moistens the lining. The FDA warns against using tap water for rinsing. Use a ready-made sterile solution, or distilled, sterile or boiled water that has boiled for 3 to 5 minutes and cooled to lukewarm.
- Before rinsing, wash your hands and check that the device is clean and dry.
- After each use, wash the device and let it dry.
- For young children, agree nasal rinsing with a paediatrician.
Skin around the nostrils and habits
Drink enough fluids and blow your nose gently, one nostril at a time. Do not put greasy products deep into the nose. Care for red skin around the nostrils with a mild, fragrance-free cream, on the outside only. Essential oils and menthol can irritate the lining further.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if symptoms do not improve or get worse, especially with a fever, nosebleeds or headaches, if you have pus-like discharge or facial pain, or if you bleed while taking blood thinners. According to the NHS, you need emergency care if a nosebleed lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes despite pressure, seems heavy, or if you feel weak or have difficulty breathing.
Sources: US Environmental Protection Agency FDA NHS.
Common questions
Can I use tap water for nasal rinsing?
No. The FDA warns that tap water is not adequately treated for use in the nose. Use a sterile solution or distilled, sterile or boiled and cooled water.
Can I put aloe gel or cream inside my nose?
Do not put cosmetics inside the nostrils. You can apply a mild, fragrance-free cream only to the skin around the nostrils, and use saline for the lining.
