How to Take Care of Your Nose During Winter

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

One of the most important things you can do to take care of your nose in winter is to stay hydrated. Cold air tends to be very dry, and it can quickly dry out the mucous membranes inside your nose. When you’re properly hydrated, your body is better able to maintain moisture levels, and your nose won't dry out as easily.

How to stay hydrated:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Herbal teas like chamomile or ginger can also be soothing for the body and help keep you hydrated.

Eating hydrating foods such as fruits and vegetables (think oranges, cucumbers, and strawberries) can also help support moisture levels.

Avoid caffeinated drinks, as they can make you dehydrated.

Use a Humidifier

If you’ve ever woken up in the winter with a dry or stuffy nose, it's because the air in your home is likely too dry. Central heating systems, while keeping you warm, can strip the moisture from the air. A humidifier can be a lifesaver for your nose during winter.

Why a humidifier helps:

A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, which helps keep your nasal passages moist.

Using a humidifier at night can prevent your nose from drying out while you sleep, which helps reduce irritation and discomfort.

Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to avoid mold and bacteria buildup.

Nasal Saline Spray

Sometimes, even when you take care of your hydration and the air around you, your nose can still feel dry and uncomfortable. That's where a saline nasal spray comes in handy. It’s a gentle, natural way to keep your nasal passages moisturized.

How to use a saline spray:

Buy a saline nasal spray from your local pharmacy (they’re usually over-the-counter).

Use the spray in both nostrils once or twice a day to keep the inside of your nose moist.

If you're feeling particularly dry, you can also use a saline nasal rinse or neti pot to wash out any debris and add moisture to your nasal passages.

Protect Your Nose from the Wind

When you step outside into the cold, gusty winds, your nose gets an extra layer of exposure to the harsh elements. These winds can strip your skin and nasal passages of their moisture. It’s essential to protect your nose when you're out and about.

Ways to protect your nose:

Wear a scarf or a face mask that covers your nose. The warmth from your breath can help protect it from the cold.

A moisturizing balm or lip balm can be applied to the nostrils and around the nose to protect the skin from the cold wind.

If you’re skiing or spending time outdoors in very chilly temperatures, consider using a thick winter face cream around your nose to lock in moisture and protect the skin from chapping.

Avoid Over-Blowing Your Nose

Ah, blowing your nose—something we all have to do, especially when we catch a cold or deal with seasonal allergies. But be careful not to overdo it. Constantly blowing your nose can irritate the sensitive skin on the outside of your nostrils and dry out the inside of your nasal passages.

Proper nose-blowing techniques:

Blow your nose gently and one nostril at a time to avoid putting too much pressure on your sinuses.

If your nose is stuffy, try inhaling steam or using saline spray to loosen up the mucus before blowing your nose.

After blowing your nose, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or a soothing balm to the skin around your nose to prevent chapping.

Moisturize the Skin Around Your Nose

The skin around your nose is often the first area to suffer from winter’s dry air. You might notice it becoming red, cracked, or sore after blowing your nose or being outside in the cold. To help, always use a good moisturizer.

How to protect the skin around your nose:

Use a thick, nourishing moisturizer that contains ingredients like shea butter or ceramides.

Apply the moisturizer regularly throughout the day, especially after you’ve been outside or after blowing your nose.

If your skin is already cracked or irritated, opt for an ointment like petroleum jelly, which creates a barrier to keep moisture locked in.

Dress Warmly, Including Your Nose

Remember, your nose is part of your body, so make sure to keep it warm. When you go out in the winter, it’s easy to focus on wearing enough layers for your body but forget about your face. If you’re outside for an extended period of time, your nose can suffer from frostbite or cold-related injuries.

Winter face care tips:

Wear a snug, insulated hat or scarf to protect your face, including your nose.

if you’re planning to be outside for a long time, like skiing or shoveling snow, try a balaclava or ski mask that keeps your entire face warm.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Believe it or not, what you eat can play a role in how well your nose fares during the winter months. Foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can help boost your immune system, which is essential for avoiding colds and other illnesses that affect the nose.

Winter-friendly foods for nose health:

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits provide a hefty dose of vitamin C.

Zinc-rich foods like pumpkin seeds, lentils, and chickpeas can help maintain the strength of your immune system.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and nuts like walnuts, can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.

Keep Your Nose Clean and Clear

A clean nose is a happy nose! Keeping your nasal passages free from allergens, dust, and mucus will help you breathe better and reduce irritation.

Tips for a clean nose:

Use a saline nasal rinse or a neti pot regularly to flush out any dust or pollen from your sinuses.

Make sure to wash your hands often, especially before touching your face, to avoid transferring germs to your nose.

If you're prone to allergies, consider using an air purifier in your home to reduce the presence of allergens like dust mites and pet dander.

Watch for Winter Allergies

Winter isn’t just about the cold weather; it’s also a time when many people experience seasonal allergies. Dust, mold, and even pet dander can trigger reactions that affect your nose, causing symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or a runny nose. If you’re allergic to something in your environment, it can make the winter months much more uncomfortable.

Managing winter allergies:

Make sure your home is clean and dust-free. Regularly wash bedding, curtains, and vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Take allergy medications as directed by your doctor if you have seasonal allergies.

If you’re experiencing a lot of congestion, try using an allergy-friendly nasal spray or antihistamines.

When to Seek Medical Help

While most nose issues in winter can be managed with the tips mentioned above, sometimes, a more serious problem can occur. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional:

Frequent nosebleeds: If you’re getting nosebleeds often despite moisturizing and hydrating, it could indicate an underlying issue.

Persistent congestion: If you’re constantly congested, and over-the-counter remedies aren’t helping, you may need a doctor’s advice.

Sinus infections: If you have pain in your face, pressure around your eyes, or a thick yellow or green nasal discharge, it could be a sign of a sinus infection.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Why does my nose get dry and cracked in the winter?

Ans) The cold, dry air strips moisture from your skin and nasal passages, causing them to dry out. Blowing your nose frequently can also contribute to irritation and cracking.

Q2: How can I prevent my nose from getting stuffy in the winter?

Ans) Make sure to use a humidifier in your home, stay hydrated, and try saline nasal sprays or rinses to clear out any mucus buildup. Keeping your environment clean and avoiding allergens also helps.

Q3: What should I do if I have a nosebleed in winter?

Ans) Apply a gentle pressure by pinching your nostrils together for about 10 minutes, tilt your head slightly forward (not backward), and breathe through your mouth. Using a saline spray or petroleum jelly can also help keep your nasal passages moist.

Q4: Is it safe to use a humidifier all night?

Ans)Yes, it’s safe to use a humidifier at night, but be sure to clean it regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth. A clean humidifier will help keep the air moist without introducing new germs.