As with almost anything in life, there are pros and cons to blowing your nose (stick with me here). On one hand, it can really help with relieving stuffiness and congestion—plus, it prevents mucus from building up in your nostrils. Lovely mental image, right? Then again, you must consider what repeatedly blowing your nose can do to your skin. Because it's not great.
Of course, with it being flu season and significantly colder outside in most places, runny noses are incredibly common, so it can be hard for people to avoid using tissues for sanitary reasons. The good news is there are ways to help prevent your nose from getting overly raw—as well as easy treatments that can help soothe redness and soreness in a matter of days (sometimes less than that). Keep reading for professional insight on how to combat and calm an irritated nose.
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Robert Finney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
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Apply Petroleum-Based Ointments
Take it from dermatologist Marisa Garshick: "Overly blowing your nose can result in irritant contact dermatitis due to vigorous rubbing, contact with mucus, and friction from tissue use, which disrupts the skin barrier." This erosion of the skin barrier can leave the entire nose area red, flaky, and sensitive to the touch.
Because blowing your nose can have a stripping effect on the skin—meaning it removes all the essential oils that keep it hydrated—the main thing you want to do is strengthen and support your moisture barrier.
Garshick recommends using products rich in water-locking ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol, as well as occlusive agents like Vaseline or Aquaphor to seal in hydration.
"Ointments that use petrolatum to provide a protective barrier not only lock in moisture but also protect the skin from external irritants," she explains, adding that in addition to Aquaphor and Vaseline, she's a big fan of CeraVe's Healing Ointment.
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Stick to Aloe Vera and Gentle Soaps
When it comes to treating a nose that's already in a worse-for-wear state, pros say it's best to streamline your routine and load up on moisturizing products that help speed up healing. Apply some aloe vera gel to soothe irritated skin after each nose blow.
Additionally, Garshick recommends avoiding any harsh soap-based cleansers and chemical exfoliants, and instead sticking to gentle formulas that aid in nourishing and repairing the skin.
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Ask for an Antibacterial or Steroid
"Because we harbor a lot of bacteria in our nostrils, sometimes adding topicals with anti-bacterial properties can help treat a raw nose as well," says dermatologist Robert Finney, MD.
Depending on the severity of your situation, he recommends seeing an expert to determine whether you need a prescription cream or ointment—or if you're safe to use an OTC product like Neosporin or Sudocrem.
Garshick says it may also be helpful to use a topical steroid cream, like over-the-counter cortisone, to reduce inflammation. "Once the skin barrier is disrupted, there is a risk of infection, so it's important to monitor for signs including but not limited to crusting, pus, and tenderness," she adds.
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Run a Humidifier
Chances are if the outside of your nose is raw, the inside is too. Since you can't exactly moisturize the inside of your nostrils, the key lies in improving the surrounding conditions that you breathe in.
When there is less moisture in the air, it's easier for the nose to get dryer quicker. Solution: Turn on a humidifier to add some moisture back into the room—this will support the skin's natural moisture barrier instead of stripping it.
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Blow Gently and Pat Instead of Wiping
In some cases, it's not how much you're blowing your nose but how you're blowing it. It's tempting to blow hard with both nostrils pressed shut to expel the snot clogging your airways. Instead, focus on soft, gentle blows that emphasize one nostril at a time (press down on one side, not both).
Also, when wiping mucus off the exterior of your nose, make sure you're patting gently and not rubbing. The first technique will help reduce the pressure within the nose, which can minimize irritation and other complications from forceful blowing. Patting will minimize excessive chafing.
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Pay Attention to Your Tissues
Last but not least, choose your tissues wisely. The last thing you want to do to a raw nose is use a scratchy tissue on it (or, even worse, toilet paper). Try soft tissues that have lotion infused into them.
One option is Puffs Facial Tissues, which will cause minimal damage and irritation to the inside and outside of your nose. If your runny nose is due to allergies, it may also be worth looking into a neti pot, which can help flush out mucus and incriminating pollen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a raw nose to heal?
If you take the proper precautions, most raw noses will heal in about a week. Make sure to keep your nose hydrated with ointments and balms, and use soft, moisturized tissues to keep your nose from getting worse.
What causes a raw and irritated nose?
When you have a cold, you are constantly rubbing your nose and blowing it with a tissue. Doing this repeatedly overly exfoliates your skin, causing it to chap and crack. A runny nose can also be to blame. If the skin around the nose is constantly wet, it can cause irritation, leading to a red, chapped nose.
