The nose is susceptible to dryness in both summer and winter weather. Both seasons, although they are literally hot and cold, can have severe dry weather, which is not kind on your nose. The lack of humidity, which is more common in dry, desert areas in summer, can dehydrate the mucous membranes in the nostrils. Indoor, air-conditioned spaces can also cause dryness.
Ever notice that you feel congested after being in dry heat and then transitioning to a cold indoor space? Dry air can make you feel like you have nose crustiness, or even dry boogers. Mucus plays an integral role in the body, protecting it from viruses and bacteria. Mucus is sticky, which helps to trap foreign particles, which the body then removes. Additionally, mucus contains antibacterial properties that help fight infection.
Beyond dry weather, vaping, smoking, and certain medications may cause nasal dryness. As if there weren’t enough reasons to quit smoking! Now, we’ll explain a variety of remedies that may help prevent your nose from drying out.
Don’t Forget To Hydrate
Drinking water throughout the day can help you avoid dehydration, which is especially important in the summer heat. Keep a reusable water bottle on hand and don’t forget to keep filling it up. In addition to hydrating your organs and systems, water also helps to keep the nostrils moist. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day to optimally hydrate. If you weigh 180 pounds and divide that by two to get 90, aim to drink 90 ounces of water per day.
Take A Hot Shower Or Bath
A steamy hot shower or bath in the middle of summer may not sound like the most appetizing activity, but it may help relieve nasal dryness. The steam may temporarily relieve a dry or itchy nose. You can even use homemade shower melts to help relieve congestion. Consider adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your bath to help you breathe better.
Use A Humidifier
Some people have a humidifier installed in their home, so they can monitor humidity levels at all times. You can also use a portable humidifier to introduce moisture into a room in your home. This is especially beneficial if you tend to experience a dry nose at night. That may help you avoid allergies, illness, or overall stuffiness while you sleep. If you are traveling, humidify the space by hanging wet towels in various places around the room.
Try Saline Sprays
A nasal saline spray can help keep your nostrils nice and moist. How often you’ll need to use one of these sprays will depend on the person, and the level of nasal dryness. Usually, you use a spray twice a day, or once every four to six hours. If you find that you have to use nasal sprays all the time, consider a gel, which lasts longer. A saline gel is preferable to olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, or petroleum jelly, which some people try with cotton swabs. You don’t want to inhale those home-based remedies into your lungs, though.
Experiment With Damp Cloths Or Wipes
Sometimes, all you need is to apply a warm, wet washcloth to your face to help moisten the nasal passageways. You can do this several times a day to provide relief, according to the National Library of Medicine. You can even use a wet wipe or baby wipe to help moisten the inside of your nose.
Use A Nasal Rinse
You may be familiar with a Neti pot if you have a cold and want to get rid of congestion. This form of nasal irrigation may also help relieve a dry nose. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Neti pots use a saline solution to moisten the nasal passages, which are exposed to dry air. Make sure to read the instructions before you rinse out your nostrils. Neti pot sells its own saline solution, but you can also make your own with distilled water, baking soda, and salt.
