What are the best methods to maintain nasal moisture during a cold?

Unless you enjoy binge-watching daytime TV while on NyQuil, there's nothing enjoyable about catching a cold. Every sniffle draws wary glances, as people fear you'll infect them within a 2-inch radius. You're advised to drink plenty of fluids, which might keep you awake if you have a small bladder. And if that doesn't disrupt your sleep, the relentless coughing and sneezing surely will. Even the most glamorous celebrities can't make bloodshot eyes, a pale complexion, or a red, chapped nose look appealing.

A red nose is perhaps the most frustrating part of a cold, as it's only acceptable on clowns or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Beyond aesthetics, the dry, cracked skin makes blowing your nose an agonizing experience. Is there a way to keep the skin around your nose hydrated, so using a tissue doesn't feel like sandpaper on your skin?

Before diving into ways to keep your nose moist during cold and flu season, let’s understand why the area becomes so irritated. Winter takes a toll on the tiny blood vessels in your nose. When exposed to freezing temperatures, these vessels constrict, reducing blood flow and causing inflammation [source: Lerche Davis]. Upon returning indoors, the vessels expand again, but this doesn’t alleviate the irritation—it only heightens sensitivity. Additionally, the lack of humidity in winter air leaves the nasal area vulnerable, stripping away the skin’s natural protective barrier.

This is a challenge for everyone in winter, but a runny nose during cold and flu season makes it even worse. The constant wiping irritates the already sensitive blood vessels, which are struggling with temperature shifts and dry air. Every tissue swipe intensifies the discomfort. So, what’s the solution?

Moisturizing Your Nose

In sports, they say the best offense is a strong defense. The same applies to skincare. Don’t wait until a cold leaves your nose raw before giving it care. Throughout winter, stay hydrated, use a moisturizer with SPF, and cover your face with a scarf when outdoors.

When a cold hits, increase your water intake to hydrate from within. To protect your skin’s surface, use only lotion-infused tissues for blowing your nose—avoid toilet paper or paper towels. Many people wait until their nose is already chapped before switching to quality tissues, but it’s best to start using them at the first sign of a cold.

While a hot, steamy shower might seem like a great way to clear your nasal passages and fight off a cold, it can actually harm your skin when you step into cooler air [source: Lerche Davis]. Opt for lukewarm water when washing and consider using a saline nasal spray to hydrate your nasal membranes. A vaporizer or humidifier can also help soothe chapped skin, but be cautious—vaporizers can cause burns, and humidifiers need regular cleaning to prevent bacteria and mold buildup, which could worsen respiratory issues.

Always use a moisturizer, but increase its use during a cold to combat skin irritation from frequent nose blowing. Choose a humectant moisturizer, which attracts moisture to the skin’s surface and helps heal redness or rawness. Petroleum jelly can be a quick fix, but avoid overusing it under your nose, as inhaling it could lead to lipid pneumonia [source: Gibson]. A basic water-based moisturizer is a safer and effective option.