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1. Use Petroleum-Based Ointments
According to dermatologist Marisa Garshick, repeated nose-blowing can trigger irritant contact dermatitis. This condition arises from the friction of tissues and contact with mucus, which damages the skin’s protective barrier. The result? A red, flaky, and tender nose that’s sensitive to touch.
Blowing your nose can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration and dryness. To help your nose recover, focus on replenishing moisture and fortifying the skin's barrier to keep it hydrated and protected.
Garshick advises using skincare products containing moisture-retaining ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol. She also recommends using occlusive agents like Vaseline or Aquaphor to help seal in hydration and prevent further dryness.
According to Garshick, ointments that utilize petrolatum form a protective layer that not only keeps moisture locked in but also shields the skin from environmental irritants. She particularly recommends Aquaphor, Vaseline, and CeraVe's Healing Ointment for their protective and hydrating benefits.
2. Opt for Aloe Vera and Mild Cleansers
For a nose that’s already irritated, experts suggest simplifying your skincare routine and focusing on products that speed up recovery. Applying aloe vera gel after blowing your nose can help soothe inflamed skin.
Garshick also advises steering clear of harsh soaps and exfoliating products. Instead, choose mild, nourishing cleansers that are gentle on the skin and help restore its health.
3. Consider an Antibacterial or Steroid Treatment
Dermatologist Robert Finney, MD, suggests that because our nostrils host a lot of bacteria, applying topical products with antibacterial properties can be helpful when treating an irritated nose.
Based on how severe the irritation is, Finney recommends consulting with a healthcare professional to determine if you need a prescription-strength cream or ointment, or if an over-the-counter option like Neosporin or Sudocrem would suffice.
Garshick adds that using a topical steroid cream, such as over-the-counter cortisone, may be beneficial to reduce inflammation. She notes that when the skin’s protective barrier is compromised, there is a risk of infection, so it’s important to watch for symptoms like crusting, pus, and tenderness.
4. Use a Humidifier
If the outside of your nose is irritated, the inside is likely to be too. While moisturizing the inside of your nostrils isn’t possible, the key is to improve the air quality that you're breathing in.
Dry air accelerates the drying process of your nose. The solution: Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the room. This helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier instead of drying it out further.
5. Blow Gently and Pat Instead of Wiping
In some cases, it’s not the force of blowing your nose, but how you blow it. It may be tempting to pinch both nostrils and blow forcefully to clear congestion, but it’s better to blow gently, one nostril at a time—press down on just one side at a time.
When wiping mucus from the outside of your nose, always pat gently instead of rubbing. This technique helps reduce internal pressure, preventing irritation from hard blows and minimizing chafing on the skin.
6. Be Mindful of Your Tissues
Lastly, make sure to choose your tissues carefully. You don’t want to aggravate a raw nose by using a rough tissue (or, worse, toilet paper). Opt for soft tissues that are infused with lotion for added comfort.
A good choice would be Puffs Facial Tissues, which cause minimal irritation to both the inside and outside of your nose. If your runny nose is allergy-related, consider using a neti pot to help clear out mucus and any pollen that may be causing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take for a raw nose to heal?
With proper care, most raw noses will heal in approximately a week. Be sure to keep your nose moisturized with ointments and balms, and use soft, hydrating tissues to avoid further irritation.
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What causes a raw and irritated nose?
Frequent rubbing and blowing of your nose, especially when you have a cold, can over-exfoliate the skin, causing it to crack and become sore. A runny nose can also contribute, as constant moisture can lead to irritation, resulting in a red and chapped nose.
