One of the problems that comes with a cold is that the nose becomes red, dry, and inflamed . When you scratch it frequently and rub it with a towel, the skin around the nose becomes dry and flaky. Isn't this really annoying? Sometimes, it feels like it's hard to breathe, including the nose. So today, let's talk about how to properly treat our nose at a time like this, and how to get rid of that pain and discomfort.
Think about it, our nose is not just an organ. It is a very important part of our defense system. It helps us to detect both good smells (the smell of coffee brewing in the morning, the smell of delicious food) and bad smells (spoiled food, poisonous fumes) and protect us from danger. Since ancient times, smell has helped people understand whether food is good or bad, or whether something is poisonous. Not only that, but it has also been scientifically proven that some smells bring peace to our minds. That means that smell can even change the chemical processes in our body.
What really happens to the nose during a cold?
If we want to treat our nose properly, we first need to understand what happens to the nose during a cold.
Simply put, when you have a cold, the tiny blood vessels inside your nose become inflamed, meaning they swell. In response, your nose starts to run. So when we constantly pick our noses or swim hard, these tiny blood vessels, along with the very sensitive tissue around our noses, become injured.
Another reason for this is the change in temperature. Imagine that you are in a very cold, `AC` place and then suddenly go outside into the hot sun. The extreme cold outside causes the blood vessels in your nose to contract. When you come back indoors to a warm place, like inside the house, those blood vessels expand again. When the blood vessels continue to contract and expand in this way, the blood flow to the skin of your nose is impaired, causing the skin to become even drier and more painful.
Low humidity in the environment also affects this. When you are in cold weather or in an AC room, the air has less moisture. This causes the mucus membranes inside the nose and the skin around the nose to dry out.
Remember, frequent nose picking, temperature changes, and dry air are the three factors that cause a nose to become red, dry, and inflamed.
So how do we protect our nose?
Many people think that steaming or going to the sauna is a good idea when their nose is dry. True, steam can temporarily relieve nasal congestion. But it is only a temporary solution. When you go back to a cold environment, the blood vessels in your nose can constrict again, making the problem worse.
Another thing is to use a `(Humidifier)`. If the air in your home is very dry, a `(Humidifier)` can add moisture to the air and make you feel more comfortable. However , if it is not cleaned properly, bacteria and fungi can grow inside it, and those germs can get into the air and cause you to have more respiratory problems. Therefore, if you use a `(Humidifier)`, you should clean it regularly.
So these things don't provide a permanent solution to dry skin around the nose. To moisturize the skin , we need to apply something to it.
Here are some tips from experts.
| Action | What does it do? (How it Helps) |
|---|---|
| Use Saline Nasal Spray | This is the best and safest way to moisturize the dry mucous membranes inside your nose. Ask your doctor for advice on this. |
| Reduce exposure to cold | Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when you go outside. Your breath will add moisture to the air inside the scarf, reducing nasal dryness. |
| Apply a moisturizer to the skin. | Apply a water-based moisturizer to the skin around your nose every morning. If you're going to be in the sun, choose a moisturizer that contains sunscreen . |
| Be careful with things like Vaseline. | Petroleum jelly like Vaseline is great for your lips, but it's not so great for the skin around your nose. It clogs your pores. The most important thing is that if you apply too much of it inside or around your nose, especially at night, a small amount of it can be aspirated into your lungs. This can lead to lung infections. So, it's best to consult your doctor and choose a moisturizer that's right for your skin. |
| Stay hydrated all day long. | Keep a small tube of your moisturizer in your bag. If your nose feels dry during the day, reapply a little. |
Healing through smell: Let's use our sense of smell
Just as protecting the skin of the nose is important, healing our sense of smell is also very important for mental well-being.
Some scented oils , like bath oils, can help us relax. Imagine, when you're in an unfamiliar place, like a hotel room, unable to sleep, smelling something that reminds you of your home (perhaps the scent of lavender, jasmine flowers) can help you feel much more relaxed.
Similarly, some scents can also invigorate us and make us feel sleepy. For example, scents like menthol, cinnamon, and eucalyptus stimulate the trigeminal nerve in our face. This is a nerve in our body that is involved in the sensation of pain. However, we only sense the chemicals in these scents in very small doses, so we don't feel any pain, just a sense of excitement.
So is it true that some scents are aphrodisiacs? There really isn't one scent that works for everyone. It's a very personal thing. Any scent that calms you down or brings back good memories can work for you. Simply put, if a scent makes you feel positive, it's working for you.
Take-Home Message
- Instead of vigorously picking your nose when you have a cold, gently wipe it with a soft tissue or handkerchief.
- The best way to treat dryness inside the nose is to use a saline nasal spray . Ask your doctor about this.
- Apply a water-based moisturizer to the skin around your nose in the morning. Avoid using petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nose. Ask your doctor about what is best for you.
- Covering your nose with a scarf during cold weather or in places with high AC can help prevent your nose from drying out.
- If you use a humidifier at home, clean it regularly as recommended to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
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