Cold weather, some irritating face products, and certain skin disorders (such as eczema or rhinorrhea during the winter) can make the skin under the nose dry. This is not usually a serious health problem and can be treated at home with simple remedies; however, if neglected, it can lead to more serious consequences (such as bleeding or secondary bacterial infections). For this reason, it is important to manage the disorder and take steps to prevent it from recurring.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treatments
Step 1. Wash your face with warm water and a mild cleanser
The first thing to do to take care of dry skin under the nose is to clean the area to get rid of dirt and partially loose residues of dead skin. Cracked and dry skin can tear easily and cause potential bacterial infections; it is therefore important to keep it clean.
- Don't use harsh soaps, as they can dehydrate you even more; instead, use a cleanser that contains emollient ingredients or a mild soap with added oils.
- Also avoid antibacterial cleansers or products containing perfumes or alcohol, as they promote dryness.
Step 2. Pat your skin dry by gently blotting it
Don't rub it and don't use a rough towel as it can cause more irritation. Instead, get a soft towel and carefully pat your skin.
Step 3. Place an ice cube on the affected area to reduce inflammation
If the skin is red, swollen and / or sore (inflamed), wrap some ice in a paper towel and place it on the skin for a few minutes to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Do not place ice directly on your skin, as this could cause much worse damage, but wrap it in a clean cloth or paper towel.
- If the skin under the nose is just dry but there are no signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, pain), you can avoid putting ice and proceed to the next step instead.
Step 4. Hydrate the affected area
Creams and ointments prevent the dispersion of liquids and help retain natural moisture; apply a very moisturizing product under the nose.
- Take a very thick and hypoallergenic one (such as the products of the Eucerin and Cetaphil brands, which you can find in pharmacies for free sale). Most lotions are not thick and do not sufficiently moisturize the locally very dry skin, although it can be used for larger parts of the body.
- Do not choose a moisturizer that contains perfumes, alcohol, retinoids, or alpha hydroxy acids.
- Also avoid over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams or lotions unless your doctor tells you to. These products contain chemicals that can further irritate the skin; if what you use increases the burning and itching sensation, stop applying it.
Step 5. Try natural moisturizers
If the problem persists, you can use some natural products; give it a try and see which one works best for you:
- Sunflower oil and hemp seed oil are light, rich in fatty acids and vitamin E; they can help repair dry skin;
- Coconut oil is very moisturizing when it is spread directly on the epidermis;
- Raw honey has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help keep the skin hydrated.
Step 6. Apply the moisturizer several times throughout the day until the situation improves
Some factors or circumstances can deprive the skin of its natural hydration, such as cold or eczema; for this reason, it is important to reapply the cream as needed, so that the skin under the nose remains well hydrated throughout the day and night.
- During the night, you can put an ointment based on petroleum jelly; you could also use it during the day, but it is particularly greasy and is therefore best spread only in the evening before bedtime.
- If your skin is particularly dry, your dermatologist may recommend a non-prescription ointment (such as those that contain lactic acid and urea). Follow its instructions carefully and do not exceed the recommended number of applications.
Step 7. Ask your doctor if you need a stronger prescription product
Usually, dry skin under the nose is a temporary ailment and heals easily with regular hydration and home care. However, if it is caused by worse skin problems, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, your dermatologist can prescribe an ointment in addition to your normal home care. typically, these are corticosteroid products or topical antibiotics.
If the problem does not improve or persists despite home care, see your doctor or dermatologist
Step 8. Look for signs of infection
Sometimes, dryness can cause this complication; impetigo (skin infection) can very often develop under or around the nose. See your doctor if you notice any signs of infection, including:
- Increased redness;
- Red bumps
- Swelling;
- Pus;
- Boils.
- If the irritated area suddenly gets worse and starts to feel painful or swollen, it could be an allergic reaction. in this case, go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Dryness
Step 1. Take short showers or baths
Lingering under water for too long can deprive the skin of natural sebum and therefore make it less hydrated. Do not wash for more than 5 to 10 minutes and avoid wetting your face and the area under your nose more than twice a day.
Step 2. Use warm, but not boiling water
High temperatures deprive the skin of its natural hydration; to wash your face or shower, opt for lukewarm water.
Step 3. Use facial cleansers and bubble baths that contain moisturizing agents
Do not choose harsh soaps that can dry out the skin even more; instead opt for specific moisturizers for the face without surfactants, such as those from the Cetaphil brand, and moisturizing gel cleansers (such as Dove and Olaz).
If you wish, you can add oils to the tub water if you choose to take a bath
Step 4. Moisturize your skin immediately after bathing or washing your face
In this way, it becomes easier to "seal" the spaces between the skin cells and block their natural hydration. Apply the product a few minutes after washing your face or taking a bath, when the skin is still damp.
If your skin is extremely dry, you can use an oil (such as baby oil) immediately after washing it. This product is even more effective than the moisturizer to combat the evaporation of water from the skin surface; however, if the epidermis remains oily, you can only use it in the evening before going to sleep
Step 5. Choose facial products that contain a moisturizing agent
If you use substances on the skin under the nose (such as cosmetics or shaving cream), choose those that also have moisturizing properties.
- Do not apply products that contain alcohol, retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids.
- Also, choose those that are fragrance-free and / or specially formulated for sensitive skin.
- If you can't find a good product or are unsure what to choose, talk to your doctor about using prescription ointments.
- When you go outdoors, remember to wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 or choose face products that contain it.
Step 6. Shave with care
Shaving can irritate the skin in this area of the face; proceed after taking a hot shower or place a warm, damp washcloth on your face for a few minutes to soften hair and open pores. Also try the tips below to avoid skin discomfort from shaving:
- Never shave dry, you could severely inflame the skin; always use a lubricating shaving cream or gel; if you have sensitive skin, look for a hypoallergenic product.
- Use a sharp razor; if the blade is blunt you have to go over the same point several times increasing the risk of irritation.
- Shave following the direction of hair growth, which on the face is generally downwards; if you shave "against the hair" you can trigger a skin irritation and suffer from ingrown hairs.
Step 7. Do not scratch the skin under the nose
It could irritate her, and if the cuts get deeper, it could also cause bleeding. if it is itchy, apply ice for a few minutes to reduce the discomfort and swelling.
If the skin is bleeding, pat it with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. you should then apply an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections. If the skin does not stop bleeding or if the lesion "pops up" several times a day, contact your doctor
Step 8. Use a soft handkerchief to blow your nose
The paper ones can be too aggressive and further irritate the already suffering area; use only the tissues or those with an added moisturizer.
Step 9. Turn on the humidifier to increase the humidity of the air
The winter months tend to be drier and cause the skin to lose moisture. Use this appliance in the evening and set it around 60%; in this way, you allow the surface layer of the skin to recover the right moisture.
If you live in a dry, desert climate, you should use the humidifier all year round
Advice
- If you start to feel a stinging sensation after applying the moisturizer, discontinue use and purchase a hypoallergenic cream or ointment.
- If the skin under the nose tears and becomes infected, use a topical antibiotic.
