If you experience nose allergies, you know how uncomfortable you can get when your allergy is triggered. A common symptom of nose allergies is dry, iritated skin from blowing your nose often. You may be wondering if Chapstick will treat your dry nasal skin similar to how it heals your dry lips. Once you know the benefits and risks of using Chapstick for nose allergies, you can work with your doctor to determine if it is an appropriate treatment for you.
Nose Allergies
Nose allergies can occur in response to many triggers, such as environmental conditions, pollen, dust, animal dander or cigarette smoke. The most common symptoms of a nose allergy include a runny nose or nasal congestion. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that you may also experience postnasal drip, which occurs when mucus drips down your throat. Sneezing, plugged ears and a decreased sense of smell are additional symptoms that can accompany nose allergies. Your nose may also become red, sore and chapped from blowing it repeatedly.
Chapstick
Chapstick is a topical emollient used to soften the lips and to treat dry and cracked lips. Topical emollients help treat a variety of other skin irritations, including diaper rash, cold sores and acne. Chapstick may not be appropriate for all of these conditions. If you have a sore, red and raw nose from nose allergies, ask your doctor about using Chapstick on the affected areas. The softening agents may help form a barrier on the skin around your nose so that it can begin to heal. The softening agents may also soothe the irritation so it becomes less bothersome.
Recommendations
If your nose allergies are flaring up, ask your doctor about taking an antihistamine. Antihistamine medications help reduce the nasal symptoms associated with allergies, which may help you reduce how often you blow or wipe your nose. If the skin around your nose continues to bother you, try wiping a small amount of Chapstick on the affected areas. Drugs.com notes that there is no prescription or recommended dose for Chapstick. Use it as needed, but call your doctor if the skin around your nose does not heal and continues to bother you.
Considerations
If you use Chapstick to ease the dry and sore skin around your nose, use it only on the external areas, Drugs.com advises. Use unscented Chapstick to avoid further irritation from fragrances or other added ingredients. Do not use any type of Chapstick on an open sore or if the skin around your nose is bleeding. Clean the irritated skin around your nose before applying Chapstick.
Posted in: Allergies