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Have you ever experienced a really dry nose. It can happen in hot, dry areas like Arizona or New Mexico. It can happen in the winter when the heat is on and the humidity is low. Some drugs can cause a dry mouth and a dry nose. Whatever triggers a really dry nose, it can be truly unpleasant. But what can you do about it. People disagree about the safety of putting petroleum jelly or Vaseline in the nose. What else can you use to relieve a dry nose? That’s the question from this reader:
A Thoracic Surgeon says Vaseline in the Nose is Just Fine:
Q. I know you have warned against using Vaseline to moisturize the inside of the nostrils. My question is: what CAN be used to relieve a dry nose?
When I asked my thoracic surgeon about using Vaseline, he told me that in his long career, he has never seen a case of lung disease attributed to this.
A Pharmacist Says Vaseline in the Nose is a No-No!
A. A pharmacist wrote to us to recommend an OTC product, AYR Nasal Gel, for moisturizing dry nasal passages. This water-based product should be found next to the AYR Saline Spray in the nose drop section of the pharmacy. If you don’t find it, the pharmacy should be able to order it.
He continued:
“You are perfectly correct that usage of Vicks, Vaseline or similar petroleum-based products [in the nose] may very well result in lipoid pneumonia, an extremely dangerous condition.”
Readers Offer Alternatives to Vaseline in the Nose:
Marian in Texas says:
“Several years ago I read that using KY Jelly as a lubricant for dry nose is safe and works. It is water based so no need to worry about petroleum.”
KY Jelly is a water-based personal lubricant. It has been used by physicians to conduct vaginal and rectal exams. It is also used as a sexual lubricant.
Lisa is a nurse. She says:
“KY Jelly is what we use on my patients when they have to rely on oxygen with a nasal cannula. I also use it at home during the winter months when we have the wood stove blazing to heat our home. I have also used Ayr Nasal Gel, which is available over the counter in many pharmacies.”
Elaine is ready to try something for her dry nose:
“Thanks for these solutions. I just had my first nose bleed ever in my life (49). I just moved to Arizona. I blew my nose and then the blood just started pouring out. My nasal passages are so dry here compared to Connecticut.”
R.M.H. is grateful for the warning about Vaseline in the nose:
“I have used Vicks VapoRub in my nose since being taught to during childhood in the 1930s. It says on the bottle now not to use in nostrils. The warning about petroleum products in nose is most welcome; I have enough breathing problems without adding to them. I will switch to non-petroleum lubricant immediately.”
Learn more about this controversy at this link:
Doctors Disagree About Putting Petroleum Jelly in Nose
Share your own story about dry nose solutions in the comment section below.
Michelle
Bellevue, WA
As a CPAP mask user, my nose can often feel dry, so my doctor gave me a tube of RoEzIt Dermal Care – a petroleum-free skin emollient. It works really well. I just apply a little inside the nostril opening about 10 minutes before bed.
It’s also great when I have a cold and have to blow my nose a lot and my nose starts to peel and turn red, etc. – then I apply it on the outside of my nose as well. Very soothing, and heals it.
suzanne
PA
Waxalene is a great substitute for Vaseline. Perfect for a dry nose.
Connie
Colorado
Well I read this whole article about ‘the DANGERS OF PUTTING VASELINE OR VICK VAPOR RUB in your nose & the comments’ And no-one said what I’m about to tell you!. Not one person mentioned the SECRET to use either one, Vaseline or VVR. The reason some think its dangerous is because they put a big gob of it in their nostril. And that is definitely dangerous & could cause all kinds of problems, including the most dangerous of them all, going into their lungs.
The Secret is, that you barely put any. Put just a very, VERY small amount on your finger, (forget the Qtip for adults but if you rather go ahead), I’m thinking in Spanish, & I looked it up & it translated to ‘Stain’ & a better word for it is a ‘Speck’. We’re talking barely sliver of Vicks Vapor Rub. I’ve used it since I was a little girl in Cuba, today I still use it, & I’m 71 yrs old.
I remember reading, maybe in your web site, about a small child that had to be taken to the hospital because the grandmother put VVR in his nose yada yada….Children’s nostrils are very small, so you do use a QTip, & same thing! Don’t put a gob of it on the QTip!!! & make sure you tell the child & emphasize that he/she cannot do this unless Mommy or Daddy knows about it. And! use the QTip because its small enough!! Even their little finger could be too big, (baby fat!) put barely any of it on the QTip/finger, & just go around in the nostril one time each nostril.
Now to be fair this is not for everybody some people don’t like it, some people have very small nostrils, or don’t like the feeling or smell of the VVR.
SJ
Colorado
Forty years ago my doctor told me to use Vasoline in my nose. It keeps my nose comfortable and prevents nose bleeds, for me. I tried Ayr nasal gel but found it less effective, so I went back to the vasoline. You just put a small amount on a cotton swab and coat the inside of your nose. It doesn’t take much.
Gail
California
My doctor recommended NeilMed NasoGel. NeilMed also makes a spray to moisturize the nostrils. Both are very effective!
Stephanie
I use Calendula ointment which is no petroleum based and a product called Polaris nasal emollient which is a combination of natural oils. Love the idea of using a damp face towel, especially while on vacation!
Jennifer
Portland OR
The herbs calendula and plantain are very healing to the skin. I infuse them into coconut oil and spread the oil inside my nose and on my lips and face for soothing protection and healing in the winter and summer.
Bill
Charlotte
A sidebar thought about petroleum jelly. I am 81 years old and when I was a kid my grandfather told me that he used Vaseline or petroleum jelly in his nose because he was always into paperwork down in basements in a very humid atmosphere. There must’ve been a lot of mold and mildew. The reason he did this was to keep the mold in the air from moving to his his nasal passages. He had terrible allergies and claimed that this reduced his problems with these allergies.
Through the years I have used this method during pollen season. Before I go to bed at night during pollen season I take a bath cloth and wipe my face and hair to get any pollen that might be residing there removed. When you have pollen in your eyebrows and hair and you move face around on your pillow at night you are going to have problems.
Bill J
Diana
Florida
Wow, never heard of lipid pneumonia, going to have to look into that. I’ve been using Vaseline on my lips and in my nostrils since at least high school (early 1980’s). I have tried so many other oils, inc. Vitamin E, almond, jojoba, coconut, that just don’t work as well. Other oils seem to only last a couple hours, but Vaseline will last all night. I get nosebleeds easily, even in Florida, and use daily, year round.
William MD
Springfield, MO
Lipoid pneumonia has been associated with the chronic use of mineral oil as a stool softener or laxative. I have never heard of vaseline or similar products being a problem in the nose.
judith
Glenwood Springs CO
Saline nasal spray (OTC) helps–as does a dab of Aveeno hand lotion along edges of nostrils at bedtime.
frank
toano,va
Been using vicks for 70 plus years in my nose and was told to sallow some for sore throat. 83 now. Never know what to use anymore.
Diane
Washington
We use organic coconut oil in our nostrils every winter, and have for years. We learned to do this on a trip to Arizona, where it was so dry we had daily nosebleeds. Works perfectly, non-toxic, and inexpensive.
Nurse e
Illinois
The hairs in your nose protect the airways from allergens and pollutants petroleum based products flatten hairs and they can’t do their job. Stick with water based lubricant jelly this is what I have done for my patients for 30+ years.
Jan
SF Bay Area
I use a tiny amount of organic coconut oil in my nose every night. It has cured my slight nosebleeds from dry nasal passages, is natural and inexpensive. Also a great hand and body lotion.
Fred
south carolina
I have been plagued with allergies since I was a kid. My main problem is that my nose stops up at night. I always breathe through my nose, so when I get stopped up (usually at 2-3 AM), I wash my sinuses with a nasal wash. That will give relief for a couple of hours. I have tried washing before going to bed, but still get nasal congestion.
I have a HEPA filter going continuously in the bedroom and we change sheets on a weekly basis. Of course, during pine tree pollen shedding time, it is worse. Has anyone tested wiping some moisturizing hand cream into the nasal passages?
Virginia
Georgia
I, too, found Ayr Spray & gel to be irritating so generic nasal saline works better for me. I still must use a little Vaseline regardless of the risk.
I am 70 & thus far no complications from Vaseline. Of course I only use just a little, not great gobs in my nose!
Dalis
Chicago
I would search for a nose ointment made from beeswax and some essential oils such as eucalyptus. I use one by Dr Christopher who was an herbalist.
Stephanie
I use Calendula ointment wich is not petroleum based and Ponaris which is a combination of natural oils. Love the idea of wetting a face towel, especially while traveling!
Jane
NM
When I moved to New Mexico 30+ years ago, I experienced unpleasant dryness inside my nose that resulted in bleeding at times. Petroleum jelly is not something I would ever have in my home so that was never a consideration.
I used Vitamin E capsules, opening them and using the contents; they solved the problem at the time.
Now I use coconut oil for those times in the winter when I feel a little dry. I’m a daily neti pot user, and I think that helps offset some of the dryness. I live at altitude, which is usually an exacerbating factor and the coconut oil works fine.
Kathy
My question is whether using coconut oil has any of the risks?
Cate
Bethlehem PA
I have a dropper bottle of liquid Vitamin E, which I use for those times when my nose becomes dry or sore inside.
It is oily, and the Vitamin E is reputed to help heal the skin inside the nasal passage. Of course we do not use the same bottle for the nose and for ingesting.
Patrick
Aubrey, TX
Ayr saline nostril get is ok.
Nana
Baltimore
My ENT recommended Neosporin for dry nose in the winter.
barbara
Los Angeles
Re: AYR Nasal Gel—I found the saline content was irritating to my nasal tissues.
Laura
Richmond, Va
I remembered using a Lanolin-based nipple ointment while breastfeeding and have used that for my dry nose successfully. However, some people are allergic to lanolin. So I also tried The Honest Company’s Organic Nipple Balm. It is touted as being hypoallergenic and there is no lanolin in it. Both products have worked very well for me. Hopefully, what is safe for nursing babies is also safe for my nose!
Todd
Al.
I have used Vaseline many times as a remedy for dry sinuses. Vick’s Vapo-Rub is good as a substitute. I have never had any adverse effects from the use of petroleum based products. I even use Vaseline as a hairball remedy for my cats. Just place a dab on the front paws and they lick off resulting in lubrication of the intestinal tract. Sometimes when my sinuses get really dry, I boil water and inhale the steam. This is a great temporary remedy.
cpmty
PA.
yes, I was going to ask about vaseline and petroleum. .. a person I know she is using it on her breast!! I thought petroleum products can cause cancer? What other product can be used on very dry feet? Thank you.
cpmty
PA.
Yes, I was going to ask about vaseline and petroleum. A person I know is using it on her breast!! I thought petroleum products can cause cancer. What other product can be used on very dry feet? Thank you.
Cindy
Lake forest ca
What about organic coconut oil?
B. Johnson
Texas
I have never tried Vaseline. Upon the advice of a friend I began using olive oil or sesame seed oil in my nostrils to combat the dryness in my nasal passages. It kept me from the bleeding caused by the dryness and stopped the headaches I was having. I just put some of the oils on the end of my little finger and use it to bathe the inside of my nasal passages. Works fine.
Victoria
Long Island
I put Vaseline on my arms everyday in the shower. Is that a problem ?
Fernanda
Houston, TX
In the winter I wet a face towel, wring it out & hang it in the bedroom. I also do this when we travel to dry areas, as I get nose bleeds in dry climate. Much easier than a humidifier.
B.C.
Wisconsin
I’m 70 and have been using a very tiny amount of Olbas salve in my nostrils at night for decades. There has never been a problem using it. The main ingredient is menthol which helps me breathe easier. Just remember to use only enough to barely coat the inner nostrils. I recommend giving this a try.
James
wantagh, ny
I have had recurring winter nosebleeds since having radiation treatments for sinus cancer for the last 6 years without any successful solutions. I have 1 or 2 per week, occasionally requiring me to go to ER and have a RHINO ROCKET installed in nostril to stop deep bleeding. I have been recommended to use bacitracin in the offending nostril which seems to help but not 100%. I have also placed humidifiers in bedroom and living room, which are very helpful, expecially when sleeping. Any suggestions are appreciated.
david
Nevada
Lipid pneumonia is often caused by aspirated petroleum products. Lung cells cannot break down petroleum products. Search “lipid pneumonia” for more.
Gail
New Zealand
Lubricate the inside of the nose with coconut oil. You can’t get any more natural than that!
James
Cornwall UK
I used Vicks for dry nose when in mountains and started getting nose bleeds. Stopped using Vicks, and no more nose bleeds.