Protect your nose from becoming chapped this winter

As winter slowly creeps in, Oral Hygiene Adviser, Dirna Grobbelaar, has shared some tips on how to take good care of your nose and prevent it from being sore.

Dirna said a red, chapped nose is one of the more visible side-effects of colds and flu, for children as well as adults.

She explained that a runny nose can cause dryness and chafing, as frequent blowing and wiping strips natural moisture from the skin and causes irritation.

She provided the following tips for preventing our noses from suffering:

– Apply some type of barrier cream, balm or ointment such as petroleum jelly or coconut oil to form a protective layer over the skin. Whichever balm you use, it’s vital to apply it several times a day, especially before and after blowing the nose.

– Wiping with the correct tissues will minimise irritation. Wet wipes aren’t suitable as they may contain cleansers, chemicals or other irritants; rather use a soft tissue, ideally ones infused with aloe vera or calendula. Instead of wiping the nose, gently pat or dab the skin.

– Blowing the nose less often will help prevent ‘tissue burn’. Rinsing the nostrils with a saline spray or homemade saline solution can help clear stuffiness. Buy a nasal spray at the pharmacy or make your own saline solution with a cup of cool, boiled water and half a teaspoon of salt.

– Steam helps relieve congestion and moistens the nasal passages, another good reason to enjoy hot soups and herbal teas when you’re feeling under the weather. Steaming your face over a bowl of hot water under a towel may be helpful, or sit in a sauna or steamy bathroom, probably a safer steaming method for children.

– Keeping the body and skin hydrated is important in preventing dry skin. Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water or herbal tea, is always recommended and especially when you have the sniffles. A clean washcloth soaked in warm water can be used to gently moisturise the face. Avoid harsh soaps, facial scrubs or anti-ageing products but do use plenty of moisturiser to keep the skin soft, in addition to a balm around the nose and lips.

– Maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet this winter, get lots of fresh air and exercise, and regularly wash your hands to avoid germs.