12 Reasons Your Nose Feels Hot, Itchy, and Swollen

Sore spots in the nose can appear for a variety of reasons, such as allergies, sinusitis, or frequent and long-term use of nasal sprays. These spots can be almost bloodless and dry inside the nostrils. Scabs are often a mild condition that is not serious and relatively easy to treat.

However, if a sore spot in the nose causes pain or excessive bleeding, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an infection, sinusitis, or cancer.

If the condition does not improve over time, or if this happens to you frequently, you should go to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment, which will vary depending on the root cause of the sore.

What Causes the Nose to Sting, Itch, and Swell?

Various pains, itching, and burning sensations in the nose can occur for the following reasons.

1. Dry Environment

Changes in climate, especially during the dry winter season, can cause inflammation in the nose. You may also notice that the skin on your face and lips is dry and peeling.

What to do: It’s important to maintain an appropriate level of humidity at home. Using a humidifier can significantly improve conditions. You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day to provide hydration.

2. Long-Term Use of Nasal Sprays

Long-term use of nasal sprays can dry out the nasal passages and form sores. Overuse can also have a rebound effect, causing the body to produce more nasal secretions. This can increase inflammation in the nasal tissues and give a burning sensation at the tip of the nose.

What to do: Ideally, you should only use medicated nasal sprays for a maximum of 5 days. You can switch to a natural, isotonic solution made product from sea salt.

3. Cold or Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation that occurs in the nasal passages, causing symptoms such as headaches, runny nose, and facial pain. If there is an excessive amount of nasal discharge that irritates the nasal passages, scabs may form inside the nostrils. It can be caused by a cold virus, influenza, or bacterial infection. Especially, many people who complain about a stinging nose have these symptoms.

What to do: You should get a diagnosis from a doctor to determine the best treatment method. They may recommend antibiotics, expectorants, and/or anti-inflammatory drugs. In the case of chronic sinusitis, decongestants may also be prescribed. Check out other home remedies for sinusitis that you can use to supplement the treatment.

4. Allergies

Allergies are one of the most common causes of inflammation inside the nose. For example, they can be triggered after contact with animal fur, dust, or pollen, and they can make the lining of the nasal tissues more prone and vulnerable to forming sores. Constantly blowing your nose can irritate the skin around and inside the nose, causing the skin and scabs to dry out. Most people who complain about a swollen or itching nose are likely to have allergies.

What to do: You should identify the underlying cause that triggers the allergies and prevent the allergies. Prescribed antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms, as well as proper fluid intake. Performing steam inhalation and staying in a moist environment can also help maintain moisture in the nasal skin, preventing further sores from appearing.

5. Irritating Chemicals

Some chemicals, such as abrasive cleaning products, industrial chemicals, or tobacco smoke, can irritate the nose and cause sores. In most cases, contact with chemicals can also cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing.

What to do: In this case, it’s important to avoid contact with irritating substances and provide as much moisture as possible to the skin of the nose. If you have difficulty breathing, you should seek medical treatment immediately.

6. Acne

Acne can cause inflammation in the nose. The inflammation and infection of the follicles can lead to acne, which can cause pain and pus discharge.

What to do: Avoid popping or squeezing the acne as it can lead to infection and cause more damage. To get rid of acne, keep the area clean and moisturized. You can use products such as acne cream or dry gel as recommended by a dermatologist.

7. Scratches/Wounds/Injuries

Minor injuries such as rubbing, scratching, or hitting the nose can damage the delicate skin inside the nostrils. This can lead to bleeding and scab formation. Young children have a tendency to insert small objects into their noses, which can also cause bleeding.

What to do: It’s important to treat the wound. Wounds should be kept clean with water and mild soap, and avoid picking the scab to promote proper healing.

8. Drug Use Side Effects

Inhaling harmful drugs can cause bleeding and serious injuries inside the nose. These drugs can dry out the mucous membranes, leading to wounds that are difficult to heal.

What to do: Avoid drug use, drink plenty of water, and use a humidifier to provide moisture to the skin inside the nose.

9. HIV Infection

HIV infection can cause sinusitis and rhinitis, diseases related to swelling inside the nose. HIV can also cause painful scabs inside the nose that bleed and take a long time to heal. Common wounds associated with HIV include nasal septum abscesses, herpes ulcers, and Kaposi’s sarcoma.

What to do: The goal of HIV infection treatment is to keep the virus in remission, suppress virus replication, and manage symptoms. Antivirals can be prescribed to achieve these results.

10. Herpes

The herpes virus can cause inflammation both inside and outside the nose. Herpes typically appears as small blisters filled with fluid, which when burst, release clear fluid. This fluid can spread the virus to other parts of the body, resulting in herpes blisters in other areas.

What to do: Avoid bursting or even touching these blisters. Consultation with a doctor is typically required for treatment, which usually involves the use of oral or topical antivirals.

11. Bacterial Infection

Infections caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. This infection causes small spots on the skin to become pus-filled and crusty, turning yellow or gold. These scabs can appear around the nose and lips. It is most common in children and patients with weak immune systems.

What to do: If you notice signs of impetigo rather than congestion, you should visit a dermatologist for evaluation and to start appropriate treatment. Topical antibiotics may be prescribed.

12. Cancer/Tumor

Persistent, unhealing, and unresponsive wounds in the nasal cavity can be a sign of cancer. Malignant rhinitis typically causes bleeding, runny nose, facial numbness, and ear pressure.

We take a closer look at the general signs and symptoms of cancer, which can show itself in various ways.

What to do: It’s important to have a family doctor evaluate the symptoms and order tests to confirm the diagnosis. If cancer is present, the treatment varies depending on the characteristics of the cancer cells, the location where it was found, and the age of the patient. Treatment may include the use of medication and/or chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

As you can see, the reasons for a burning, itching, or swollen nose tip can be quite diverse. Compare your symptoms or condition with the ones listed above and make sure to seek appropriate treatment.

​By. Health Blogger: Heeee