If your child suffers from pet dander, plant, mold or dust allergies, they probably have to blow their nose repeatedly when their condition is triggered. Unfortunately, frequently blowing one’s nose can result in it becoming chapped and painfully inflamed. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that your child does not have to deal with this unpleasant affliction.
Finding the Right Tissue
To ensure that your child does not develop an irritated nose, you must make sure they are not using an abrasive material to clear their nasal passages. Tissue and toilet paper are the best choices, as they are soft enough to not irritate the skin around your child’s nostrils with repeated use. While they are made from more durable material, paper towels are not recommended because their texture is rough and can cause skin to become dry and cracked. Pre-moistened tissues are also not recommended because they often contain fragrances and cleansers that will irritate already sensitive skin.
Dab, Don’t Rub
Another way you can help your child avoid aggravating the skin around the nostrils is to make sure they are dabbing that area of their face, not wiping it. Even with the gentlest material, the act of repeatedly wiping the same patch of skin will result in it becoming raw and sore. By teaching your child to get rid of excess mucus by dabbing instead of wiping it away, you will teach them a valuable technique that will make one of the most painful aspects of having an allergy easier.
Moisturize Regularly
To help your child’s nose heal from being blown and dabbed regularly, a small amount of moisturizer should be applied to the area several times a day, ideally after every blow. While lotions are commonly recommended to treat other areas of the body that have become chapped and irritated, that is not the case with the nose. Scentless petroleum-based ointments are best for treating a runny nose as it will form a waterproof seal wherever it is applied. This will allow the skin underneath the ointment to heal, even with frequent exposure to mucus.
Flush the Nose Frequently
To ease your child’s congestion and to reduce the amount of mucus flowing from their nose, make sure they flush out their nasal passages with a saline solution at least twice a day. By clearing out your child’s nostrils once in the morning and then again once in the evening, you will decrease their need to blow their nose, which will lower the amount of friction that their nostrils are subjected to.
If you notice the skin around your child’s nose isn’t healing even after you’ve taken the steps outlined above, they may have an infection. If that’s the case, contact us today to set up an appointment with Dr. Shukla. He has the skills and experience to properly diagnose and treat your child’s condition.
