The nose is involved in different vital functions for the body, such as breathing or moistening and heating the air that reaches the lungs. It intervenes in the sense of smell and fulfills aesthetic functions by beautifying the face.
The wounds in the nose may occur daily during the practice of physical activity due to a fall, accident, or fight. Immediately, the onset of inflammation and pain that characterize the presence of these lesions should become apparent.
These wounds can occur at any age, from the smallest to the elderly are exposed to this type of injury. Any problem in the nose can affect breathing and the well-being of those who suffer from it. In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain how to heal nose wounds.
Table of Contents
Inside nose wounds: causes
The causes that give rise to internal wounds in the nostrils are:
- Capillary fragility: the blood vessels present in the nasal region, if they are weakened, can cause bleeding and injuries.
- Allergic rhinitis and cold: they cause nasal congestion, which, added to the constant use of tissues or paper, can cause injuries to the nasal mucosa due to continuous friction.
- Exposure to irritants: cigarette smoke, chemicals, and strong odors irritate the nasal mucosa. Depending on the degree of exposure, injuries may occur inside the nose.
- Nasal dryness: exposure to air conditioning, heating, constant use of nasal decongestants, and some medications can cause a dry environment where the nasal mucosa is affected. This is evident through the presence of cracks that later become wounds in the nasal mucosa.
- Polyps in the nose: the presence of nasal polyps causes deformity at the nasal level and the appearance of diseases over time, such as sinusitis.
- Placement of piercings: to place these objects, an incision is made, and the permanence of the piercing without the minimum care can cause an infection and make it difficult to heal the initial wound.
Wounds on the external nose: causes
- Nasal trauma: Also known as a blow, it can cause what is known as a deviation of the nasal septum, a contusion, or injury to the nose from the outside.
- Chronic sinusitis: causes injury to the nasal mucosa due to constant discharge and handkerchiefs to keep the nostrils dry.
- Nasal fracture: the fracture of the nasal bones is prevalent because the nose is the most prominent part of the facial region, that is, the area most exposed to suffering trauma. These occur more often in men than in women.
- Scratch wounds are caused by scratching excessively and even by being in contact with dogs or cats that could cause these injuries.
- The constant use of glasses, especially if they are very tight, can cause external injuries to the nose.
How to heal wounds in the nose: medical treatment
The treatment of a wound in the nose will depend on the cause that originated it. If a severe or profound impairment causes extreme discomfort, it is essential to go to the doctor to start the medical treatment required in each case. Sometimes, depending on the cause of the wound, surgery may be necessary to replace the affected tissues. Wounds located on the tip of the nose and nasal wings will require more complex cosmetic and surgical treatment, as the injury caused by the trauma is deeper.
In cases where there is a fracture, an evaluation of the nasal area should be carried out by the specialist doctor, then corroborate the presence of the fracture with an X-ray and control pain, nasal bleeding, and the presence of the hematoma. The fracture will be treated in a surgical procedure. Afterward, analgesics and anti-inflammatories will be indicated, in addition to antibiotics to prevent infections.
Suppose it is allergic rhinitis or exposure to chemical agents. In that case, the patient should stay away from these substances and start, under medical supervision, treatment based on antihistamines to regularize the nasal discharge.
In cases of infected wounds, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and antihistamines should be indicated to improve the patient’s symptoms.
How to heal wounds in the nose: first aid
If there is a slight wound in the nose, you can apply first aid before going to a health center to verify how significant the damage is and clean the exposed area.
Next, you will learn what to do to heal wounds on the nose at home:
- First, wash your hands with soap and water to not contaminate the wound.
- If it is a bleeding wound, you must proceed to stop the bleeding; this is achieved by pressing on the wound with gauze or paper.
- Avoid tilting your head back. The ideal is to keep it straight. In this way, you will avoid swallowing blood.
- Gently manipulate the wound area to prevent pain and not further injure the area.
- Once the bleeding has stopped, he proceeds to wash the wound. The ideal is to do it with a physiological solution or sterile water. In this way, you will avoid contaminating the area or increasing the risk of infection. You can use soapy and disinfecting substances like iodine and apply it to the wound surface with a cotton swab.
- Avoid blowing your nose. A runny nose can contaminate the wound area and increase the risk of infection.
In the case of children, the main thing is to calm them so that the wound can be checked and basic hygienic measures applied before going to the doctor.
When the wound is very extensive, and bleeding persists, you should go to a health center. The doctor will be in charge of verifying the state of the injury and will take the necessary measures for the patient’s benefit.
How to avoid nose injuries
To avoid injuries to the nose, it is essential to take into account the following care:
- The nasal mucosa should be kept hydrated by increasing water intake and avoiding dry environments to prevent dryness of the nasal mucosa.
- The use of tissues for nasal secretions should be foreseen.
- It is recommended to use moisturizers or ointments to keep the skin and nasal mucosa hydrated.
- Do not be in contact with irritating agents, such as cigarette smoke or toxic environments.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to heal wounds in the nose, we recommend that you enter our category of Ear, nose, and throat.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.