Dry crusts in the nose in adults: causes, treatment

The nose is a multifunctional organ that recognizes odors, serves as a barrier to a huge amount of pathogenic microflora and heats the air to a temperature comfortable for the body. Unfortunately, quite often crusts form in the nose, causing discomfort and being a source of bacteria. Most often, the situation develops as follows: after certain hygiene procedures, the nose is cleared, but after some time the crusts form again. Why do scabs appear in the nose, how to deal with them?

What are crusts?

The nasal mucosa in a healthy state synthesizes translucent mucus. The main function of mucus is to trap dust, allergens, and dangerous microorganisms and block their entry into the body. Another task of mucus is to effectively moisturize the epithelial mucosa and maintain the sense of smell. In case of illness, malfunctions in the functioning of the nasal mucosa occur, and dry crusts appear.

There are many reasons for the appearance of growths - they can be a symptom of a cold or indicate a more serious pathological process. If a person has suffered an infectious disease, the likelihood of developing growths in the nose increases significantly. In this case, crusts form in the nose constantly.

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The essence and danger of the symptom

Crusts with blood can appear as a result of colds or more serious pathologies, which are characterized by atrophic lesions of the mucous membranes and bone structures.
In this case, a person often experiences discharge that has an unpleasant odor. Crusts are often characteristic of people who suffered from infectious diseases in childhood. They are the ones who can provoke irreversible processes in the structure of the mucous membranes and become the cause of such formations.

The appearance of such a problem is fraught with serious disruption to a person’s health. Possible problems include the following:

violation of nasal breathing;
severe dryness of the mucous membranes;
decreased sense of smell;
the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
atrophic lesions of the mucous membranes.

What types of crusts can form in the nose

White formations

Simple crusts that are not accompanied by infection and inflammation have a whitish tint. They usually occur in newborns and appear after surgery - rhinoplasty and septoplasty. Most often, it is enough to contact a specialist who will carefully remove the white scabs. No drug treatment is required.

Yellow and green formations

When a person spends a long period indoors or outdoors in windy weather, dust accumulates in the nasal cavity and the crusts acquire a darker shade. Yellow and green crusts are a symptom of a progressive infection in the body, a pathological process that requires immediate treatment.

Warning: the photo may be unpleasant to view.

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Blood formations

The mechanism for the appearance of dry blood crusts is somewhat different. The sinuses contain a large number of small blood vessels that transport oxygen to the tissues. Red blood cells are so small that they can penetrate the walls of blood vessels and settle in the mucus. Thus, the crusts acquire a characteristic brown tint. In an organism that is not complicated by a disease, such processes do not appear.

Causes of bloody crusts

Identifying the specific causes of bloody crusts can be very problematic. However, there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of problems occurring.

Doctors say that bloody boogers can occur due to improper functioning of the nervous system.

There are also other factors that provoke the appearance of crusts. These include the following:

Hormonal imbalance . The use of products containing progesterone often causes increased nasal dryness and the formation of blood crusts. Hormonal imbalance almost always causes problems in the functioning of the mucous membranes. In women, dry nasal secretion may occur during menstruation. This is due to a stressful situation and hormonal transformations in the body.
Prolonged exposure to cold. Sudden fluctuations in temperature provoke disturbances in the functioning of the mucous membranes. They dry out and atrophy. However, this condition is temporary. If after normalization of the situation the symptom does not go away, it is worth looking for more serious factors.
Anatomical structure . The cause of such crusts may be an overly wide nose. The problem is caused by a violation of the structure of the mucous membranes. Often this symptom provokes atrophic bone lesions and leads to purulent discharge that has an unpleasant aroma. This is a rather complex pathology that is difficult to treat.
Stress . The influence of this factor often provokes disruption of the functioning of the nasal mucosa. Blood crusts form on their surface. In this situation, complex treatment is required.
Otolaryngological pathologies . The prolonged presence of such ailments or acute diseases, which are accompanied by constant irritation of the mucous membranes, cause excessive dryness of the epithelium. Constantly blowing your nose and clearing your nose leads to disruption of the integrity of the blood vessels. This leads to the formation of blood crusts.
Violation of trophism of the nervous system . The development of such pathologies in children leads to their reoccurrence in adulthood. As a result, the mucous membranes dry out, which leads to the appearance of bloody crusts.
Impact of adverse factors . The cause of problems may be constant exposure to dry rooms. Also, the formation of crusts may be due to the influence of dry or dusty air. These conditions negatively affect the functions of the mucous membranes. They stop secreting the secretion, which leads to various problems.

In some situations, the cause of problems is frequent visits to the bathhouse.
Under the influence of moist and hot air, hypersecretion of the mucous membranes in the steam room develops. However, after leaving the bathhouse, a person develops dried discharge. With constant use of the sauna, there is a risk of serious abnormal changes. In rare cases, mucous and bloody crusts in the nasal cavity are caused by the presence of dangerous autoimmune pathologies. These include Sjogren's syndrome, in which damage to the endocrine glands is observed. This process is also characteristic of diabetes mellitus.

Causes of yellow and green crusts

The most common cause is viral infections (most often herpes). Blisters appear in the nose and tingling sensations are felt. If herpes is not treated in a timely manner and effective antiviral drugs are not used, the pathology is complicated by purulent discharge.
Green scabs are a symptom of rhinitis.
If yellowish and greenish formations appear against the background of a cold, it is necessary to regularly humidify the air.
Nose injuries.
One of the reasons for the appearance of scabs in the nose is hypothermia. This is why crusts appear more often in winter.
Persistent crusts can be caused by rhinitis; such formations are large and difficult to treat.
Allergy.
A sudden change of place of residence, which implies a change in climate zone.
Prolonged stay in a horizontal position.

Ozena - as a cause of crusts

Ozena or fetid runny nose is a pathological process that develops in the nasal mucosa and spreads to cartilage and bone tissue, accompanied by an unpleasant odor and constant discharge from the nasal cavity.

The disease is rare (accounts for 1%-3% of all nasal pathologies) and appears at the age of seven years. The cause of the disease is hormonal disorders, infection.

At the initial stage, a prolonged runny nose occurs, which progresses. As a result, crusts form, breathing becomes difficult, and mucus comes out of the nose. Closer to forty years, the symptoms of the pathology disappear on their own.

It is important! The decision on how to get rid of crusts is made only by the attending physician. Scabs form for various reasons. That is why the treatment of dry crusts in the nose in adults and children should be selected individually, so that the drugs act directly on the cause of the disease.

Causes

The problem worries a fairly large number of patients when they see an otolaryngologist. People usually turn to a doctor after many unsuccessful attempts to treat themselves at home with ointments or other remedies, including folk remedies.

Crusts in the nose in adults represent a certain substrate (mucus, blood or pus), which dries out to form growths or sores, causing some discomfort and difficulty in normal breathing through the nose, which affects the general well-being of a person.

Where does dryness come from and why do blood crusts form in the nose? The reasons are quite varied:

long-term rhinitis - chronic infectious or allergic rhinitis;
abnormalities of the facial skeleton - for example, deformation of the nasal septum;
trophic disorders due to poor blood supply to the mucous membrane of the nasal passages;
long-term treatment with vasoconstrictors or rhinitis medicamentosa;
diseases of the ENT organs - for example, atrophic rhinitis, ozena;
dysfunction of the central and autonomic nervous systems;
the negative impact of insufficient air humidity in the room - air conditioners are constantly running, there are central heating radiators;
frequent visits to steam rooms can also cause dry nasal mucosa;
work without respirators in a dusty atmosphere in construction and chemical industries;
traumatic and burn injuries to the mucous membrane;
hormonal disorders (some women develop dry bloody crusts and scabs in the nose during pregnancy, menopause, menstruation);
common diseases (rare causes) - diabetes mellitus, Sjögren's syndrome (autoimmune damage to the endocrine glands).

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Why do blood crusts appear?

The brown tint of the crusts is a common occurrence, since the skin inside the nasal cavity is quite delicate and even slight pressure, any infection will provoke bleeding.

Reasons for appearance:

Attempts to get rid of crusts in the nose end in bloody discharge. Constant mechanical stress leads to non-healing wounds.
An incorrectly selected treatment regimen will certainly provoke the appearance of bloody discharge.
The presence of a foreign object in the nasal cavity.

Nosebleeds of various natures appear due to:

nasal injuries,
neoplasms,
pathologies of the heart and blood vessels,
bleeding disorders,
hormonal disorders.

It is important! Blood scabs can be treated using traditional methods if the cause of the pathology is not a bacterial infection or allergy.

Common causes of scabs

Reasons characteristic for the appearance of growths of any kind:

any form of rhinitis,
nasal septum injuries,
long course of therapy with vasoconstrictor medications,
frequent visits to saunas and steam baths,
hormonal changes
contact with toxic substances without personal protective equipment,
serious stressful situations,
chronic pathologies,
vascular abnormalities,
congenital anomalies.

It is important! In most clinical cases, patients treat scabs on their own, however, the problem returns again. To determine the cause of crusts in the nose and prescribe adequate treatment, the help of a highly specialized specialist is necessary.

What other reasons cause the formation of crusts in the nose?

There are also more ordinary, everyday factors that can affect the formation of crusts in the nose:

low humidity of the atmosphere or specific room;
too hot air;
the air inhaled by a person contains a component that is allergic to him (pollen or dust, wool or feathers, for example);
acute or chronic rhinitis in humans;
severe hypothermia;
vasomotor rhinitis, which formed against the background of nervous overload;
chronic or acute inflammation of the nasal appendages.

Complications

If you do not find out in a timely manner why crusts appear in the nose and do not undergo adequate treatment, serious complications may arise:

difficulty in nasal breathing, in addition, the air is not so thoroughly cleaned of harmful impurities,
snore,
nosebleeds,
ozena,
atrophic processes of the nasal mucosa and bone tissue,
complete lack of sense of smell,
constant headache.

If, after hygiene procedures, crusts form again and this process repeats for a long time, you need to consult a doctor who, based on symptoms and diagnosis, will tell you how to treat crusts in the nose.

What does it look like

You will still have to see a doctor to establish the causes and mechanisms of development of the problem. If there are crusts in the nose in adults, treatment will be more effective after eliminating the etiological factor. By appearance, one can already suspect why crusts appear in the nose of an adult. White color indicates mucus has dried out in the dry atmosphere of the room. The yellow or green color of the growths indicates the presence of purulent inflammation in the nasal cavity and (or) paranasal sinuses. The causes of such crusts in the nose are bacterial rhinosinusitis or sinusitis. Bloody crusts in the nose can form due to increased fragility and fragility of blood vessels, viral infection, frequent nosebleeds, and arterial hypertension.

Regardless of the cause of dryness and sores in the nasal cavity, they give the same clinical sensations:

tightness of the mucous membrane;
a feeling of burning and tension in the nasal cavity;
impaired sense of smell;
nasal congestion, snoring at night;
frequent nosebleeds, especially when trying to get rid of crusts on your own;
unpleasant odor of nasal discharge (often with atrophy of the mucous membrane and the development of bacterial flora above and below the growths);
dry mouth almost constantly (due to impaired nasal breathing);
frequent headaches;
the appearance of cracks and erosions (if adequate treatment is not carried out);
constant formation of new bloody or other crusts at the site of removed growths (if not treated correctly).

Diagnostics

Before determining how to treat the formation, the doctor prescribes a diagnosis. During the first visit to the doctor, the specialist conducts a survey, finds out the nature and intensity of the symptoms. For a detailed examination of the nasal cavity and identification of pathological processes, a hardware examination is prescribed.

Rhinoscopy

Visual examination of the anterior and posterior parts of the nose using medical equipment. During the examination, the specialist examines:

nasal mucosa,
nasal septum, passages and turbinates.

The study allows you to determine the presence of discharge, its quantity and consistency. Rhinoscopy is an informative diagnostic method for rhinitis.

Endoscopy

The survey is carried out to identify:

neoplasms in the nose,
rhinitis and sinusitis,
causes of nosebleeds,
reasons for loss of smell,
throat pathologies,
congenital pathologies of the nose.

The doctor prescribes endoscopy when rhinoscopy is not possible. If necessary, during the examination, the specialist takes a tissue biopsy for further research.

Features of the treatment of crusts in the nose in children of different ages

Scabs cause serious discomfort to a child; as a rule, children try to remove the growths on their own. This may cause nosebleeds.

Considering that we are talking about a child’s body, which is susceptible to any medications, crusts in the child’s nose are treated with neutral drugs and remedies:

boiled water with sea salt (for 1 glass of water 0.5-1 teaspoon of sea salt),
vegetable oil diluted with water,
baby cream

Small enemas or cotton swabs are used to remove crusts.

It is important! You can also use a nasal aspirator to clear your nasal passages. This is medical equipment that is safe even for newborns. In addition, soft cotton swabs are used for hygiene procedures (each nostril will require a separate swab). If crusts constantly form in your nose, you should consult a specialist.

Treatment - getting rid of crusts in the nose

At first glance, the crusts do not pose a danger, however, they cause serious discomfort that you want to get rid of. Removing scabs yourself is dangerous; it can cause bleeding and the appearance of more growths.

Treatment is carried out using two methods:

conservative,
surgical.

The treatment regimen is determined based on a number of criteria:

symptoms,
patient status,
the presence of concomitant pathologies.

Conservative therapy

Iontophoresis. As a result of exposure to current, skin irritation occurs, thereby increasing its permeability and ability to absorb drugs. The procedure increases the bioavailability of medications and restores normal tissue functioning.
Organotherapy. Treatment with drugs obtained from the glands and internal organs of animals. The technique stimulates organ function and tissue restoration.
Irrigation of the nasal mucosa with mineral solutions.
Normalization of lymph flow. The excretory function is restored.
Washing. A useful procedure that removes mucus from the nasal cavity, reduces the amount of secretions, and normalizes breathing. Used to prevent sinusitis.

Treatment of blood crusts is carried out according to a different scheme. Most often, blood accumulates due to weak blood vessels and high blood pressure, so therapy is usually aimed at eliminating these symptoms. Drug treatment is prescribed to regulate blood pressure. It is important to treat allergic rhinitis in a timely manner and under no circumstances tear off the scabs. As drug therapy, the doctor prescribes local drugs - ointments, drops, sprays.

Ointments

The product is applied to the turundas and inserted into each nasal passage or lubricated the nasal cavity with a cotton swab. Before using the ointment, the nose must be rinsed thoroughly. The procedure is carried out two to three times a day.

The ointment is selected based on the symptoms of the disease and examination results.

"Fleming" is a homeopathic ointment with complex action. Eliminates inflammation, pain, dries, normalizes the process of cellular respiration, accelerates tissue regeneration.
"Traumel S." - homeopathic remedy with complex action. Eliminates swelling, inflammation, discomfort, activates regeneration processes, stops bleeding.
“Rescuer” is a balm based on vegetable oils that has moisturizing, regenerating, soothing, antibacterial and analgesic effects.
"Vitaon" is a complex action phytobalm. Activates the healing process, eliminates pathogenic flora and inflammation.
“Oxolinic” ointment has a wound-healing effect and effectively moisturizes.
"Levomekol", "Bactroban" - ointments that contain antibiotics.
"Methyluracil" - strengthens local immunity, promotes rapid healing of cracks and small wounds.

Fleming's ointment

Traumeel S

Rescuer

Vitaon

Oxolinic ointment

Levomekol

Persistent positive dynamics are recorded on average a week after the start of therapy.

Drops and sprays

Prescribed to eliminate the inflammatory process and destroy bacteria:

"Polydex" - contains components of antibacterial, vasoconstrictor and anti-inflammatory effects.
“Marimer”, “Physiomer”, “Humer”, “Otrivin More” - in addition to the antibacterial effect, sprays effectively moisturize and strengthen blood vessels.

Inhalation and rinsing

Drug therapy is supplemented with inhalations and nasal rinses.

Inhalations are carried out using a nebulizer using antiseptics (if the cause of the crusts is a bacterial infection). The most effective drugs:

"Miramistin"
"Dioxidin"
"Chlorophyllipt".

Miramistin

Dioxidine

Chlorophyllipt

For washing, Aquamaris and Aqualor products are used, the procedure is carried out 3-4 times a day.

It is important! If, as a result of conservative and drug treatment, there is no improvement and complete recovery, the specialist prescribes cauterization. The procedure stimulates the growth of new cells and complete restoration of the nasal mucosa.

Therapy methods

The choice of treatment regimen is made by the doctor after a detailed examination and determination of the cause of the symptoms.
In difficult situations it is not possible to do without surgical intervention. The decision about the need for surgery is made by the doctor. If the cause of the formation of crusts and dryness in the nose is exposure to external factors, the causes should be eliminated. The use of a humidifier, systematic cleaning of the room, and ventilation will help improve the condition.

In addition, treatment of pathology may include the following elements:

Compliance with drinking regime . In the absence of contraindications, a person should consume at least 2 liters of liquid per day. It is useful to drink teas, mineral water, compotes, decoctions. Thanks to a sufficient amount of fluid, it is possible to normalize the functioning of the mucous membranes.
Avoidance of vasoconstrictor medications . Such drugs are addictive and lead to disruption of the functioning of the mucous membranes. Instead of such medications, you should do acupressure or use saline solutions.
Elimination of the provoking factor . Therapy must necessarily include measures to eliminate the underlying pathology that caused the formation of bloody crusts. Systemic pathologies and infectious diseases are treated according to special regimens that must be selected by a doctor.
Carrying out inhalations . If the problem is associated with a bacterial infection, it is useful to inhale the fumes of drugs such as miramistin, dioxindin, chlorophyllipt. For this purpose you need to use a nebulizer. The procedure should be carried out twice a day.
Use of balms and ointments . These drugs are selected depending on the cause of the pathology. So, the doctor can prescribe Fleming ointment, levomekol, rescuer. Viferon and oxolinic ointment are also often used. The drugs are applied to the turundas and placed in the nose. This procedure should be performed after washing.
Hydration . If the mucous membranes are very dry, you can use special oils - it is best to use peach or grape seed. The product must be carefully introduced into the nasal passage, trying to avoid it entering the respiratory system. In addition, you can moisten the turundas with oil and place them in the nose. The duration of the procedure should be 10 minutes.

In addition to traditional remedies, you can use effective folk recipes. To achieve good results, you should consult a doctor.

The most effective means include the following:

Sea kale powder . To prepare it, the plant should be dried and crushed using a coffee grinder. It is recommended to inhale the resulting powder every day. At the same time, you should make sure that it does not penetrate the bronchi. This is why it is so important to be careful.
Boiled potatoes . To cope with the problem, you need to take 2 medium-sized potatoes. They should be boiled in their skins, cooled slightly and applied to the nose. When the root vegetables have cooled, add menthol oil. To increase effectiveness, the nasal passages should be rinsed with a soda solution.
Drops based on onion and honey . To make a remedy, you need to take 3 tablespoons of chopped onion, 50 ml of clean water and half a teaspoon of honey. All components should be mixed, after which the product can be filtered. Add 1 drop at a time.
Sea buckthorn oil and wild rose oil . These products help to cope with crusts and eliminate unpleasant odors. To achieve good results, these oils must be alternated.

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Surgical method

If the cause of crusts is a deviated nasal septum, the only effective treatment is surgery.

Laser correction is carried out quickly, is a low-traumatic surgical method and requires a minimum rehabilitation period.

If growths are formed due to deformation of the nasal mucosa, treatment also requires surgical intervention. During the operation, the wall of the maxillary sinus is displaced and fixed in the correct position. During rehabilitation, the septum and the nasal concha are fused, as a result the nasal cavity becomes smaller and crusts form in smaller quantities or do not appear at all.

Traditional medicine as a way to treat crusts in the nose

Folk remedies are absolutely safe because they are prepared from natural ingredients - oils (vegetable and essential), medicinal herbs, natural fats. Here are some effective recipes for treating dry crusts in the nose:

Prepare a decoction - 500 ml of water, 1 tbsp. l. sage, plantain and chamomile, boil for 5 minutes, leave for 40 minutes. Rinse your nose with the decoction.
Inhalations using saline and essential oils that contain menthol (eucalyptus, mint) help well.
You can rinse your nose with a solution of sea salt. To make the effect of the product milder, add 4-5 drops of olive oil.
Oxolinic ointment is prescribed as an antiviral agent, which softens the skin, promotes wound healing and is a good preventive measure.
You can instill olive or sea buckthorn oil into your nose or treat the nasal cavity with a cotton swab.
Tea tree oil is excellent for healing wounds. The product is used in its pure form or added to baby cream.
An excellent remedy for treating the nasal mucosa is rosehip oil. This is a universal remedy for adults and children.

Prevention

It is easier to prevent a disease than to treat it. Effective preventive measures:

regularly ventilate and clean the room,
avoid hypothermia,
promptly treat flu, colds,
if crusts have formed not for the first time, you need to regularly rinse your nose with saline solution,
To effectively humidify indoor air, use special household appliances.

The formation of crusts in the nose indicates the progression of the pathological process in the body. To exclude the development of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow preventive measures.

Causes of crust formation in the nose

Factors that predispose to the constant formation of crusts in the nose can be determined based on an assessment of their nature - they can be purulent, bloody or dry.

Bloody crusts

They occur as a result of the harmful effects of allergic rhinitis or as a complication after intense stress on the capillaries of the nasal mucosa. Other factors include:

The presence of purulent sinusitis of bacterial origin.
Long-term use of medications, where the formation of crusts is a complication.
Pathological changes in the nasal mucosa (more often in older people).
Sudden change in temperature.
An attempt to tear away a dense dry crust from the inner wall of the nose, which entails damage to the capillaries and hemorrhage.

Often, bloody crusts in the nose are detected by women in the postpartum period. The problem is accompanied by unpleasant itching and a feeling of dry nasal cavity. This may indicate infection in the delivery room, so it is advisable to notify the observing gynecologist.

In children, blood crusts are the result of a burst boil, intense irritation of the nasal membrane with fingers, and increased fragility of the capillary network of the mucous epithelium. Also, dried blood inside the nose can be a sign of the presence of a foreign body or damage to the bones of the facial part of the skull.

Yellow peels

They are a consequence of the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the body - streptococcus and staphylococcus. They are attached to the inner surface of the respiratory canals, and one of them may be more deformed than the other.

previous nasal injuries;
discrepancy between the width of the nose and the size of the nasal sinuses;
congenital anomalies of the development of the nasal structure;
diseases of infectious origin suffered in early childhood;
surgical interventions or diagnostic measures performed on the nasal cavity (if the instruments or consumables used were not sufficiently sterilized and a bacterial infection developed).

Dry crusts

Pathological neoplasms characterized by drying of serous secretions and their tight attachment to the walls of the nose from the inside. They arise as a result of regular exposure to physical factors, which include:

staying in a dusty room;
frequent climate change;
hormonal imbalances (more often in women in the first days of the menstrual cycle or with the systematic use of oral contraceptives);
undergoing therapy that can reduce the rate and volume of synthesis of nasal mucous secretions;
inflammatory processes inside the paranasal sinuses (their chronic form is especially predisposing);
hypothermia;
exposure to dry or hot air;
inhalation of allergens (smoke, gas, pollen).

An indirect factor is also a long stay in a horizontal position, which exposes the inside of the nasal cavity to dryness.