What It Really Means When Your Nose Itches

It's extremely common to get an itchy nose every once in a while, but there are many reasons why your nose might start to itch. One of the most common reasons for an itchy nose is allergies. If you have seasonal allergies, you may notice that your nose starts to itch more during certain times of the year. Allergies can also be triggered by certain foods, animals, or even dust (via Mayo Clinic). If your nose is itchy and you're also having other allergy symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes, you can try taking an antihistamine. You can also use a nasal spray to help relieve some of the symptoms.

Another common reason for an itchy nose is dryness. This can be caused by the weather, indoor heating, or even certain medications. If your nose is dry, you can try using a humidifier in your home or office (via Healthline). You can also use a saline nasal spray to help moisturize your nose. If you have an itchy nose that isn't due to allergies or dryness, it could be caused by a cold or the flu. In this case, the itchiness is usually accompanied by other symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and fever (via CDC). If you think you might have a cold or the flu, it's best to see a doctor.

Itchiness and pain are sometimes separate symptoms or can be felt at the same time. You shouldn't ignore any pain in your nose or sinuses, whether the pain is accompanied by itching or not. There are many reasons your nose might hurt. One common cause of nose pain is sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinuses (via Cleveland Clinic). Sinusitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergies. The most common symptom of sinusitis is a throbbing pain in your forehead or cheeks that gets worse when you bend over. Other symptoms include a stuffy nose, runny nose, fever, and fatigue. Sinusitis can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or nasal spray. If your symptoms don't improve after a week or two, you should see a doctor.

Another common cause of nose pain is rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the nose (via Mayo Clinic). Rhinitis can be caused by allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection. Symptoms of rhinitis include a runny nose, itchy nose, and sneezing. Antihistamines can often help relieve the symptoms of rhinitis. If you have a pain in your nose that is severe or lasts for more than a week, you should see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions. Conditions that can cause nose pain include sinus infections, nasal fractures, and tumors (via Buoy Health). Sinus infections and nasal fractures usually require antibiotics or other medical treatment.