DEAR DR. GOTT: I live in an area where the air is dry. After moving here, I got frequent nosebleeds. I started dabbing Vaseline in my nostrils to keep them moistened, and it solved the problem. But after reading your column about how this can be dangerous, I stopped. What would you suggest as a remedy instead of the Vaseline?
DEAR READER: Dry air is a common cause of nosebleeds because the skin and mucus membranes become much more fragile and susceptible to damage. Vessels near the surface can break spontaneously, causing a nosebleed.
In arid areas of the country and even during the winter when wood stoves, fireplaces and furnaces are heating homes, people may struggle to keep the air from drying too much. In these situations, using saline (or other water-based) nasal sprays to keep the nostrils and airways moistened, as well as using humidifiers to add moisture back into the air, may be beneficial. If these fail to provide adequate results, speak with your physician regarding his or her recommendations.
About Dr. Gott