Hazards of using petroleum jelly in the nose

February 16, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: You recently wrote an article about why petroleum-based products aren’t supposed to be used in the nose. My doctor told me to use Vaseline to keep my nostrils moist to prevent nosebleeds because I live in a dry climate and am prone. What am I supposed to do?

DEAR READER: Since printing that article, I have received several requests for reprints and/or clarification, so here goes.

If used in the nostrils over a long period of time, petroleum-based products can cause a type of pneumonia or pneumonitis.
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Nasal dryness remedies

January 4, 2011 By

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.
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