A cut in the nose is usually caused by careless picking of the nose. Frequent picking of the nose can irritate the lining of the nose and result to cuts and bleeding. Careless picking of the nose using nails or sharp objects can also result to unintentional cuts.
Some end up with inner wounds due to the dry weather. The dry climate dries the lining of the nose which results to cuts and cracks which are very painful. This can also be caused by flu which causes sneezing, runny nose and congestion.
Treatment
- Clean hands properly before touching the nose of the affected person. Wash the hands in running water and scrub the hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Rinse well and dry using a clean towel.
- If bleeding is near the edge of the nose, use a clean cloth and apply gentle pressure until the bleeding stops. Avoid blocking the airways and packing the nostrils. Sit straight and lean forward to lessen the pressure in the vessels found in the nose and prevent swallowing of blood. Using the thumb and the index finger, hold the nose for at least 10 minutes. The affected person will breathe through the mouth. After 10 minutes, release the hold. If bleeding in the nose persists, repeat the procedure. If it still bleeds after 20 minutes, seek medical help immediately.
- Keep the person cool by applying a cool compress or provide him/her with ice chips to suck on.
- Remove any debris left inside to lessen the risk for infection and worsen the condition. Use sterilized tweezers in removing debris that are stuck in the cut in the nose. If the area is hard to reach, seek medical help immediately.
- Clean the tissue inside the nose using chlorhexidine. Use a cotton swab or rolled up gauze to properly clean the area. Use fresh water and mild soap and a small amount of chlohexidine on the end of the cotton swab or gauze and hold this using a sterilized tweezer to properly clean the affected area. Rinse the area using clean water.
- Apply the prescribed antibiotic creams and ointments on superficial scrapes and cuts in the nose.
- When medication is already applied inside the nose, avoid picking on the scabs to prevent further damage on the area and worsen the condition. Gently clean the area using an emollient such as petroleum jelly that is safe for the nasal area and prevent the formation of large scabs.
If the condition becomes severe, the area swells, feels warm when touched, fever and drainage of thick or pus-like fluid and a foul odor coming from the affected area, seek medical help immediately.
Tips
- A cut in the nose that persists for more than a week requires medical attention.
- If there is bruising or swelling of the area, it can be a symptom of a broken bone which requires medical care.
- Stick with a diet rich in fruits and vegetable to promote fast healing of the condition.
- The individual should be updates with his/her tetanus vaccinations.
Disclaimer / More Information
The material posted on this page on a cut in the nose is for learning purposes only. Learn to properly provide proper wound care for a cut in the nose by taking a first aid and CPR class with one of our training providers.