Nasal Disease Handbook

The Crusty Nose

In some conditions, the nasal mucosa becomes dried. This can happen because of surgical changes, it can happen because of intrinsic nasal disease or it can happen because of very dry or difficult environmental air quality. When this happens, the nose is constantly plagued with unpleasant crusting. In the most extreme cases infection can built up under the crusts and then one suffers from a constant foul-smelling odor and discharge. In some cases the nose may be painful. If bleeding is present in this or any other condition, one most consult with a physician to exclude a nasal tumor. Assuming no tumor is present, the condition is easily managed with repeated nasal  irrigation, which washes off the crust. This wets the nasal mucosa and will wonderfully maintain nasal hygiene. Salt concentration and water temperature are a matter of personal preference. Normally, a longer irrigation in which both sides of the nose are very thoroughly irrigated will be required. The nose does best if all of the crusts are loosened and washed out daily.