Vaseline for a Dry Nose

Vaseline is a type of petroleum jelly that is often used as a lubricant, so it would make sense that Vaseline would be a good solution for a dry nose. Your nose may become dry for several reasons, including allergies, a cold or the weather. Regardless of the cause, it's important to know the pros and cons of using Vaseline to treat nose dryness.

Ask your doctor before using Vaseline to treat a dry nose. (Image: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

Why it Works

Vaseline can work wonders at clearing up the dryness. The slick jelly will coat the tissues in the nose and moisturize them. It will create a barrier that prevents air from reaching the tissues in the nose, which causes dryness. Vaseline also helps to lock in the natural moisture produced by the nose tissues.

Why it's Risky

Vaseline is generally safe to use in your nose, but only for short periods of time. Using it over extended periods of time can cause problems. The Vaseline doesn't stay just in the nose; instead, it travels to other areas of the body. It typically drains out of the nose and is swallowed. This isn't likely to cause a problem in the short term, but over an extended period of time, it can affect the digestive system and decrease the amount of vitamins your body is absorbing. Another risk comes from the possibility of inhaling the petroleum jelly. Once it gets into the lungs, it can cause damage like pneumonia and lung scarring.