What Does an Itchy Nose Mean?

An itchy nose can be an annoying symptom, especially when the urge to scratch strikes in public. There's always the danger that someone will think you're picking your nose! An old superstition says that an itchy nose means you're destined to kiss a fool. While this is amusing, the itchiness you're experiencing may be no laughing matter. What does an itchy nose mean and what can you do about it?

An itchy nose usually arises from one of two problems - allergies or the common cold. It's not uncommon to experience itchy, irritated nasal passages during allergy season if you're prone to seasonal allergies. During an allergic reaction, the chemical histamine is released which is responsible for many of the symptoms experienced with allergy including the itchy eyes, nasal discharge, and scratchy throat.

Histamine also causes many of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with food allergies and allergic reactions to bee stings. In extreme cases, histamine can cause dangerous throat swelling and difficulty breathing, as when an allergic individual experiences a bee sting. Fortunately, with seasonal allergies, histamine is unlikely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

Because histamine can be responsible for an itchy nose, the most effective treatment may be to take an antihistamine. These medications offset the effects of histamine on the throat and nasal passages, providing some relief for the itching and irritation. On the down side, many over-the-counter antihistamines cause sleepiness and, in some cases, dizziness and unsteadiness which can be a problem if you need to stay alert. There are prescription antihistamines available that are less likely to have this effect. In some cases, nasal steroids may be needed for a persistently itchy nose caused by allergies.

An itchy nose can also be caused by a new personal care product you're using or exposure to a household chemical. If itchy nose is a recurrent problem, evaluate the products you're using, particularly ones you've recently purchased to see if one of them could be causing the problem. Cleaning products, facial creams, and shampoos can all cause an itchy nose if you're sensitive to one of the ingredients.

Another cause of an itchy nose is lack of humidity. If you live or work in a dry environment, nasal passages can quickly dry out causing irritation. The best solution is to add a humidifier to your bedroom or work area. In the meantime, irrigating the nasal passages with sterile salt water can help to relieve the symptoms.

An itchy nose can also be the first sign of a cold. Although there's no cure for the common cold, keeping the humidity level higher in your house and irrigating nasal passages frequently with salt water can reduce the irritation. Avoid blowing your nose too vigorously as this can make the problem worse. If the symptoms fail to resolve within five days, see your doctor.