Does crusting, dried blood and mucus (debris) cause a slight pain inside nostrils along septum?

Question

Trying to clean my nose 6 weeks after surgery and seems like some spots are sensitive. I really do think it could be the crust and blood has dried up along the septum and towards nostril. When trying to break at the crusts gently with a qtip I experience a small sharp pain. Is it possible that these crusts and scabs can cause a slight pain when trying to move/ break them? Thanks for your honesty I really would just like to reassure my self even though this may not be a serious question to some.

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

The best thing to do to help remove these crusts is to use nasal saline 5 or 6 times a day to help break them up. Yes, removeing them can cause pain and discomfort.

Ivo Gwanmesia, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.Your nose will remain sensitive for a few weeks and possibly a few months after rhinoplasty. If you find that you are still having crusts with thick mucus, then a potential solution would be to use saline nasal sprays to break up the crusts. You can also try using some Beconase nose drops as they should help with the nasal discomfort.

Myriam Loyo, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you for sharing your concern. It is very common after rhinoplasty to have crusting and mucus build up and for your nose to be sensitive after your clean it. However, 6 weeks after rhinoplasty the crusting should have reduced dramatically. Make sure you are using saline solution to moisten the crusts before removing. Saline gels and humidifiers can also help prevent the crusts from forming. You might want to have your surgeon check on your nose to make sure there is no healing problem. Hope this helps!

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Here are some safe recommendations to keep your nose healthy and comfortable.1. Run a humidifier at night.2. Saline sprays can be used as much as you want3. Saline rinses 2-3 times a day can break up hard crusting4. Saline gels hold you over between rinses and sprays.After surgery on the nose, it's common for it to get very dry. That dryness can cause mucus to crust and dried blood to stick around longer. Your nose is used to a humid environment, so it's no surprise that a dry nose with hard debris in it becomes uncomfortable.Your nose will recover it's ability to keep the skin inside from drying out. In the meantime, keep up with follow-up appointments so your surgeon can check on your nose and safely clean out your nose if need be.

John B. Lazor, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

It is possible that your discomfort is related to crusting/scabs but at 6 weeks, this is less common. You should be evaluated by your surgeon

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be common.  You may want to use a saline rinse nasal spray to help soften or moisten the inner canal of the nose.  Hydration is always best.  Best wishes,

Does crusting, dried blood and mucus (debris) cause a slight pain inside nostrils along septum?

Answers (6)

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Does crusting, dried blood and mucus (debris) cause a slight pain inside nostrils along septum?

Answers (6)

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