by Dr. Waverly Yang, PharmD, Curist Pharmacy Advisor, and Dr. Marc Goldstein MD, Curist Medical Advisor. 

Curist delivers FDA-approved medicines to your door at a fraction of the big brand price. We hope everyone stays safe and healthy during this time.

Is My Itchy Nose A Symptom of Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Is My Itchy Nostrils and Itchy Outside Nose a COVID-19 Symptom?

An itchy, ticklish nose can be irritating, and, sometimes, it just doesn’t go away! Although nasal congestion and a runny nose (learn more here) are symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) according to the CDC, an itchy nose, itchy outside nose, and itchy nostrils are not common symptoms of coronavirus infection. If, however, your itchy nose or nostrils is accompanied by other symptoms commonly associated with the coronavirus, you may need to consider getting tested to see if you have an active coronavirus infection.

Other symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• New loss of taste or smell
• Cough
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Fever or chills
• Muscle or body aches
• For more symptoms, please refer to the CDC website.

Can Allergies Cause An Itchy Nose or Itchy Outside Nose?

Allergies are a common culprit of an itchy nose and an itchy outer nose. When you inhale allergens, the allergic response that is triggered can cause irritation, itchiness, and inflammation in your nose. Sometimes, your itchy nose and itchy outside of nose can be accompanied by other common allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, a runny nose, and nasal congestion. Your symptoms could be triggered by seasonal allergies (e.g., pollen, weather changes, outdoor allergies) or other allergens like dust and pet dander.

If you are not sure if you have symptoms from allergies or coronavirus (COVID-19), please learn more in our article Allergies vs Coronavirus: How to Tell the Difference. To learn more about seasonal allergies, check out Outdoor Allergy Tips: Enjoy Your Picnic Allergy Free.

Can the Common Cold Cause an Itchy Nose?

Viral infections, like the common cold, often result in inflammation of your nose and sinuses which can trigger an itchy nose. In addition to an itchy nose, other common symptoms of the common cold include cough, sore throat, runny nose, and nasal congestion.

Since an itchy nose can be a symptom of both the common cold and allergies, it can be difficult to figure out what’s causing your symptoms.

If you are not sure whether you have a cold or allergies, learn more in our article Common Cold vs Allergies: Symptoms & Treatments.

What Else Could Be Causing My Itchy Nose or Itchy Nose Outside?

Other likely reasons behind your itchy nose or the outside of your nos can include:

• Itchy Nose From Dry Air: If you’re frequently breathing dry, indoor air, your nasal passages can feel dry and prone to itchiness. 
• Itchy Nose From Environmental Irritants: Although similar to allergies, environmental irritants cause direct irritation to the nasal passages rather than triggering an immune response. Environmental irritants can include perfume, chemical products, or smoke. 
• Itchy Nose From Itchy skin: Sometimes, the source of your itch is not inside your nose but actually outside your nose! Common causes of itchy skin on your nose include bug bites, atopic dermatitis (eczema), dry skin, and allergies. 
• To learn more about itchy skin, check out the article Itchy Skin and Chronic Hives.

What’s The Best Allergy Medicine For Itchy Nose?

A fast and effective way to treat an itchy nose is by taking an antihistamine. Each person responds differently to different antihistamines, but here are some of the most popular allergy medicines for itchy throat:

• Levocetirizine (available at Curist)
• Fexofenadine (Allegra)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Loratadine (Claritin

Another option is to use a nasal spray like Fluticasone (available at Curist). This is a great option for those who have allergies for an extended period of time and can be used for both treatment and daily prevention of allergies during peak allergy season. If your itchy nose is caused by itchy skin, using an over-the-counter topical steroid like hydrocortisone cream can be a great supplement to antihistamines for stronger itch-relief.

What About Medicine-Free Relief For My Itchy Nose?

Although antihistamines are the quickest way to relieve an itchy nose, there are a few drug-free ways to reduce the itchy sensation in your nose. If your nose is frequently dry, try using a humidifier to restore moisture in the air. As hard as it may be, avoid frequently rubbing or blowing your nose since this can cause further irritation and itchiness. 

If your allergies are acting up and you’re looking for more drug-free options to relieve your itchy nose, check out our article Tips to Treat Allergies Without Medicine.

For more information about novel coronavirus COVID-19, please visit the CDC website. As always, if you are not feeling well, please reach out to your medical provider or call 911.