The inside of your nose bleeds after you scratch it because you've likely broken delicate blood vessels lining the nasal passages.
The Delicate Nasal Lining
Your nose is full of tiny, fragile blood vessels that are very close to the surface. This makes them susceptible to injury from even minor trauma:
- Thin Tissue: The tissue lining your nasal passages is thin and easily damaged.
- Abundant Blood Supply: The nose has a rich network of blood vessels to warm and humidify the air you breathe.
How Scratching Causes Bleeding
When you scratch the inside of your nose, you can easily rupture these blood vessels:
- Direct Trauma: The act of scratching directly irritates and damages the delicate lining.
- Vessel Rupture: This irritation can cause the small blood vessels to break and bleed.
What to Do If Your Nose Bleeds
Here are some steps you can take to stop a nosebleed:
- Stay Calm: Anxiety can worsen bleeding.
- Pinch Your Nose: Firmly pinch the soft part of your nose, just below the bony bridge, for 10-15 minutes. Lean slightly forward and breathe through your mouth.
- Apply Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the bridge of your nose can help constrict blood vessels.
- Seek Medical Attention: If the bleeding doesn't stop after 15-20 minutes of pinching, or if it's heavy or frequent, seek medical attention.
Prevention
To prevent future nosebleeds caused by scratching:
- Avoid Scratching: Try to avoid picking or scratching your nose.
- Moisturize: Keep the nasal passages moist with saline nasal spray or a humidifier, especially in dry climates.
- Trim Nails: Keep your fingernails short to minimize damage if you do scratch.
In summary, scratching the inside of your nose damages the fragile blood vessels within the nasal lining, leading to bleeding. Practicing good nasal hygiene and avoiding unnecessary irritation can help prevent future nosebleeds.
