Bloody nose...what could it be???

[Terra]

For the first time my DS [almost 18 months] had a bloody nose today. Not a lot, it was just smeared on his face a little and on his hand, so it wasn't constantly running blood at all...

He had a nasty cold about a month ago and has had a runny nose a bit from teething.
Could it be just from irritated sinuses or something more serious?

Anyone else's LOs every have a runny nose?

[ttachuk]

My daughter gets the same thing once in awhile. We mainly notice it as crusty blood just inside her nostril or a bit on her pillow. Most nose bleeds like that are caused by the inside of the nose being irritated- much like chapped lips that crack or split. It can be caused by dry climate/low humidity, frequent nose blowing, or even if a child is a bit of a nose picker (like my little picker- gross I know but what can ya' do). I wouldn't be concerned unless he starts getting nose bleeds that seem to be really flowing or take a long time to stop.

You could try to "moisturize" the inside of his nose with a lubricating gel made especially for noses- in Canada they are called Secaris or Rhinaris. I'm a pharmacist in Canada but not familiar with the trade names in the States. Just ask at a pharmacy. Also using saline drops or sprays may help clean out any irritants.

[tallanvor]

Most likely his nose is just dry inside like the pp mentioned.

[JustAugust]

Allergies and dryness can cause bloody noses.

[Rachaelbee]

i agree with pp, you can use saline nose drops to help the dryness

[Terra]

Thanks mamas! I was thinking along the same lines. I'm going to run our steamer/humidifier tonight. We are in Florida so you think it would be humid enough no such luck! I got the saline drops too!!!