This article explains why your nose may be cold, as well as treatment and prevention.
Causes of a Cold Nose
Medical conditions that can result in a cold nose include impaired circulation, hormonal fluctuations, high blood sugar, stress, and injury.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid (a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck) is underactive and produces too few hormones.
Cold sensitivity, especially in the extremities, is common in hypothyroidism. That’s because the correct balance of thyroid hormone helps maintain the body’s homeostasis (steady internal conditions). When the thyroid doesn’t function as it should, it can disrupt the body’s ability to convert energy to heat.
Fortunately, studies have found that when hypothyroidism is treated and thyroid hormones return to a balanced state, cold-induced thermogenesis (heat production) significantly improves.
Reduced Circulation
When cholesterol blocks some of your arteries, it can result in poor circulation (when blood doesn’t flow efficiently through your blood vessels). If you don’t have adequate blood flow to your nose, this can result in your nose feeling cold.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition in which blood vessels spasm in response to cold. This spasming usually causes the extremities, like fingers and toes, to feel cold and turn blue or white. Less commonly, this condition can also affect other body parts, including the nose.
High Blood Sugar
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) means you have too much sugar in your blood because your body doesn’t make enough insulin. Chronic conditions, like diabetes, can cause high blood sugar. In addition, overeating, illness, and stress can also cause it.
If diabetes is the cause of your high blood sugar, you may notice coldness in your extremities and nose. That’s because diabetes can lead to circulatory problems.
Heart Conditions
One symptom of congestive heart failure (a heart that can’t pump enough blood) is cold skin. That is because inadequate blood flow can make the affected areas feel cold.
Frostbite
Frostbite is skin damage that occurs from overexposure to extreme cold. Before developing frostbite on your nose, it would be unbearably cold. Later, after the tissue is damaged, the cold turns to a burning sensation with increased pain and numbness.
Stress
Stress can lead to all sorts of health problems, and strangely, that includes a cold nose. A study of the physiological responses to mental workloads found that facial temperatures, especially around the nose, correlated with the workloads.
Treatment
Cold nose treatment depends on the cause. For example, suppose a chronic health condition like stress, heart disease, poor circulation, diabetes, or thyroid problems causes your cold nose. In that case, managing those underlying conditions is the best way to treat your cold nose.
On the other hand, prompt medical attention is necessary if you have an acute injury, like frostbite.
If you are experiencing a run-of-the-mill cold nose from cold temperatures, you can try a few things to warm your nose:
Wear a face mask. Put on more layers. Drink or eat something warm.
When Should I See a Healthcare Provider?
If you notice that your nose is cold in situations in which other people are comfortable, or if other symptoms of related health conditions accompany your cold nose, it’s probably a good idea to have a healthcare provider check it out.
Prevention
If you are prone to a cold nose, you can try preventative measures, like wearing a face mask or scarf over your nose. In addition, keeping your internal body temperature warm will help. Bundle up and try fueling your body with warm foods and beverages.
Hypothyroidism leading to heart problems Poor circulation leading to tissue damage Heart failure leading to organ failure, stroke, or death Frostbite leading to necrosis (tissue death) Stress leading to respiratory, heart, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and nervous system problems
If you have underlying health conditions, managing them will help prevent the side effect of a cold nose.
Summary
Cold noses are common and usually not cause for concern. However, sometimes a cold nose is a symptom of an underlying health condition, like diabetes, thyroid or heart problems, or stress. It can also result from an injury, like frostbite. Treatment and prevention involve addressing the underlying cause.
A Word From Verywell
Everyone gets a cold nose now and then, especially when the weather is chilly or the air conditioning is blasting. However, if you frequently say your nose is cold and get quizzical looks from others, that could signal something else. Similarly, if you notice other symptoms with your cold nose, you should contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation to ensure it’s not a symptom of something more serious.
