Avoid lotions when treating dried out noses. Most lotions can cause the cilia - the small hairs in a nostril - to stick together and prevent them from removing unwanted substances.

The cilia clear the nostrils by pushing particles, such as germs, towards the throat, says Michael Deeg of the German Professional Association of Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors.

'The function is impaired in a dry nose and it gets worse with creams,' he said. In a worst case scenario, this can lead to infection.

Many office workers are regularly exposed to dry air, which can damage mucous membranes in the nose. Nasal ointments can provide quick relief. Their liquid consistency does not damage the cilia. Salt solution sprays can also help.

Do not treat a dry nose with water as that just dries the nose out even more. Special treatments to flush out the nasal passages are also helpful as they moisten the membranes and remove blockages.