It’s the winter season yet again! Not the friendliest time of the year for your nose, isn’t it? It can get severely irritating as your nose can also get red, very itchy, and dry, leading to severe discomfort.
But, is there a specific reason behind your red nose? Let’s find out!
Redness of the nose can be caused by several factors such as cold, flu, allergy, etc. It can also be caused due to dryness of the skin that results from persistent wiping of the nose during a sickness! Other underlying issues such as rosacea and eczema can also cause a red nose.
However, the reason behind a sore, red nose can be more than one. Let us look at some of the probable reasons why your nose is red!
What are the Possible Causes of Red Nose?
Redness of the nose of an individual can occur due to two possible factors:
1) Redness of the epidermal layer of the skin due to excessive dryness or itchiness.
2) Redness of the nose due to viral infection.
Let us take this blog further and look at some of the common reasons why your nose might have turned all dry and itchy!
Common Causes of Red Nose
A red nose may not be a medical condition but it can be a symptom of another problem. If your nose is red for no apparent reason, you should consider visiting a doctor.
This blog will provide you with information and some answers to some of your questions like should you be concerned about it or why is it red in the first place?
1. Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that makes your skin look red and irritated. It begins on the cheeks and then spreads to your nose, ears, chin, and other areas of your face or your body.
Doctors believe that it occurs when a person’s blood vessels easily dilate and expand and that in turn makes the person’s skin look red.
It is treatable however in some cases patients may develop permanent redness on their skin. It can also flare up in some people on the consumption of spicy food.
There are four types of rosacea:
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Common symptoms are flushing, redness, and noticeable blood vessels
- Ocular rosacea: Common symptoms are eye irritation and people suffering from this form of rosacea may suffer from other types of rosacea.
- Phymatous rosacea: Common symptoms are thick and bumpy skin textures.
- Papulopustular rosacea: Common symptoms are acne, redness, and swelling.
Rosacea can be treated by identifying the lifestyle factor that contributes to this condition. Sunscreen can prevent this condition from amplifying.
Moreover, sulfur drugs and antibiotics can control the symptoms of rosacea. Some cardiovascular medications may be of help.
2. Rhinophyma
It is a side effect of untreated rosacea that causes the oil-producing glands in your nose to thicken and this, in turn, changes the shape of your nose making it look bumpy and hard.
Patients may develop blood vessels that appear thin and red or thin and purple. It is much more common in men than in women because of testosterone. It is permanent and surgeries might improve the appearance of the nose.
These surgical treatment options are:
- Cryotherapy: Freezes and discards the affected skin.
- Dermabrasion: Scrapes the skin’s surface to even out the skin surface.
- Dermaplaning: Removal of affected skin
- Laser resurfacing: Use of a laser to reshape the skin.
3. Dry Skin
Dry skin can sometimes make your nose look red and irritated. This may be caused due to frequent wiping of the nose. It can also be caused by eczema which is a dry skin condition and makes the nose look red, irritated, and scaly.
The redness in this case is temporary. Moisturisation and skin products that soothe the skin may be used to prevent redness caused due to dryness. Phototherapy and medications to treat eczema are also an option.
4. Lupus
This is an autoimmune disease that makes your body attack your healthy cells. Patients with lupus generally develop a butterfly-shaped rash on their nose and cheek. This rash can make your nose look red and bumpy and it is known as a malar rash.
There are medications for Lupus that help reduce the frequency and severity of lupus-related skin problems. Lifestyle changes, managing stress, and avoiding sunlight may help. Moreover, creams are applied directly to the skin and systemic medications to control the symptoms.
5. Allergies
There are several allergies that can cause your nose to look red. They are mainly hay fever, dust allergies, and pet allergies which may trigger sneezing and runny nose.
Allergies can also make your blood vessels in and around your nose swell or burst under your skin, making your nose look swollen and red. Cosmetic allergies can also cause your skin surface to be dry, red, flaky, or itchy.
Avoid cosmetics and skin products that cause irritations. Allergy medications and saline nasal spray may be used by patients that suffer from sneezing and runny nose.
6. Injuries
Injuries in your nose may cause your nose to look red. Rupture of blood vessels under your skin may cause your nose to look swollen and red. Recent surgeries, injury to your nose, cystic acne, and skin injuries can all be potential causes of having a red nose.
7. Other Potential Causes
There are other factors that could be considered while determining the cause of your red nose. Alcohol, temperature changes, spicy food, and blushing can cause temporary redness.
Moreover, people with pale or thin skin are particularly more susceptible to nose reddening as blood vessels are more likely to be visible under their skin.
Bottom Line
The nose is one of the most crucial organs of our body and is essential as a sense organ as well.
Take adequate care of our nose and prevent it from getting dry or itchy, especially during the winters. They say prevention is always better than cure.
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