Redness Around Nose

Occasional occurrence of redness around the nose, should not be a bothersome thought. If you reside in a place where the mercury usually stays low, then it is normal to observe your nose going red. However, it might become a matter of concern when it seems to occur every now and then, and without any apparent reason. For instance, it's cold outside, and you are inside the house, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace and a delicious soup. Considering such a situation, if you notice that your nose is going red and that too frequently, then you might have a good reason to worry about.

Causative Factors

If the redness is accompanied by bulb-shaped nose, then it may be what is known as rhinophyma. What causes this ailment is not known, however, rosacea (an autoimmune disease) stays in association with it. In most people, when rosacea is left untreated, one of the complications may be rhinophyma. The next common cause of nose or mouth going red could be an acne breakout. And if it is the cause, then there would be swelling as well. There is this condition know as alcohol flush reaction. Here, people, especially Asians, are affected by a reaction post drinking alcohol. This reaction makes their face go red thus, the condition is known as alcohol red face.

Due to obvious reasons, reddening of nose piercings is a common scenario. The pierced area may also become swollen and might also develop a nose piercing infection. Another common cause of redness in any part of the face is sunburn. This, as in case of acne, is a mild cause which is not severe in nature. Cushing's syndrome may also be an offender for it. Most people develop the condition, when they come across stressful situations. And one of the symptoms is this redness, which we are discussing on. In case you were not aware, rubella, a viral infection and a milder form of measles, can manifest itself in the form of a reddened nose and redness in the neighboring area.

Apart from a virus, other pathogens such as bacteria can also be one cause. One such bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes causes what is known as scarlet fever. However, the redness can be more prominent on the cheeks, and the tongue might develop a strawberry red. Other possible causes may be an allergic reaction which may be triggered by the skin disorder eczema, and the use of steroids.

Treatment

The causes are determined first and then the required treatment is opted for. As I have mentioned, in some cases, this redness may indicate the condition rhinophyma, which is an outcome of rosacea. So, if this is the cause, then topical medications are used to treat this condition, so as to deal with the redness around the nose. Antibiotics are also administered in some cases, as they are known to work more effectively than the topical ones. The need for surgery arises when the condition does not respond to conventional treatment procedures.

Apart from following the prescribed treatment procedure, patients must ensure that they follow self-care measures at home too. The basic ones to be followed include using sunscreen to avoid sunburn, and suitable protections against cold climates. Also, patients must diligently drink plenty of water throughout the day in order to keep the skin moist and their body hydrated. Gentle skin care products must be used, and shunning alcohol and smoking would be a wise step to take.