How to Get Rid of Redness Around the Nose [Updated: August 2024]

You strive to care for your skin, but occasionally, issues arise unexpectedly, leading to some discomfort. Redness around the nose is a common skin issue, particularly in winter when your skin is dry or chapped, though it can occur at any time of year. You might be tempted to apply a little extra concealer, but it’s wiser to uncover the root cause and address it directly. If you notice redness around your nose, it’s important to understand there’s a reason for it. Various factors can cause the skin around your nose to become inflamed, including your diet, environment, and skincare routine, often in unpredictable ways. Before reaching for another layer of foundation or concealer, consider why your skin is turning red and explore ways to tackle the issue directly. In this article, we’ll help you explore the question, "why is my nose always red?" and share expert tips for reducing and preventing a red nose.

 

What Causes Redness Around the Nose?

Your skin is the largest organ in the body, and it is designed to protect you. As your body’s first line of defense, however, your skin takes a beating and sometimes it shows it. Redness around the nose is often a sign that your skin is a little worse for wear. Redness around the nose is more likely to develop in the winter when your skin is already dry and maybe a little chapped. Other causes of redness include the following:

• Rosacea – A chronic skin condition that causes redness and flushing, rosacea, unfortunately, has no cure. There are certain treatments and products, however, that can reduce redness caused by rosacea.
• Acne – A bad acne breakout can make the skin around your nose turn red and become inflamed, especially if you keep picking at it. It’s best to apply an acne treatment and leave it be.
• Perioral Dermatitis – This is a kind of rash that forms around the mouth and nose, often as a side effect of topical steroid creams.

How long will it take to get rid of perioral dermatitis? 

The resolution of perioral dermatitis often occurs in a gradual manner, indicating that patience is necessary during the healing process. Typically, it can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months to completely clear the rash. It is essential to maintain realistic expectations as the time frame may vary depending on factors such as individual response to treatment, severity of the condition, and adherence to recommended skincare practices.

Given the slow nature of improvement, it is crucial to remain consistent with the prescribed treatment plan, which may include topical medications, lifestyle adjustments, and avoidance of potential triggers. Adhering to this plan diligently can contribute significantly to the timely resolution of perioral dermatitis.

It is worth noting that seeking professional guidance from a dermatologist is vital in providing a personalized treatment approach tailored to the individual's specific condition. Regular follow-up appointments may be recommended to monitor progress, adjust the treatment regimen if necessary, and ensure the most effective outcome in the shortest possible time.

Overall, the timeline for complete clearing of perioral dermatitis can vary, but with proper care, patience, and adherence to medical advice, it is possible to achieve a successful recovery within a few weeks to a few months.

How do dermatologists treat perioral dermatitis?

Dermatologists employ several treatment methods for perioral dermatitis, which may include:

1. Discontinuing corticosteroids: It is advised to stop using all corticosteroid creams, including hydrocortisone, on the affected skin.

2. Antibiotic medication: Dermatologists may prescribe antibiotics like tetracycline or erythromycin to combat the rash. These oral antibiotics work to alleviate the underlying cause of perioral dermatitis.

3. Adjusting skincare routine: Proper skincare plays a crucial role in treating this condition. Dermatologists may recommend switching to a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and adopting a gentle approach while washing the face. The use of fragrance-free skincare products may also be suggested.

4. Personalized treatment plan: It is essential to consult a dermatologist who can evaluate the specific case of perioral dermatitis and create an individualized treatment plan. While antibiotics are commonly prescribed, the chosen medication may vary depending on the circumstances.

5. Combination therapy: In some instances, alongside other medications, mild corticosteroid creams may be prescribed for temporary use. Dermatologists will assess the situation to determine the most suitable approach for effective treatment.

By consulting a dermatologist, patients can receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

What can get rid of perioral dermatitis?

To effectively treat perioral dermatitis and alleviate symptoms, it is crucial to discontinue the use of all corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone cream, on your skin. If you have been applying hydrocortisone cream without your doctor's knowledge, it is important to stop using it. For those using prescription corticosteroids, consult with the prescribing doctor to inquire about alternative treatments or if it is safe to discontinue the medication.

Stopping the use of corticosteroids may initially cause the rash to worsen, which can be discouraging. It is important to resist the temptation to reapply the cream or ointment, as this will only provide temporary relief. Each time you stop using the corticosteroid, there is a possibility that the rash may flare up. Continued application of corticosteroid medication might even lead to the worsening of the rash with each use.

Therefore, to effectively address perioral dermatitis, it is essential to cease the use of corticosteroids and explore alternative treatments recommended by your healthcare professional.

What causes perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by a rash around the mouth area. The exact cause of this condition is not fully understood. However, there are a few factors that may contribute to its development.

One potential cause is skin irritation. This can be triggered by various external factors such as certain skincare products or toothpaste that may contain ingredients that your skin is sensitive to. It is possible that these irritants can lead to the development of perioral dermatitis.

Another possible cause is an allergic reaction to substances in contact with the skin. You might be allergic to something that you are using on your face or that's coming into contact with your skin, such as cosmetics, facial cleansers, or even certain fabrics. This allergic reaction can manifest as perioral dermatitis.

In some cases, the prolonged use of corticosteroid medications on the skin can also lead to the development of perioral dermatitis. It is crucial to follow the recommended usage and duration of any prescribed medications, as well as to adhere to the instructions provided for over-the-counter medications. Failure to do so may result in skin reactions, including perioral dermatitis.

While the exact causes of perioral dermatitis may vary from person to person, it is important to pay attention to the products you use on your face, identify any potential irritants or allergens, and strictly follow the directions provided for the use of medications in order to help prevent and manage this skin condition effectively.

Is perioral dermatitis contagious?

Perioral dermatitis is not a contagious condition, regardless of where the rash manifests, including around the mouth or even the genital area. There is no risk of transmitting this rash from one person to another.

 

• Skin Allergies – If you are allergic to things like artificial fragrances or certain skincare products, redness around the nose could be a sign of an allergic reaction.
• Temperature Changes – Going from cold AC to hot weather outdoors can cause your skin to flush. Redness around the nose can also be caused by windburn.
• Skin Irritation – Sometimes the skin around your nose will turn red if you’ve been rubbing or scratching it – it can also happen when you have a cold and you blow your nose frequently.

On top of these causes, redness around the nose may also be the result of broken capillaries. Capillaries are very small blood vessels that can be affected by a number of factors including temperature changes, hormones, sun exposure, and even alcohol consumption. While redness around the nose and T-zone area can be caused by seasonal changes, rosacea around nose and other facial extremities is a medical skin condition. This is a skin condition that causes blushing or flushing and visible blood vessels in your face. It's recommended that you see a dermatologist to treat any rosacea you may have. If you’re still not sure what’s causing the redness around your nose, talk to your doctor or dermatologist so they can properly examine and diagnose it.

Simple Tips for Reducing Redness

The best treatment for redness around the nose is the one that addresses the underlying cause. If you’re experiencing redness and inflammation, but you haven’t yet identified the exact cause, you may still have some idea what’s going on. In this case, there are a few different things you can try. To reduce redness and inflammation quickly, try one of these treatments:

• For redness caused by skin irritation (windburn, sunburn, or dryness), apply a hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic moisturizer.
• For redness caused by acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions, try a moisturizer designed to treat those specific conditions. Make sure it is appropriate for your skin type, so you don’t make matters worse and/or strip the skin.

If applying a topical moisturizer isn’t enough to soothe your inflamed and irritated skin, you may need to take things a step further. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about your issues and any additional symptoms you may have noticed. Providing your doctor with as much information as possible is the only way for her to make an accurate diagnosis so she can recommend the appropriate form of treatment. Here are some additional things you can try to reduce inflammation and redness:

• Use a humidifier at night to keep your skin from becoming too dry while you sleep
• Apply a cold compress to soothe inflammation around the nose
• Dab on a little hydrocortisone to reduce swelling and redness
• Use an LED light treatment for redness caused by rosacea and dermatitis
• Switch to moisturizing tissues if you are battling a cold, with a runny nose
• Take a daily probiotic to combat bad bacteria that could be affecting your skin
• Try yoga or meditation to combat chronic stress

If you’re not sure what’s causing the skin around your nose to turn red, you may need to try several things before you find a solution that works. In the meantime, don’t use any harsh skincare products or heavy makeup and avoid anything that isn’t labeled non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging).

How to Avoid Making Redness Worse

While treating the underlying cause of your redness, there are certain things you should avoid so you don’t make things worse. For example, you may want to avoid wearing makeup for a few days to give your skin time to recover – you may also want to avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Here are some other things you should avoid to help reduce redness around the nose:

• Alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods that make blood vessels more visible
• Certain stripping skincare ingredients like alcohol
• Artificial fragrances and other additives that can irritate the skin
• Rough fabrics or tissues that can damage or irritate skin

Giving your skin time to recover and keeping it moisturized is important if you want to reduce redness. If you need a little extra help, however, there are a number of skincare products you can try.

Recommended Yon-Ka Paris Products to Reduce Redness

When shopping for skincare products to reduce redness around the nose, you need to know your skin type. Choosing the wrong products for your skin type can make your skin too dry or too oily – it can also trigger acne breakouts, which can make your redness worse. Here are some of the best Yon-Ka Paris products to help you reduce redness:

Sensitive Masque

Featuring key ingredients like extracts of arnica and chamomile, this soothing masque is designed to combat sensitive skin and Natural botanicals soothe inflammation and irritation, leaving your skin feeling calmed and comforted. Apply 1 to 3 times per week after cleansing and let sit for up to 60 minutes before blotting gently and working any remaining mask into the skin.

Sensitive Crème

This calming cream moisturizer boosts the skin’s natural defenses and combats both physical and environmental triggers responsible for redness. It features pre- and probiotics to nourish and repair the skin, delivering immediate and long-lasting relief to aggressed skin. Apply to the face and neck in the morning and/or evening.

Gommage Yon-Ka

Reveal healthy skin with reduced redness using this gentle exfoliating and clarifying gel 1 to 3 times per week after cleansing. It features a 4-in-1 formula enhanced with carob and brown seaweed extracts as well as essential oils to tighten pores and firm the skin, leaving your skin hydrated, soothed, and glowing with healthy complexion. Identifying the underlying cause of your facial redness is the first step in treating it, but there are skincare products like these that can help you along the way. If you need more help, consult a Yon-Ka Paris professional – you can find a spa near you using our Spa Locator.