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Dry skin around the nose is a common issue that can lead to discomfort, redness, and flakiness. It is characterized by flaky, red, and crusty skin in the nasal area, often causing discomfort and cosmetic concerns.
In this guide, we’ll explore potential causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures to keep the skin around your nose hydrated and comfortable.
I would highly recommend that you first skim through the article and then read each section carefully.
Table of Contents
Causes of Dry Skin Around Nose
Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the most common causes of flakiness around the nose. These folds can be infected with a fungus called Malassezia which feeds on the sebum naturally present over our face. People with dandruff are predisposed to developing seborrheic dermatitis around the nose, eyelids, and the rest of the face.
Seborrheic melanosis is localized darkening of the skin in seborrheic areas, often associated with seborrheic dermatitis. It is a form of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which affects individuals with darker skin tones. Treatment involves using topical anti-fungal agents like 2% ketoconazole and later adding lightening agents if needed.
2. Skin Actives like Chemical Peels or AHAs
Use of skin actives like chemical peels, serums, or other products containing retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, and beta hydroxy
acids (BHA) like salicylic acid and dicarboxylic acids like azelaic acid, may cause dryness, redness and burning sensations around the nose.
So, when you use these skin actives, avoid the nasolabial folds, like the areas near the crease of the nose, as these actives might accumulate in those regions and cause over-exfoliation.
Although these symptoms are temporary and often resolve within a week or so. These symptoms can be alleviated by regularly using moisturizers. For rapid relief, you can apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly over the affected area twice a day.
3. Over cleansing
Overwashing the face with harsh alkaline soaps or repeated usage of scrubs and chemical exfoliants can also strip the natural oils from the skin and lead to excessive dryness. At times these soaps or exfoliants might also stay stuck in the corners of the nose leading to cumulative contact dermatitis.
That’s why it's advisable to properly cleanse your face and make sure that no residues of cleansers remain stuck in the corners of the nose.
4. Environmental Factors
Dry skin around the nose can be triggered by environmental factors such as low humidity, cold weather, and exposure to dry air. These conditions can cause the skin to lose moisture, leading to dryness and flaking.
5. Other Skin Conditions
Conditions like eczema and rosacea can manifest as dryness, flakiness, and redness around the nose. These conditions often require specific treatment and management approaches.
Causes of Permanent Redness Around Nose
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, flushing, and the development of small, visible blood vessels. While dryness is not a typical symptom of rosacea, it can occur in some cases, particularly in the areas around the nose folds. This dryness can occur due to various factors associated with rosacea, such as inflammation, disrupted skin barrier function, and altered sebum production.
Allergic reactions or contact dermatitis to substances like cosmetics, fragrances, or skin care products can cause dryness and redness around the nose. These reactions may also result in itchiness and irritation, further exacerbating the skin condition.
Cause of Dry Skin on Nose Bridge
Dryness on the nose bridge is a classical manifestation of atopic dermatitis. It is a form of eczema commonly seen in children and can cause dry skin on the nose and other areas of the body. The condition is characterized by inflammation and impaired skin barrier function. The dryness over the nose bridge seen in eczema is known as the "salute sign", which refers to the habit of rubbing or itching the nose frequently due to itchiness or discomfort, leading to further irritation and dryness of the skin.
Dry Skin Around Nose after Cold
Frequent nose blowing, excessive rubbing, or use of abrasive tissues during common colds can irritate the skin around the nose, leading to dryness and flaking. Additionally, exposure to irritants like smoke, pollution, or chemicals can also contribute to skin dryness.
Symptoms of Dry Skin Around the Nose
The below are all things that you may be already experiencing, but we are reiterating it here just so you can identify the issue that you are facing.
Flaking and Peeling
One of the common symptoms of dry skin around the nose is the presence of flakes and peeling skin. The skin may appear rough, scaly, and may even peel off in some cases.
Redness and Inflammation
Dry skin around the nose often exhibits redness and inflammation. The affected area may appear irritated, with increased sensitivity and tenderness.
Itchiness and Discomfort
Dry skin can cause itchiness, leading to a persistent urge to scratch the affected area. Continuous scratching can further damage the skin, making it more prone to infections.
Excessive Production of Oil
The excessive production of sebum, or seborrhoea, can lead to an accumulation of oil on the skin's surface. This excessive oiliness can trap dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris, leading to the formation of flakes around the nose.
How to Get Rid of Dry, Flaky Skin Around Nose With At-home Remedies
Moisturization
Regular and adequate moisturization is essential to combat dryness around the nose. Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers containing ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin. Apply the moisturizer after washing the
face and throughout the day, as needed. My top moisturizer recommendations for dry skin around the nose are Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
Additionally, using a humidifier in your home can help add moisture to the air, benefiting your skin.
If the condition persists or worsens, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Gentle Cleansing
Avoid harsh soaps, hot water, and excessive scrubbing, as these can worsen dryness. Instead, opt for mild, non-irritating cleansers specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Gently cleanse the face with a pH-balanced cleanser (pH 5-5.5), pay extra attention to the nose area, and rinse with lukewarm water. This is because the pH of the skin is between 5.4-5.9.
The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is my top recommendation for mild cleansing. It is a moisturizing and non-foaming cleanser infused with ceramides, glycerine, and hyaluronic acid, making it ideal for hydrating the skin around the nose.
For people using makeup, I highly recommend the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm.
Avoid Triggering Factors
Identify and avoid triggers that exacerbate dryness, such as cold weather, low humidity, or irritating substances. Protect the skin by using scarves or face masks in harsh weather conditions, and choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products.
How to Manage Seborrheic Dermatitis Around Nose
Topical Antifungals
If the dryness around the nose is caused by seborrheic dermatitis and seborrheic melanosis, the treatment involves the use of antifungal creams. Commonly used antifungal creams are ketoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole and ciclopirox cream. They help reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling associated with these conditions.
Only a few topical antifungals, like Lotrimin AF Ringworm Cream Clotrimazole 1% and PURESKIN Seborrheic Dermatitis Cream Ketoconazole, are available over the counter. For all other topical medications, you must consult a dermatologist.
Topical Steroids and Anti-inflammatory Creams
In cases where the dryness and redness are severe, a dermatologist may prescribe topical corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory creams to alleviate inflammation and promote skin healing. However, these medications should be used under medical supervision.
How to Get Rid of Redness Around the Nose Crease
The most common cause of redness around the nose creases is rosacea. Managing the redness and dryness of the nose caused by rosacea involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medical treatments.
Avoid triggers such as hot beverages, spicy foods, and extreme temperatures.
Regularly use sunscreen with an SPF 50 or higher and a PA++++ rating to prevent flushing. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide, iron oxide, or titanium dioxide are superior to chemical sunscreens for rosacea-prone skin. My top recommendations are Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen and Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 60.
Use a low-concentration azelaic acid solution like the Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% or Paula's Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream Gel once a day at night to relieve the redness.
Medical treatments include topical medications like metronidazole gel or cream, or ivermectin cream to reduce inflammation and redness.
In some cases, oral medications such as doxycycline or isotretinoin may be prescribed to control symptoms.
If symptoms persist despite medical management and lifestyle modifications, your dermatologist might recommend laser (like pulsed dye laser) or intense pulsed light therapy to permanently reduce the redness caused by dilatation or expansion of blood vessels in rosacea.
You may also try red light therapy, which could be beneficial in reducing the redness.
Before you go...
Dry skin around the nose can be a bothersome condition, but with proper care and treatment, it can be effectively managed.
If you are using or want to use an AHA-based cream to improve the texture and achieve an even skin tone, you may want to read my article on glycolic acid creams. These are gentler than the glycolic acid serums and, therefore, are best for first-time users.
I repeat this often, but only because it's important: Please don't forget to use sunscreen.
It's one of the best things you will do for your future self.
Here's my complete guide so you can easily figure out which sunscreen to use: Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin, Dry Skin, and More: Dermatologist Recommended Complete Guide
If you ever need an expert dermatologist to help resolve your skincare queries, you know who to reach out to.