A red nose is not a medical problem but can be a symptom of another problem.
Most people experience a red nose during a cold, flu, or allergic reaction. In these cases, the redness is usually due to dry skin from constant wiping. The nose can also become red due to skin and blood vessel problems, chronic inflammation, allergies, and other conditions. Although a red nose can be embarrassing, it is rarely a cause for serious concern.
Common causes
A person’s nose may become red because of changes in the skin’s surface or blood vessels. When the skin is irritated or inflamed, the nose may be temporarily red. Blood vessels in the nose may also swell or break, causing a red or swollen appearance.
The most common causes of a red nose are:
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes the skin to look red and irritated. In some people, rosacea begins with a tendency to blush easily. The redness usually starts on the cheeks and then spreads to the nose, ears, chin, and other areas of the face or body. The causes of Rosacea are still unclear. Some doctors believe it occurs when a person’s blood vessels dilate easily, causing the skin to appear red. For some people, specific triggers cause a rosacea flare-up, including eating spicy food.
Four types of rosacea can cause a red nose:
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea causes flushing, redness, and visible blood vessels.
Ocular rosacea irritates the eyes and eyelids but does not usually affect the nose. However, people with this rosacea may develop other types of rosacea.
Phymatous rosacea causes skin thickening and leads to bumpiness.
Papulopustular rosacea causes acne, redness, and swelling.
Rosacea can be treated, but some people with rosacea develop permanent redness on their skin.
Rhinophyma
Rhinophyma is a side effect of untreated rosacea that causes the oil-producing glands in the nose to thicken. This reaction can change the shape of the nose, giving it a bumpy, hard appearance. This condition leads to visible blood vessels, either thin and red or thick and purple. Rhinophyma affects mostly men. It may be due to the influence of male hormones, especially testosterone. Most of the time, rhinophyma is permanent. Some cosmetic surgeries can improve the appearance of the nose.
Dry skin
Dehydrated skin can make the nose look red and irritated. Some people develop this dryness and irritation by frequently wiping their noses. Dry skin conditions, such as eczema, can make the nose look red, scaly, or irritated. The redness is usually temporary, but the underlying condition may cause frequent flare-ups.
Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that involves the body to attack healthy cells. Many people with lupus develop a butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks. This rash, called a malar rash, can make the nose look red and bumpy. Lupus medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of lupus-related skin problems, including nose rash.
Allergies
Allergies can make the nose look red in several ways. Hay fever, dust allergies, and pet allergies can cause sneezing and a runny nose. Frequent wiping of the nose can irritate the skin and create redness. Allergies can also cause blood vessels in and around the nose to swell or burst under the skin, making the nose look swollen and red. Allergies to skincare and cosmetic products can irritate the skin’s surface, making it dry, red, scaly, or itchy.
Injuries
Injuries to the nose can cause blood vessels under the skin to rupture, making the nose look swollen and red. Recent surgery on the nose, a blow to the nose, cystic acne, and skin injuries can all cause redness.
Other potential causes
Other factors may cause temporary redness. The change is short-lived, and the nose returns to its normal color within minutes or hours. Alcohol, temperature changes, eating spicy foods, and blushing cause some people’s noses to be temporarily red. People with thin or pale skin and visible blood vessels are more likely to notice that their nose briefly reddens in response to these factors.
Treatment
Red nose treatment depends on the cause. Understanding whether the problem is related to the skin or the blood vessels is crucial. If the problem is related to blood vessels or caused by a chronic disease, creams and topical medications applied to the skin will not work.
Treatment of Rosacea and Rhinophyma
Treatment for rosacea begins with identifying the lifestyle factors that contribute to flare-ups. In some people, rosacea is due to stress, certain foods, or skin creams. Eliminating these triggers can reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups.
Sunscreen can prevent rosacea from worsening but does not treat the underlying cause. Sulfur-containing medications and some antibiotics can control the symptoms of rosacea. When rosacea makes blood vessels more visible, certain cardiovascular medications may help.
Rhinophyma cannot be reversed with traditional treatments, but treating the underlying rosacea can prevent it from worsening. Cosmetic surgeries can be helpful.
Surgical treatment options include:
- Cryotherapy freezes and removes the affected skin.
- Dermabrasion involves scraping the surface of the skin to even out the appearance.
- Dermaplaning removes the affected skin.
- Laser resurfacing uses a laser to reshape the skin.
Treating allergies
Avoiding cosmetics and skin products that cause allergic reactions can prevent a red nose. People with seasonal or respiratory allergies can benefit from over-the-counter or online products, such as allergy medications or saline nasal sprays. Gently blowing the nose with a soft cloth prevents irritation and redness. Moisturizers can also be helpful, especially if the skin feels flaky and dry.
Treatment for dry skin
Treatments for dry skin include oatmeal products, steroid creams, and moisturizers. Dry skin requires extra moisture, so using a thick moisturizer can help. People with eczema may need to try various remedies, as some foods, allergens, or stress can trigger eczema flare-ups.
Other treatments that may be effective include
- steroid creams, especially if the nose is red and itchy
- Oatmeal products to soothe the skin.
- Phototherapy, which uses light to treat eczema
- Medications to treat the cause of eczemas, such as inflammation or an overactive immune system.
Managing lupus
Treating the symptoms of lupus can prevent lupus from attacking the skin. Treatments that can reduce the effects of lupus on the skin include lifestyle changes, such as managing stress and avoiding the sun
creams applied directly to the skin, including steroids, retinoids, antibiotics, and other systemic medications to control symptoms
Preventing temporary redness
Sometimes a red nose is just a temporary inconvenience. When alcohol, spicy foods, or other environmental irritants leave your nose red, some simple strategies can help.
Alternating cold and warm compresses can reduce swelling and irritation. It can also help reduce the swelling and redness of an injury. Avoiding triggers for a red nose, such as alcohol and spicy foods, can also help. If a person has allergies or a frequently runny nose, they can use tissues and moisturize their skin often to avoid dryness and irritation.
Perspectives
A red nose is not a medical problem but may be a symptom of another problem. When the nose is frequently red without reason, a person should seek medical attention. Treatment is often relatively simple. Even when it is not, early treatment of lupus and other diseases can prevent the symptoms from getting worse.