Red Itchy Skin Around the Nose

Dry, itchy skin in the winter is a problem many people experience. Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your skin and exacerbate any existing skin conditions. The skin around the nose is particularly sensitive, especially if you have a cold and are constantly blowing or wiping your nose. However, chronic red itchy skin around the nose could indicate a treatable skin condition such as eczema or atopic dermatitis, or another form of dermatitis known as seborrhea.

Identification

Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a term used to describe a variety of skin conditions characterized by a red itchy rash where the upper layers of the skin become inflamed.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD, there are nine types of dermatitis, with atopic being the most common. Atopic dermatitis affects 10 percent to 20 percent of the world's population, and without treatment and continued scratching, the skin will thicken to protect itself, a process dermatologists refer to as lichenification. Ninety percent of sufferers will develop the condition by age 5 and dermatitis is often familial, occurring in more than one family member.

Seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrhea, is normally found on the scalp but can spread to the face and develop in and around the nose. If the red itchy skin around your nose is seborrhea, it will be accompanied by flaking skin with a scale that can turn anywhere from white to yellowish brown.

Effects

The exact cause of dermatitis is not known, but researchers have pinpointed a number of factors and probable causes, including an overactive immune system, your genetic makeup and overall general health. Researchers have also identified a skin barrier defect or gaps in the skin that allow germs to penetrate the upper layers causing inflammation.

People who suffer from dermatitis are prone to other allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. You also can develop contact dermatitis as a reaction to an irritant of some kind like soap, laundry detergent, perfume or cosmetics. In this particular case, if you can identify the irritant and remove it, the red itchiness around your nose should resolve on its own in two to three weeks.

Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to occur when a number of different factors interact. These factors can include the climate in which you live -- as people living in northern states are more likely to suffer from the condition -- stress levels and yeast, which normally lives on your skin.

Considerations

If you're experiencing chronic red itchy skin around your nose, a trip to the dermatologist or your family physician may be in order. Diagnosing your exact kind of dermatitis can be challenging because many of them present with the same symptoms. A visual examination with a complete medical history is usually all it takes to diagnose both atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, although on occasion a skin biopsy is necessary to rule out other medical conditions. And while there is no cure for dermatitis, it can be effectively treated.

Treatment

To successfully manage dermatitis, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Your doctor can prescribe a topical corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation and control itching. Seborrhea may require a topical anti-fungal agent applied to the affected areas. In some cases, if the dermatitis is more severe, exposure to ultraviolet light is advised under the direction of a physician and in a controlled office environment. However, this treatment is not recommended for children because of potential long-term side effects.

To help control flare-ups, you should try to avoid known triggers such as rapid changes in temperature, excessive sweat on the skin and stress. Keeping a diary of when breakouts occur may help identify your particular triggers.

Benefits

There are many things you can do on your own at home to help alleviate some of the symptoms of dermatitis. Avoid scratching the area around your nose and apply a cold compress to help protect the skin. When buying a soap to wash your face, choose one that is classified as mild and contains no dyes or perfumes. Make sure the soap is rinsed completely from your face. Moisturize the area around your nose frequently and apply the cream while your face is still wet to seal in the moisture. You may also want to consider buying a humidifier, which adds moisture into the air, as hot, dry indoor air will only exacerbate the itching.