Red Nose: Causes And Treatments - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhy is my nose red?

Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN — Written by Tom Rush — Updated on October 1, 2024

Rosacea
Rhinophyma
Dry skin
Eczema
Lupus
Allergies
Anaphylaxis
Injuries
Other causes
Summary

There are numerous possible causes of a discolored nose. A person may experience nose discoloration due to rosacea, dry skin, lupus, and allergies.

Nose discoloration can be due to skin and blood vessel issues, chronic inflammation, allergies, and other conditions.

On some skin tones, these conditions may not cause redness. For example, on dark skin tones, rosacea may cause dark brown skin discoloration instead of redness. Other rashes may appear gray, white, or purple in people with dark skin tones instead of red. Learn more about rashes on dark skin here.

A person’s nose can turn red and other hues because of changes in the skin surface or blood vessels, such as inflammation and broken blood vessels.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes skin discoloration and irritation. In some people, rosacea begins as a tendency to blush easily.

On light skin tones, this discoloration often appears red or pink. On darker skin tones, rosacea flushing may be dusky-brown-hued or appear different than the surrounding skin.

The discoloration typically begins on the cheeks and spreads to the nose, ears, chin, and other areas of the face or body.

Rosacea is not well understood. Inflammation and blood vessel changes contribute to several key symptoms, but the root causes of these alterations are unclear.

Four types of rosacea can cause skin discoloration:

erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
ocular rosacea
phymatous rosacea
papulopustular rosacea

Learn more about the types of rosacea here.

Treatment

Treating rosacea begins by identifying lifestyle factors that contribute to outbreaks of the condition. Some people develop rosacea in response to stress, certain foods, or skin creams. Eliminating these triggers can reduce the severity and frequency of discoloration.

Sunscreen can prevent rosacea from worsening but will not treat the underlying cause.

Drugs containing sulfur and some antibiotics can control symptoms of rosacea. When rosacea makes blood vessels more visible, some cardiovascular medications can help.

Rhinophyma

Rhinophyma is a side effect of untreated rosacea that causes the oil-producing glands of the nose to thicken. This response can change the shape of the nose, making it look bumpy and hard.

People with rhinophyma may develop visible blood vessels that are either thin and red or thick and purple.

Treatment

Rhinophyma cannot be reversed with traditional treatments, but treating the underlying rosacea can prevent it from worsening. Cosmetic surgeries may help.

Surgical treatment options include:

cryotherapy, which freezes and removes affected skin.
dermabrasion, which scrapes the skin’s surface to even its appearance.
dermaplaning, which removes affected skin.
laser resurfacing, which uses a laser to reshape the skin.

Dry Skin

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Very dry skin can make the nose look discolored and irritated. Some people develop this dryness and irritation from frequently wiping their nose. Other potential causes of dry skin include:

temperature changes
dehydration
over-washing the skin
age
dry air

Treatment

Using moisturizing products after washing the face may help to alleviate skin dryness from outside influences. Applying moisturizing lotions, ointments, and creams immediately after washing can help create a barrier, keeping moisture on the skin.

Learn more about the different remedies for dry skin here.

Eczema

Dry skin conditions like eczema can make the nose look discolored, scaly, or irritated. This discoloration may appear dark brown, purple, or gray on darker skin tones or red and pink on light skin tones.

The discoloration is normally temporary, but the underlying condition may cause frequent flare-ups.

Learn more about the symptoms of eczema on skin of color here.

Treatment

People with eczema may need to experiment with various remedies, as some people find that foods, allergens, or stress can trigger eczema flare-ups.

Other treatments that may work include:

steroid creams
oatmeal products to soothe the skin
phototherapy, using light to treat eczema
special eczema moisturizers
medications to treat the eczema cause

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack healthy cells. Many people with lupus develop a butterfly-shaped rash on their noses and cheeks. This rash, called a malar rash, can make the nose look discolored and bumpy.

Lupus medications may help reduce the frequency and severity of lupus-related skin problems, including nose discoloration.

Treatment

Treating the symptoms of lupus can prevent lupus from attacking the skin. Some treatments that may reduce the effects lupus has on the skin include:

lifestyle changes, such as managing stress and avoiding sun
creams applied directly to the skin, including steroids, retinoids, antibiotics, and some others
systemic medications to control the symptoms

Allergies

Allergies can affect the nose in several ways. Hay fever, dust, and pet allergies may cause sneezing and a runny nose.

Frequent nose-wiping can irritate the skin, creating a discolored appearance. Allergies may also cause blood vessels in and around the nose to swell or burst under the skin, making the nose look swollen.

Allergies to skincare and cosmetic products may irritate the skin’s surface, leaving it dry, discolored, flaky, or itchy.

Treatment

Avoiding cosmetics and skin products that cause allergic reactions can prevent nose discoloration. People with seasonal or respiratory allergies may benefit from products available for purchase over the counter or online, such as allergy medications or saline nasal spray.

Gently blotting the nose with a soft cloth can help prevent irritation. Moisturizing creams can also help, especially if the skin looks scaly and dry.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, allergic reaction. Symptoms often occur and progress very quickly and may include rapidly spreading swollen, raised rash. Other symptoms include:

swelling of the tongue, lips, and throat
difficulty breathing
tightness in the throat
dizziness
faintness
skin cold to the touch

Learn more about recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis here.

Treatment

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and anyone experiencing symptoms should seek immediate emergency help.

Injuries

Injuries to the nose can rupture blood vessels under the skin, making the nose look swollen and discolored. Recent surgery to the nose, being hit on the nose, cystic acne, and skin injuries can all cause skin changes.

Treatment

In cases of skin barrier trauma, skin discoloration will typically wane with time. Hot and cold compresses and anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce visible discoloration.

Other potential causes

Some other factors can cause temporary discoloration. The change is short-lived, and the nose returns to its normal color within a few minutes or hours.

Alcohol, temperature changes, eating spicy food, and blushing cause temporary discoloration. People with thin or pale skin and visible blood vessels are more likely to notice this discoloration in response to these factors.

Treatment

Avoiding triggers for nose discoloration, such as alcohol and spicy foods, can also help.

If a person has allergies or a frequently runny nose, they can use soft tissues and moisturize their skin often to avoid dryness and irritation.

Summary

There are many causes of skin discoloration on the nose and across the body. The exact presentation of symptoms, as well as their treatment, will depend on the individual cause.

Dermatology
Ear, Nose, and Throat

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Anaphylaxis. (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/
Dick MK, et al. (2023). Rhinophyma.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544373/
Eczema management. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-management/
Kaufman B, et al. (2022). Eczema in skin of color: What you need to know.https://nationaleczema.org/blog/eczema-in-skin-of-color/
Lupus and the skin. (2021).https://www.lupus.org/resources/how-lupus-affects-the-skin
Rosacea. (2021).https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rosacea

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Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN — Written by Tom Rush — Updated on October 1, 2024

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