Many times, our face says more than words. And the nose is one of the parts that sends us the most signals. In this area of the face there are a large number of blood vessels, the expansion of which can cause the color to change.
Rosacea: the false acne of adults
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In most cases, a red nose is caused by the body’s reaction to something. It happens when the heart rate increases and more blood is pumped to different areas of the body. These bodily reactions are, at the same time, caused by certain external and internal factors.
The nine main causes of a red nose
Having a red nose from time to time is not a strange or serious situation. There are several reasons why we can have general redness on the skin. Some of the most common are usually related to external factors such as wind or cold air.
But there are more causes that can cause the skin of the nose, which is more sensitive than other parts of the face, to become red. Some more common are:
- rosacea: This common skin condition usually causes flushing or redness that starts on the cheeks and then spreads to the nose, ears, chin, and other areas of the face or body. Rosacea flare-ups often come and go, in cycles.
- Rhinophyma: It is a subtype of rosacea that gives this part of the face a particular appearance, with visible blood vessels and with a larger than usual appearance and bulbous appearance. Unlike rosacea, rhinophyma is usually permanent and worsens over time if left untreated.
- Couperose: This is a skin condition caused by weakened blood vessels in the face, most often in the cheeks and nose. Small dilated capillaries usually appear, which on the face form a kind of spider web in characteristic red tones.
- cold irritation: The flu, colds, and upper respiratory infections often cause a runny nose. This increases the number of times we blow our nose each day, which irritates the nose and gives it a bright red appearance.
- Dry Skin– Dry skin conditions, such as eczema, can also cause the nose to appear red, scaly, or irritated. The redness is, most of the time, temporary.
- Acne: The nose tends to be the part of the face that suffers the most from the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Although oil from this part of the body is necessary to keep the skin protected and lubricated, some people’s sebaceous glands can overproduce it. When this occurs, it can cause dead skin to block pores, resulting in redness and inflammation. Acne is more common in adolescence and during menstruation.
- Lupus: This autoimmune disease causes the body to attack healthy cells, including skin cells. A common symptom is a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose. This rash can make the nose look red and bumpy. Lupus medications can help reduce the severity of symptoms, including a red nose.
- Allergic reaction: Contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction that occurs through direct contact with an allergen, is one of the main allergic reactions that can cause redness of the nose after exposure to soap.
- Alcoholism: related to excessive alcohol consumption, since it dilates the blood vessels of the skin, thus exposing it to rosacea.
- injuries: Injuries to the nose can cause blood vessels under the skin to burst, making the nose look swollen and red. A recent surgery or blow can cause redness.
- Sun and wind burns: Exposing your face to the wind and sun during the winter months can burn the skin on your nose, causing it to crack and turn red.
Other possible causes of a red nose
There are other factors that can cause temporary redness, although they are short-lived and the nose returns to its normal color within minutes or hours. Alcohol, changes in temperature, eating spicy foods, and blushing cause some people’s noses to temporarily redden.
In general, people with thin or pale skin and visible blood vessels are more likely to have a red nose in response to these factors. When the nose reddens frequently but without a clear reason, we should consult a doctor.
Early treatment of lupus and other diseases can keep symptoms from getting worse. It is important to pay attention when the nose is constantly red, because it tells us that we should review our lifestyle and go to the doctor to determine an accurate diagnosis.
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