Redness around the nose: causes and what to do

Redness around the nose is usually rosacea but can be perioral dermatitis or eczema. Learn how to tell the difference and when to see a doctor.

In most cases it is rosacea — a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing persistent facial redness, flushing and visible blood vessels. However, perioral dermatitis or eczema can also be responsible, and each requires a different treatment approach.

How to tell the difference

Rosacea typically causes persistent redness and flushing across the cheeks, nose and chin, often with visible fine blood vessels. It tends to flare with triggers such as heat, alcohol, spicy food and sun exposure.

Perioral dermatitis causes redness and small bumps around the mouth and nose, and is often triggered or worsened by topical steroid use.

Eczema around the nose tends to be dry, itchy and flaky, and may be associated with eczema elsewhere on the body.

When to see a doctor

If redness around the nose is persistent, worsening, or affecting your confidence, a doctor assessment is the right starting point. Self-diagnosis is unreliable because the conditions look similar and the treatments are different — using the wrong treatment can make things worse.

How we treat redness at Spot Check Clinic

For rosacea, treatment options include BBL (broadband light), vascular laser, prescription topical medications and oral antibiotics. The most appropriate treatment depends on the pattern and severity of rosacea present.

BBL and vascular laser target the blood vessels responsible for persistent redness and visible capillaries, and are well suited to the vascular component of rosacea.

For perioral dermatitis and eczema, topical and oral medications are usually the first approach.

All treatment decisions are made following a doctor assessment. No referral is needed.

Further information

• Rosacea and facial redness
• Rosacea triggers
• Skincare for rosacea
• BBL treatment
• Broken capillaries and facial veins