Why Does My Nose Turn Red Randomly

“When you get sick with a cold, it’s not just your body that gets affected. Your face will take on some pretty unsightly rashes as well. If the symptoms are mild, they might be able to clear up on their own in a day or two. But if you’re dealing with something more serious like pink eye or bronchitis, then they’ll probably need medical attention.
Red noses aren’t always caused by infections; sometimes they’re a sign of another health problem. For example, eczema often affects areas around the eyes, including the eyelids, cheeks, and lips. Eczema sufferers may develop crusty, inflamed patches in these areas that can cause them to swell and bleed. When this happens, the affected area becomes irritated and redder than usual. Itching and soreness can also result in red, swollen, cracked skin. And when you scratch at those inflamed spots, you can further irritate the area and make matters worse. Other causes for redness include acne rosacea, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, sinus problems, and irritation from hair products, makeup, and even clothing.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to treat the symptoms of redness without resorting to harsh chemicals or spending money on prescription meds. There are many over-the-counter topical remedies available that contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, antihistamines, and salves. You should consult your doctor before using any of these products unless directed otherwise by one.
If you don’t want to deal with all the hassle of trying to figure out what’s causing your redness, you can try treating it yourself by following these tips:
* Wash your face gently with warm water several times a day to remove dirt, oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Use a gentle cleanser made for sensitive facial skin, but use it sparingly so as not to strip away necessary oils. This will help keep pores clean and healthy while keeping bacteria at bay.
* Try avoiding cosmetics, especially heavy ones, which can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Makeup removers and moisturizers should be used carefully because they can worsen existing skin conditions. Apply your moisturizer immediately after washing your face to lock moisture into your skin.
* Showering too much can leave your skin feeling oily, so limit shower time to no longer than five minutes. Avoid hot showers, which can strip essential oils from your skin and deplete its natural hydrating power. A quick splash of lukewarm water will do just fine.
* Dry off your face completely with a soft towel instead of rubbing vigorously to prevent friction.
* Keep your hands to yourself during meals — avoid touching your face unnecessarily, especially when eating or drinking.
* Don’t touch your face with dirty fingers or unwashed hands. Germs spread easily through mucous membranes and can infect your skin.
* If you’re going outdoors, wear sunscreen on exposed parts of your body (face, arms, legs) and reapply every couple hours. Sunscreen helps protect your skin against sun damage, and it can also block harmful rays from UV light sources such as tanning beds and heaters. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your eyes.
* Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to provide your body with antioxidants and vitamins needed to fight infection. These foods also contain phytochemicals, chemical compounds believed to aid in preventing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other illnesses.
* Get enough sleep each night to restore your immune system.
A red nose doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve caught a nasty virus or picked up some kind of bacterial infection. Fortunately, most minor rashes associated with viral or bacterial infections have fairly short lifespans. Once you start taking proper care of your skin, you won’t have to worry about getting red noses anymore.
For more information on how to treat various types of rashes, visit the next page.
The first step in fighting an infection is identifying whether you actually have one. Many ailments masquerading as colds and flues are really different diseases that require different treatments. Some common examples include pink eye, ringworm, scabies, and chicken pox. Consult a physician if you think you might have one of these conditions.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are painful blisters that form on the lip or cheek. They’re typically caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus. Cold sore outbreaks occur mostly between October and April, when stress levels are highest. To reduce the likelihood of picking up cold sores, practice good hygiene. Don’t share personal items such as towels, razors, toiletries, and lip balm. Also, don’t kiss someone who already has a cold sore.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection affecting the scalp, nails, and possibly other places. In young children, it commonly appears as round, circular rings on the scalps. Adults tend to have it on their bodies and extremities, where it forms long, thin streaks. Ringworm is transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, so sharing hats, scarves, and clothes can spread it. Treatring it requires special kinds of medicine prescribed by a physician.
Scabies
Scabies are extremely contagious mites that burrow under the surface of the skin. Mites attach themselves onto human skin using tiny claws called chelicerae. Scabies infestation occurs most frequently among crowded populations, such as dorm dwellers, daycare center kids, and elderly patients living alone. Treatment involves applying a strong antiseptic shampoo once or twice daily until the outbreak subsides.
Chicken Pox
Chicken pox is a highly contagious rash illness caused by varicella zoster virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and reddened, tender bumps that ooze fluid. Chickenpox begins seven days after exposure and lasts 10 to 12 days. Children aged 5 to 9 are most susceptible to chicken pox. Those who contract it must stay home from school and rest until the symptoms disappear. Treatment includes pain relievers, antibiotics, and antiviral medications.
Sinus Infections
Sinus infections occur when bacteria accumulate in the nasal cavity. Sinuses become blocked by pus and fluids, leading to headaches, fever, and congestion. Left untreated, sinus infections can cause severe complications. Antibiotics can cure sinus infections, but the best way to treat them is by draining excess fluid buildup via a procedure known as a decongestant surgery. Using saline irrigation to drain fluid from the nasal cavities is also recommended. Decongestants come in both oral and inhaled varieties. Nasal corticosteroids can also alleviate swelling and inflammation.
Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction is an adverse response to certain substances brought upon by immunoglobulin E antibodies. Allergies happen when the immune system mistakes harmless substances for toxins. People suffering from allergies experience itching, hives, welts, and rashes. Allergic reactions are triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, pet dander, dust mite droppings, insect bites, food additives, fabrics, and fumes. Medication side effects can also trigger allergic reactions.
To learn more about treating various skin conditions, look over the links on the next page.
There are three main types of allergy attacks: immediate, delayed, and oral allergy syndrome. Immediate allergic responses begin within 30 seconds and last less than four hours. Delayed allergic reactions appear 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Oral allergy syndrome is a rare condition in which allergens reach the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth and windpipe.”