Because conditions and/or abnormalities in the face are literally an eye-catcher, they can cause many problems. People in the vicinity sometimes stare at the condition and often make (harsh) jokes about it, a red nose is a good example of this. People who have a red nose usually feel ashamed and very insecure. In some cases it can even lead to depression. But what actually causes a red nose and is there anything that can be done about it? Read more about the most common causes in the article below.
Red nose
Red skin is caused by dilated blood vessels, there is a lot of blood under the skin surface, causing the skin to turn red. This discoloration is also seen with sunburned skin and alcohol consumption. If you occasionally have a red nose, there is actually not much to worry about. However, it is a different story if you have a red nose for a long time or even continuously. Some people only have the tip of their nose red, while for others the entire nose may be red. People in the immediate environment are often harsh and mean and come up with all kinds of annoying epithets or stare at length. This can make people feel very insecure and subsequently avoid social contacts. In severe cases it can even lead to loneliness and depression. A red nose can be caused by various causes, the most common causes are described below.
Weather conditions
In cold and poor weather, protruding body parts such as hands, ears and nose may become red. If you already suffer from a red nose (often), it can become even worse due to cold and poor weather. You can prevent (worse) redness of the skin by applying a greasy ointment or cream to your nose before going out into the cold.
Cold
In case of a bad cold, which requires frequent blowing of the nose, the vulnerable skin becomes red and irritated. Applying a greasy cream and using a clean, dry and soft handkerchief can significantly reduce complaints such as soreness and redness.
Allergy
A red nose can be caused by an allergic reaction. Chemical products such as cosmetics, care products and/or cleaning products in particular can cause red skin. If there is an allergy, it is wise to switch to a similar product from a different brand, possibly hypoallergenic.
Hay fever
In hay fever, when there is a combination of a “cold”, excessive blowing and an allergic reaction to pollen, hay fever can temporarily cause a red nose. Hay fever is easy to treat with antihistamines.
Acne and inflammation
Acne almost always causes red skin, especially when pimples manifest themselves on the vulnerable skin of the nose. There are often large visible pores on the nose, which can easily become clogged and ultimately cause an unpleasant inflammation . The problem becomes (even) greater if multiple inflammations occur next to each other, the painful red area then becomes even larger. Due to (persistent) acne, the skin becomes swollen and takes on a shiny appearance, drawing all attention to the red nose. Hair follicles located in the nose can also become inflamed, causing a painful red swelling in the nostril(s). Acne can never be completely prevented, but it can be partly reduced by properly cleaning the skin, possibly in combination with deep cleansing by a beautician. A nourishing cream with an antibacterial effect can have an anti-inflammatory or even anti-inflammatory effect.
Hormones
Hormones have a very strong influence on the human body, they regulate many important processes in the body, but on the other hand, if hormone levels are out of balance, they can also disrupt many things. A disturbed hormone balance can cause all kinds of unpleasant complaints. For example, hormones are responsible for the well-known hot flashes, but they also very often cause a red nose. In some cases there is even permanent redness, as is sometimes seen after pregnancy .Situations where hormones can play a strong role in the development of a (permanent) red nose:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- PMS and menstruation
- Transition
- Hormone preparations and “the pill” (contraception)
Alcohol
Alcohol is a well-known example of what can cause a red nose. People often speak of a gin nose, whiskey nose or simply a liquor nose as soon as they see someone with a red nose. Some people are very sensitive to alcohol and can develop red cheeks and a red nose after drinking just one alcoholic drink. This is only temporary and occurs because blood vessels under the skin surface dilate. However, with alcohol abuse there is a risk that the nose will remain red. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to rosacea.
Couperose
In rosacea there are many small, branched blood vessels, clearly visible under the skin surface. The branches are often star- or spider-shaped, and some blood vessels may be permanently damaged. Rosacea is often seen developing, especially on the cheeks and nose. Couperose can be hereditary, but it can also develop due to alcohol abuse, herbs, strong temperature differences and use of medication such as cortisone. Couperose can also develop after acne rosacea. Couperose can be easily treated with laser treatment.
Acne rosacea
Acne rosacea is a chronic condition involving dilated blood vessels (couperosis), bumps and pimples. The condition is very similar to acne. Rosacea means “red as a rose” which indicates the severity of the condition. Rosacea not only manifests itself on the nose but can also appear on cheeks, forehead, chin, neck and chest. Redness of the skin is permanent with this condition. Over time, the nose can swell and even take on somewhat irregular shapes. The condition is most common in middle-aged women. It is still unclear what causes rosacea, but complaints can be worsened by cosmetics, sun and medications (particularly corticosteroids). Treatment of complaints in a mild form of rosacea is done by means of gel or cream; in case of severe complaints, tablets are usually prescribed.
Camouflage
People with a red nose generally want nothing more than to get rid of the condition as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this is not always possible and camouflage is often the only solution. At a drugstore and/or pharmacy you can find all kinds of different green camouflage products that have been specially developed to mask red skin. You can choose from products such as a foundation , stick, powder and/or cream.