Break Out

In the morning I take a shower, and when I come out my nose appears all flaky and as if the skin is "dead".  I put a daily protection moisturizer on it and the appearance seems to go away.  However, I have done this for a couple of days and the dead skin still appears after a shower.  Also, recetly I noticed a whitehead on my nose the could easily be squeezed off so I did, and then it seemed as if 5 other white heads appeard to the surface.  This same thing is happening all over my nose and check.  Like a conoly of whiteheads!! I was at the doctor a few weeks ago for a regular checkup, and he gave me "Erythromycin (3%) and Benzoyl Peroxicde(5%) Topical Gel"  Will this work on the area.  I also made an appointment to see a dermatologist, but this I hope this will give me some peace of mind.  This is my first time with a real breakout as I just get an occasional pimple.

From what I read, I think the dead skin on my nose is clogging the pores causing these whitehead, sound correct?

How do I remove the dead skin from my nose??

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Please do not remove what you are calling dead skin from your nose.  Also, please do not remove anything else from your nose, such as a whitehead.   Removing things yourself causes only irritation and confusion.  Dead skin does not clog pores.  I suspect you have dry skin, not dead skin.  While you wait to see the dermatologist, use a mild moisturizer like Vaseline Intensive Care.  A visit to an esthetician for a facial may also be a good idea.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[bagel04]

To add to my original question...

The skin area between my eyebrows and above my noes is also starting to peel.  Should I get some sort of exfolicator (not sure on spelling) and use it on my entire face?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You may also have seborrheic dermatitis, a mild inflammation common around the nose.  Try 1% hydrocortisone cream (OTC) on the "dead skin" for a few days, and let the dermatologist you see know whether it helped.

Dr. Rockoff

[bagel04]

Thanks for the reply... However, what about the whiteheads, its as if they exist under the skin?  If I were to slightly pinch an area on my nose they will appear as if coming to the surface.  Also, I have not removed any of the flaky skin, just the one whithead.

[maxuout0143]

I am 32 it started about a year and a half ago I've been getting huge bumps (pimple like) on my face. They grow very big and when, and if they pop( a month or so), a really large amount of puss comes out of them. What is it and how can I stop it. please help DOC

[ButterflyGirl2006]

Hey, i was wanting to know if you  know why i have oily skin,flaky, and irritated skin, and the make up i put on looks good till about 4 hours later then when i put more on it looks terrible. Are they anything for this to help? Ive tried proactiv solution.. HELP!!! LOL