Rash around nose

My twelve year old son has had a mild nose irritation going on for some time now. It started as a redness around the nose that seemed to flake very little. Hardly noticable.. This went on for about a year. Last spring it started to spread and was more noticable. Apon evaluation with his MD she suggested a mild steroid. After using the steroid for a few days it got worse. We discontinued use of steroid and was referred to a dermatologist. We moved before his consult. I tried a topical antibiotic ointment (bactroban). This seemed to have helped a little but didn't completely clear it up. After using nothing for over a month now, it is getting worse. It has moved up his nose to just under the eye and down to his chin. This looks like a mild irritation that is slightly red. It has a tendency to dry and flake. He uses no facial creams, facial washes or anything like that. It seems to worsen if he doesn't get a shower daily. Although he showers often.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to seborrheic dermatitis or perioral dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky, dry, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas especially under the nose or anywhere on face. Perioral dermatitis is a chronic papulopustular and eczematous facial dermatitis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.