Redness around sides of nose

[NornIron20]

For at least a year now I have had this strange redness around my nose, and sometimes under my nostrils, occasionally it will bump up with these white spots that if I burst seem to puss and then bleed. I saw my doctor about this and she virtually dismissed it, she gave me some cream but it had no affect. Just wondering if anyone could direct me to better help, tell me what it is and if I can get rid of it? Any help will be much appreciated as im very wary of it after having it for such a long time and I would absolutely love a solution!

I've posted an image of around my nose also, showing the redness and one of the pesky white spots.

Cheers, John

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Redness noted in the nasal folds may be due to seborrheic dermatitis. You have noted that the lesions (allow me to call them lesions are actually like white spots that bleeds when you squeeze them. Seborrheic dermatitis may appear as greasy , scaling lesions that may affect the scalp and the areas behind the ears as well. Would you be able to note other similar lesions in the scalp, chest or behind the ears?

Another differential will be an eczematous condition and a fungal infection. One thing also to consider is an underlying vitamin or mineral deficiency.


In the case of seborrheic dermatitis, vigorous washing of the face with a mild and bland cleanser may be able to help. You may ask your dermatologist with regards to this. Application of 1% hydrocortisone cream may be also necessary at least twice a day.

Do you have any known allergies?

Have you been dieting lately or have been lacking sleep lately?

Any increase in stress levels?

[NornIron20]

Thanks for the help, im able to say that I have no other troubles but this one, so there's no 'lesions' on my scalp, chest or behind my ears. The only thing im allergic too is a wasp sting and im really not under any stress, im on top of all my university work.

I do seem to feel tired alot even when I sleep from 11pm to 12 the next day and I have lost quite abit of weight over the last year without any major dieting, just playing more football, etc.

Can you suggest any cleanser's which I may use and also any creams which I could purchase or will I have to make another appointment with my doctor?

Cheers, John

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

It would be best to have this assessed by your physician again and discuss with him the possible differential of this being seborrheic dermatitis.

The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. Weather ,genetic and environmental factors may play a role here. Other causes include "Pityrosporum ovale, a lipophilic yeast of the Malassezia genus, has been implicated in the development of this condition. It has been suggested that seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory response to this organism, but this remains to be proved."(http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000501/2703.html)

You may try to check the url posted above prior to physician consult. A good summary of seborrheic dermatitis treatment is presented there.

Seborrheic dermatitis may recur given the proper triggers. Based on literature the mainstay of preventing further exacerbations is good hygiene and repeated washing or cleansing.

Do keep us posted John regarding your physician consult.