Redness around the creases of nose.

I don't know if this is cause by the cold from winter or ever since I started the acne.org regimen but I keep getting redness on the sides of my nostrils (creases area) and on the underneath bits. It is not itchy and there seem to be little clogged pores on the red skin but not really noticeable, unless I'm up close to the mirror and stretches that area out for close examination. But it is nearly always there to a greater or lesser extent. It's not dry or flaky. It is only around the nostrils/creases area and not anywhere else. I've started applying neosporin every night on the area with little results and I'm not sure if I should continue this because neosporin clogged pores and I really don't want those little pores to turn into pimples.

-Here's a picture of what the redness area looks like http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/2695/picture009lm5.jpg
Please give me some suggestions on how to get rid of this as it's quite noticeable and makes me feel quite insecured about myself.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be seborrheic dermatitis. It is usually caused by overgrowth of Malassezia furfur. This skin disease commonly affects adolescents and young adults, especially in warm and humid climates and is aggravated by sweating and humidity. The rash is characterized by red and scaly rash to form on the oily areas on the face like nose and forehead.

Topical antifungals and mild steroids are the usual treatment and combination of the two can be used to treat stubborn patches. You should also apply a hypoallergic moisturizer after washing with a mild face was like Dove. 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[worrieddude411]

Can I try treating it with hydrocortisone?

[worrieddude411]

*To my above post*
Or can I use triamcinolone acetonide and top it off with eucerin calming cream?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Triamcinolone is a high potency steroid and should be used after a dermatologist’s guidance. It is very true that steroids are not without side effects and long term use should be under a dermatologist’s guidance only. Steroid induced rosacea is one of the commonest side effect of long term use of steroids. Others include skin thinning and atrophy, allergic reaction and tachyphylaxis(tolerance the skin develops to the vasoconstrictive action of topical steroids.).

Steroids are not available over the counter and should be taken after a dermatologist’s prescription only. I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[worrieddude411]

So it has been two days since using the hydrocortisone and after doing some research on the cream and no improvement I've decided to stop using it. Now I'm wondering if it's alright to just start washing my face with head and shoulder since it has Pyrithione zinc 1% as I'm sure that I'm suffering from mild seborrheic dermatitis and also if this work; will the redness go away or will it come back if I stop treatment? Is this something I'll be stuck with for rest of my life?