Cracked skin side of nose/nostrils

[BabyKat2009]

I've had dried, cracked skin on the outside corners of my nostrils for months. I've tried petroleum jelly, lotion, hydrocortisone, and a anti-itch cream, but nothing is making it go away!

ALL my life I've had pretty oily skin, but in the last few months its almost completely dried up. I've stopped using my scrub cleanser on my face, because I figured that kept rubbing away new skin growth in that area. That didn't work, so I stopped using my "zit" cream I've used for years, that hasn't helped...and in fact I'm getting completely broken out like NEVER before. I do have PCOS so I don't know if this is a new aspect to it all of the sudden mixed with the fact that I'm now 30. I have no idea...

All I know is I NEED to get this nose thing fixed. It HURTS. and looks terrible, and when I try to wear makeup it just looks awful.

Any suggestions on what to try on the sides of my nose?

[Zeera1107]

I'm in my early twenties and have the same thing, and it keeps coming back every few months after I've dealt with it. The skin underneath and on the side creases of my nostrils get really dry, and very painful, and the dry skin starts to build up into dark, painful, ugly patches. Scrubbing it off never used to help, just made it hurt worse. Recently I've found that dabbing facial toner that contains Salicylic acid on the offending area gets it to go away after two nights of application. The acidity of the toner seems to kill the bacteria that cause whatever this is. Using the toner often keeps it away for much longer. Though, just for full disclosure, when you dab the toner on the dry skin, it burns terribly. Badly enough that I start tearing. But only for 5 seconds or so. There aren't any other ill effects, but this is really worth a try if you suffer from this. Nothing else has ever worked for me, and it really saves the discomfort if days and weeks of dry skin around your nose.

[Libbymae83]

I have PCOS and have had the same issue with the area where the nostrils transition into the cheek. I've tried a bunch of things but the only thing that works is to cut open a vitamin E capsule and place on the area before bed. It is an oil and does not mix well with makeup. After 2 consecutive applications it will now be apart of my nightly ritual but maybe once a week. If you have pcos like me I highly recommend vitamin A and E to take internally  daily. It has improved over all skin issues and increased energy from adrenal fatigue that is hand in hand with PCOS

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This cracked skin can be due to 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.

Topical antifungals and mild steroids are the usual treatment and combination of the two can be used to treat stubborn patches. Oral antifungal drugs and immunomodulators such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are used in very severe cases. The other possibilities are of eczema, lupus erythematosus or dermatitis. Best would be to consult a dermatologist and get biopsy skin done to confirm the diagnosis.

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.

[tschock]

As we age,our skin drys up...not that you are old mind you...I am. lol

Avoid water like the plague...unless you are drinking it. Showers are better than baths. Pat your skin dry after showering. Water is actually more harmful to dry skin than you can imagine.
Dry oatmeal based soaps or lye soaps.
Avoid harsh chemicals...the kind found in most soaps, lotions, etc.
The PCOS could have made this worse...but it's hard to say.
You would need to see a doctor to rule out eczema, psoriasis, cancer, diabetes, etc.