Red Nose
Normally, a person’s nose does not have a different color unless it has been irritated, scratched, or because of the person’s mood. However, there are some instances where a red nose indicates more than just irritation such as when a person suffers from a skin problem, temperature change, rhynophyma, and the common cold.
What Causes Red Nose
People who experience red nose are undergoing certain conditions that involve the following factors:
- A skin disorder known as Rosacea is characterized by redness of the face and the nose. This condition is idiopathic. However, the redness is caused by inflamed papules and altered blood vessels.
- Some people will have a red nose when they drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can lead to blockage in the blood vessels. When the capillaries in the nose are blocked, there will be a decrease in blood flow in that area and increase in pressure, thus resulting to cell death and breaking of the capillaries.
- Changes in temperature can also result to a red nose.The blood vessels in the nose will constrict when in cold temperature, preventing enough blood flow. On the other hand, when the nose is exposed to a sudden high temperature, the blood vessels will dilate and there will be sudden increase in the flow of blood causing the nose to become red.
- Redness on the nose and itchy and flaky skin are characteristics of a condition called Seborrheic dermatitis.
- Allergies can also cause the nose to become red. Red nose is accompanied by shortness of breath and a rapid pulse if the allergy is severe.
- Stress can also lead to red nose. This is due to the increased production of the adrenaline hormone which causes the blood vessels to dilate.
How to Get Rid of a Red Nose
The occurrence of red nose can be prevented and treated by the following measures:
- When exposed in an environment that has a cold temperature, it is important to cover the nose with a scarf to prevent the alteration of blood flow.
- Do not use soaps or other products on the face that are made of very strong materials that may irritate the skin.
- Extremely hot showers must be avoided as this may also alter the flow of blood.
- Using sunscreen creams or lotions can avoid sunburn on the nose.
- The use of ice, cold compress or simply washing the face with cold water can decrease the redness of the nose.