Perioral Dermatitis on the Nose: Treatment and Gentle Care

Illustration of redness beside the nostrils for Bragan Skincare’s perioral dermatitis guide

BRAGAN SKINCARE · QUICK GUIDE

Bumps beside your nostrils? Start here.

Perioral dermatitis can affect the nose area too. A similar-looking rash may have another cause, so persistent symptoms need assessment.

Reduce rubbing

Pat dry. Leave bumps and flakes alone.

Simplify skincare

Avoid layering products or heavy creams.

Ask for advice

A recurring rash needs more than another product.

For the wider picture, visit our perioral dermatitis hub. Our treatment guide explains professional care and facial steroid precautions.

Watch Lorraine’s experience

A Bragan customer’s perspective, in her own words.

Open Lorraine’s video on YouTube if needed →

One customer’s experience. Results vary; it does not establish that a product will suit every person or rash.

Bragan Skincare Atopic Cream in 50 ml and 100 ml containers

FROM OUR IRISH FAMILY BUSINESS

Considering Atopic Cream?

A fragrance-free moisturiser developed for dry and sensitive skin.

For an active perioral dermatitis rash: ask your pharmacist or GP whether adding a moisturiser is appropriate. Heavy creams can aggravate this condition.

View ingredients and customer stories →

What to avoid—and what to do instead

AVOID Scrubbing away flakes

Repeated friction can add discomfort.

TRY INSTEAD Gentle washing and patting dry

Leave bumps and loose flakes undisturbed.

AVOID Layering rich creams

More moisturiser is not always helpful.

TRY INSTEAD Check what your skin needs

Ask whether a light moisturiser—or a pause—is appropriate.

AVOID Several new products

It becomes harder to identify irritation.

TRY INSTEAD A simpler routine

Follow advice about pausing non-essential skincare.

AVOID Self-treating with steroid cream

Facial steroids can be associated with this rash.

TRY INSTEAD Speak to your prescriber

Get advice before changing a prescribed steroid.

For practical routine changes, read our perioral dermatitis home-care guide.

Is it definitely perioral dermatitis?

Small bumps, redness and flaking beside the nostrils can occur with perioral dermatitis. When the nose or eyes are involved, it may also be called periorificial dermatitis.

A nose rash is not a diagnosis. Seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and rosacea can affect a similar area. Tell your pharmacist or GP where it started and which products or medicines you use.

Notice what touches your nose

Hands and tissues

Touching, picking and repeated wiping.

Everyday products

Cleansers, make-up, sunscreen and moisturiser.

Medicines

Mention facial creams, nasal sprays and inhalers.

These are things to discuss, not a list of proven causes. Do not stop prescribed medicines yourself.

Moisturising: choose carefully

Heavy creams and ointments can aggravate perioral dermatitis. If dryness is uncomfortable, ask whether a simple, lighter moisturiser is suitable or whether products should be paused.

Our guide to choosing skincare for perioral dermatitis explains the decision. Remember that natural ingredients are not automatically gentle.

If a product is recommended: follow its instructions and introduce one change at a time. Stop if irritation increases. A home product test cannot rule out an allergy or prove suitability for an active rash.

Bragan Atopic Cream available in 50 ml and 100 ml sizes

Where Atopic Cream may fit

Atopic Cream contains snail mucin and supports moisturising care for dry and sensitive skin.

Its suitability for an active perioral dermatitis rash needs individual consideration. Follow any advice to avoid creams on the affected area.

Explore Bragan Atopic Cream →

Avoid applying inside the nostrils or getting cream in your eyes. Moisturising does not replace prescribed treatment.

Facial steroid creams need particular care

Do not start over-the-counter hydrocortisone for a suspected perioral dermatitis rash. If you already use it, tell your pharmacist or GP.

If a steroid was prescribed, ask the prescriber how to change or stop it. Withdrawal can cause a rebound flare, so an individual plan may be needed.

Bragan Skincare founder Kieran Corley holding a snail at the family farm in County Monaghan

COUNTY MONAGHAN, IRELAND

Our family farm. Our skincare story.

Working with snails inspired our interest in snail mucin and the development of Bragan Skincare for dry and sensitive skin.

Meet the family behind Bragan →

When to ask for medical advice

  • Persistent or recurring rash: ask a pharmacist or GP to assess the cause.
  • Spreading, pain, swelling, crusting or discharge: seek prompt advice.
  • Eye pain or changes in vision: seek urgent assessment.

Bring a list of skincare and medicines you use. Your GP can advise on prescribed care or a dermatology referral.

Frequently asked questions

Can perioral dermatitis appear around the nose?

Yes. It can affect the skin beside the nostrils as well as around the mouth. It may also be called periorificial dermatitis. A clinician can help confirm the cause of a rash.

Should I moisturise perioral dermatitis around my nose?

Not automatically. Heavy creams and ointments can aggravate perioral dermatitis. Ask your pharmacist or GP whether a moisturiser is appropriate and which type to use.

Can wiping my nose make the area more uncomfortable?

Repeated wiping can add friction to irritated skin. Use tissues gently, pat dry and avoid unnecessary rubbing or picking.

Should I exfoliate flaky skin around my nostrils?

Avoid scrubbing or aggressively exfoliating an irritated rash. This can add discomfort without addressing its cause.

Can I use Bragan Atopic Cream on perioral dermatitis?

Atopic Cream is developed for dry and sensitive skin. For an active perioral dermatitis rash, ask your pharmacist or GP whether adding it is appropriate. Follow any advice to pause creams and stop if irritation increases.

When should I seek medical advice for a rash around my nose?

Seek advice if the rash persists, returns, spreads or becomes painful, swollen or crusted. A rash approaching the eyes needs assessment; eye pain or changes in vision need urgent care.

Your next step

Keep care simple. Reduce rubbing. Get advice if it persists.

Explore our perioral dermatitis hub or treatment guide for more detail.

About the author

Kieran Corley is the founder of Bragan Skincare, an Irish family business based in County Monaghan. His perspective comes from skincare product development, the family snail farm and customer conversations. This article provides general information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan.

Sources and further reading