Seborrheic dermatitis: dry, flaky skin on the nose

Seborrheic dermatitis commonly affects skin with many oil glands, including the creases beside the nose, eyebrows, ears, and scalp. The surface may feel dry even when the area is oily. Flakes can look white, yellowish, or slightly greasy, and the skin may sting or itch. The condition can come and go; cold, dry weather, stress, illness, or irritating products may make a flare more noticeable. Similar scaling can also come from contact irritation, eczema, or psoriasis, so appearance alone cannot confirm the cause.

Wash gently with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free cleanser, then pat the area dry. Avoid scrubbing, peeling flakes, or applying alcohol-based products, which can increase irritation. Use a plain moisturiser suited to facial skin. A clinician may recommend a carefully selected antifungal or anti-inflammatory treatment for a flare; medicines used near the nose need specific instructions because facial skin is sensitive. If scalp flaking is present too, ask whether a medicated shampoo routine could help reduce recurring scale.

Arrange a medical review if the scaling persists, spreads, repeatedly returns, or does not improve with gentle care. Seek prompt advice for marked swelling, increasing warmth, pus, crusting, significant pain, eye involvement, or a rapidly worsening rash. A dermatologist can distinguish seborrheic dermatitis from infection or another inflammatory skin condition and tailor treatment to the nose area.

Could this be seborrheic dermatitis or contact irritation? Which product is appropriate for the skin beside my nose? How should I use treatment during a flare, and what should I do when the skin settles?