The phrase “crease of my nose” most commonly refers to the nasolabial fold, the skin furrow extending from the side of the nose down to the corner of the mouth. This area is rich in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, making it a frequent site for dermatological issues. Pain or discomfort here, while often benign, is typically the result of inflammation or infection affecting the sensitive skin lining the fold.
Chronic Inflammatory Skin Issues
Chronic inflammatory conditions frequently cause persistent soreness or pain localized to the nasal crease. The most common cause is Seborrheic Dermatitis, a recurring form of eczema that preferentially affects areas with a high concentration of oil-producing sebaceous glands, such as the sides of the nose. This condition is characterized by an inflammatory response, possibly triggered by the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, an organism naturally present on the skin.
The resulting inflammation causes the skin in the nasolabial fold to become red, scaly, and sometimes greasy, leading to discomfort and a burning sensation. The affected area often appears faintly red with yellowish or white scales, though scaling may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin in darker tones. This is a relapsing condition, meaning symptoms can flare up and subside, often aggravated by factors like stress or seasonal changes.
Other chronic dermatoses, like eczema or psoriasis, can also manifest in the nasal crease, though seborrheic dermatitis is the most common. Eczema involves dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, while Psoriasis is known for thick, silvery scales on red patches. The common thread among these conditions is that they represent an ongoing inflammatory reaction in the skin, not an acute bacterial invasion, which accounts for the persistent, often irritating nature of the pain.
Acute Infections and Localized Inflammation
Pain in the nasal crease may also stem from acute, localized infections involving microbes like bacteria or fungi. Folliculitis is a frequent culprit, occurring when hair follicles in the crease become infected, often by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This infection presents as small, pus-filled bumps surrounding the base of a hair, causing intense, localized pain and inflammation.
This type of infection can be initiated by trauma, such as picking at the nose or excessive nose blowing, which allows bacteria to enter the skin. A more severe, deeper infection of the hair follicle is a boil, or furuncle, which is an intensely painful, pus-filled lump that can develop into a more spreading infection called cellulitis. Another bacterial infection that can affect the nasal area is Impetigo, a highly contagious, superficial skin infection.
Impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria and is characterized by red sores that quickly rupture and form honey-colored crusts. This infection can occur in the nasal area, presenting with pronounced crusting and a greater risk of spreading. Unlike the general, chronic soreness of seborrheic dermatitis, these acute issues involve more intense, focal pain, swelling, and the presence of pus or distinct crusts.
Pain Caused by Environmental and Behavioral Irritation
Pain in the nasal crease can also result from external factors or repetitive actions that irritate the sensitive skin. Irritant contact dermatitis is a common non-allergic reaction occurring when the skin’s protective layer is damaged by strong or repeated exposure to an irritant. This may be triggered by harsh facial cleansers, soaps, or cosmetic products, leading to dryness, cracking, and a painful, scaly rash in the fold.
Physical trauma from habitual actions is another source of irritation. During a cold or allergy flare-up, frequent wiping or rubbing of the nose causes friction and chapping, resulting in a raw, tender area. This repeated mechanical stress can break the skin barrier, leading to pain and making the area susceptible to secondary infections. Environmental extremes also contribute to discomfort; cold weather causes chapping, and excessive sun exposure can cause a painful sunburn. These types of pain are temporary and resolve once the irritating factor is removed.
Knowing When to Seek Medical Attention
While many causes of nasal crease pain are minor and manageable with home care, certain signs suggest the need for a professional medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if the pain or irritation does not improve after a week of consistent self-care. Persistent symptoms may indicate a condition, like chronic seborrheic dermatitis, that requires prescription-strength topical treatments to control inflammation.
Immediate medical attention is warranted if you observe signs of a spreading or severe infection. Warning signs include pain that begins to radiate or spread beyond the crease, intense swelling, or the development of a fever and chills. The presence of pus that is draining from the site, or a rash that is accompanied by widespread swelling or blistering, also suggests a serious bacterial issue that may require oral antibiotics. If the pain is accompanied by chronic sinus issues, such as persistent nasal congestion or facial pressure that does not clear up, an ear, nose, and throat specialist may be needed to rule out other causes.