Differential Diagnosis for Red Nose
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Rosacea: This is a common skin condition characterized by redness, acne-like symptoms, and visible blood vessels on the face, particularly the nose. The redness can be persistent and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as flushing and sensitivity.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Acne: Inflammatory acne can cause redness on the nose due to the presence of pimples, pustules, or cysts.
- Cold or allergies: Rhinitis, whether allergic or viral, can lead to a red, runny nose due to increased blood flow and inflammation.
- Sunburn: Exposure to the sun without adequate protection can cause sunburn, leading to redness and sometimes peeling of the skin on the nose.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, which may appear red. Missing this diagnosis could lead to delayed treatment of a potentially serious autoimmune disease.
- Sarcoidosis: This condition can cause granulomas to form in various parts of the body, including the skin, leading to red, raised patches on the nose among other symptoms.
- Rare diagnoses
- Carcinoid syndrome: A rare condition that can cause flushing and redness of the skin, including the nose, due to excessive production of certain chemicals by a tumor.
- Erythema infectiosum (Fifth disease): A viral infection that can cause a distinctive "slapped cheek" appearance and may also lead to redness on the nose.
- Basal cell carcinoma or other skin cancers: Although less common, skin cancers can present with redness, especially if they bleed or become inflamed.