Red Nose: Differential Diagnosis and When to Seek Care

A red nose can signal various conditions:

• Viral rhinitis (common cold) – congestion, rhinorrhea, sore throat.
• Allergic rhinitis – sneezing, itchy eyes, clear discharge; seasonal or perennial.
• Sinusitis – facial pressure, purulent discharge, hyposmia.
• Trauma – localized swelling, abrasion, epistaxis.
• Rosacea – chronic centrofacial erythema, papules, telangiectasia; may progress to rhinophyma.
• Medication/substance effects – alcohol, vasodilators, cocaine, topical steroids.
• Cellulitis – spreading erythema, warmth, tenderness; may have fever.
• Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) – pollen-triggered nasal inflammation.

Persistent, worsening, or systemic symptoms (fever, vision changes) warrant medical evaluation.