Is it okay to peel peeling skin off the nose?
Disease description:
My nose has been peeling a lot lately, and it looks really bothersome. I can't help but want to pick at it with my hands, yet I'm afraid of damaging the skin. I'm really conflicted about it and just want to know whether I should peel it off or not.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
In general, peeling skin on the nose should not be picked or peeled off arbitrarily.
Peeling skin on the nose is a common symptom that may be caused by various factors such as dryness, allergies, infections, or skin conditions. Picking at the peeling skin can damage the skin barrier and increase the risk of infection. The skin serves as the body's first line of defense, preventing the invasion of bacteria and viruses. When the skin barrier is compromised, pathogens can more easily enter the body, leading to localized or systemic infections. In addition, picking may cause the wound to bleed, prolong the healing process, and even result in scarring.
It is recommended to adopt appropriate skincare measures. If the peeling is caused by skin dehydration, drinking more water to maintain adequate hydration and applying moisturizing products around the nose may help improve the dryness. If the peeling is due to allergies or a fungal infection, treatment should target the underlying cause, such as avoiding allergens, using antihistamine medications, or applying antifungal creams.
It is also advisable to keep the nasal area clean in daily routine, avoid using cosmetics or cleansing products with strong irritants, and reduce further damage to the skin.
