The nose knows. Or does it? While this vital organ can tell you if someone is baking your favorite cookies in the kitchen or alert you to nearby dangers, it can’t tell you what causes psoriasis or whether you have a flare-up inside your nose.

This article shares five facts to know about psoriasis on and inside the nose. If you have questions or think you may have a psoriasis flare in your nose, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or a dermatologist.

1. Psoriasis in the Nose Is Rare

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 50 percent of people with psoriasis experience symptoms on their face, including the forehead, cheeks, chin, and areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Having symptoms of psoriasis inside the nose, however, is rare.

2. It Could Be Facial Psoriasis

What seem like symptoms of psoriasis inside the nose may indicate facial psoriasis affecting the area around or just inside the nostrils. Although this type can occur anywhere on the face, it’s most common on the hairline, upper forehead, eyebrows, and the skin between the nose and upper lip. If you have dryness, flaking, or crusty lesions between your upper lip and nose, it’s more likely to be psoriasis on the face than in the nose.

There are several types of psoriasis, and they can affect any area of the body. The parts of the body that psoriasis affects most often are the knees, elbows, and scalp. Scalp psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis are most likely to involve the face.

3. It Might Not Be Psoriasis at All

If you’re living with psoriasis and notice symptoms in or near your nose, it’s easy to assume it’s a flare-up. However, psoriasis isn’t the only skin condition that can cause flaky skin in the sensitive areas on, in, or under the nose.

Eczema can also affect the face. Like psoriasis, eczema is a skin disease caused by issues within the immune system. If you have a dry, discolored, and itchy rash on your face, it’s possible that you also have eczema. However, it’s not common to have both psoriasis and eczema.

Rosacea can affect the face, too. Instead of scaly or itchy lesions, however, rosacea generally causes visible blood vessels and small, swollen, discolored bumps.

Sebopsoriasis is a mix of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. It’s not quite one or the other, but it shares traits of both and can show up on the face.

What Does Psoriasis Look Like on Your Nose?

Psoriasis on or around the nose often shows up as discolored, scaly patches that may be dry, flaky, or itchy. Sometimes the skin feels sore or thick. Because these symptoms can resemble those of other skin conditions, it’s important to see a doctor to make sure you get the right diagnosis.

4. An Accurate Diagnosis Is Essential

Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure you receive appropriate care. If you’re already receiving psoriasis treatment from a dermatologist, ask them to examine the area in and around your nose.

If you have yet to be diagnosed with psoriasis or another skin condition, ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a doctor specializing in dermatology. They may be able to do a visual diagnosis, or they may take a small sample of skin cells for a biopsy (a study of tissue under a microscope).

5. Treatment Options Are Available

If your healthcare provider confirms that you’re experiencing a psoriasis flare in your nose, treatment options are available. Topical treatments for other parts of your body may be too intense for the sensitive skin in and around your nose. Make sure to check with your doctor before using over-the-counter moisturizers or lotions, which may not be appropriate to use inside the nose.

For treatment of psoriasis in the nose, your healthcare provider might recommend:

• Low-strength topical steroid creams
• Creams made with ingredients that calm the immune system
• Nonsteroidal creams, like those that help lower skin inflammation in new ways

Although light therapy (also called phototherapy) using special ultraviolet light is an option for facial psoriasis, it might not be recommended to treat psoriasis on the nostrils or inside the nose.

If your symptoms are more serious or affect larger areas, your doctor may recommend treatments that work throughout your entire body, such as biologic therapies. Although psoriasis in the nose is rare, effective treatments are available.

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On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you have psoriasis on or inside your nose? Let others know in the comments below.