(First photo is from today, the second is from August of 2025)
Like the title says. Since around 2020, the skin around my nose has been red, bumpy, flaky, and at times itchy. It has never fully gone away, but it kind of comes and goes, varying in intensity. I have not been able to identify any definite triggers, and I don't think it's anything in my meager skincare routine as I've been adjusting that for several years.
The first doctor I went to prescribed hydrocortisone, which my second doctor informed me was pretty stupid. The second doctor said he thought it was rosacea, and gave me MetroGel (0.75% Metronidazole). That seemed to help for a while, but then it kind of plateaued.
I went back, he didn't remember me and thought his previous prescription didn't match my symptoms at all, and told me to try another cream, Protopic (0.1% tacrolimus ointment). This one didn't seem to work at all, and actually since trying it I'm fairly certain it's gotten worse than ever before, though it does sooth the itching.
My leading hypothesis for how it started was the content mask wearing around 2020 because of COVID. I also got a bird around then, but I really don't think that could've caused it because it doesn't seem to get worse when I handle him or stuff like that. Someone in my family also thinks it looks like a heat rash.
Other skincare I'm using includes CeraVe's moisturizing cream, on occasion Clinique's moisture surge overnight mask, and far too much Vaseline because my lips are so dry I need it multiple times a day. Maybe that's another problem.
I got a referral to a dermatologist, but it could be a few weeks before I hear back, and I am suffering. If anyone has any recommendations, it would be greatly appreciated.