Line Across Nose: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Among the complications of allergies and frequent allergy attacks is a line across the nose, also known as a transverse nasal crease or allergic crease. This dark and horizontal line arises due to the stress caused by repeatedly rubbing the nose and pushing it upward because of allergy symptoms.

While the condition may resolve on its own, topical skin-lightening creams, and chemical peels are among the treatment options.

If you have a dark line across your nose, allergies are likely to blame. This article briefly covers how an allergic crease arises, what you can do about it, and how to prevent it from forming.   

What Causes a Line Across the Nose?

Allergic creases are distinct horizontal lines across the nose caused by frequent rubbing due to allergies. These darker lines, measuring about 1–3 millimeters, are typically located where the middle and lower thirds of the nose meet, sometimes accompanied by small lesions.

People who develop these creases often have allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever or seasonal allergies). This condition inflames the nasal passages, causing symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchiness. People frequently rub their noses for relief, and over time, this repeated action can lead to the formation of allergic creases.

Treatment

In many cases, allergic creases fade and resolve on their own once allergy symptoms subside. However, for severe or persistent cases, treatment options are available to address the issue. These options include:

• Retinoids or lightening agents: Applying topical creams with hydroquinone or similar agents, as prescribed, can gradually fade the crease and lighten darker lines.
• Topical steroids: A dermatologist may recommend steroid creams or gels to help heal the area, reducing scaling, flaking, or itchiness.
• Chemical peel: A chemical peel involves using a solution to remove the outer layers of skin, effective when the line becomes an indented scar. As the skin regenerates, this can correct the issue.
• Laser therapy: Laser treatments may be used to target and reduce the discoloration of the tissue over time.

Prevention

The key to preventing an allergic crease is to stop rubbing your nose. Managing your allergies and working to prevent attacks is essential. Here’s how you can prevent dark lines across the nose from forming.

Keep Tissues Handy

Always keep soft tissues nearby and use them gently to wipe your nose instead of rubbing it. This can reduce the stress on your skin. 

Allergen Avoidance

Avoiding allergens that trigger allergies is crucial for prevention. Common sources of allergens include:

• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Mold
• Cockroach excrement
• Tobacco smoke

Identifying and avoiding these allergens is important. Strategies might include:

• Pollen: Limit exposure by staying indoors, closing windows, and using air conditioning.
• Dust mites and dander: Implement a thorough cleaning routine to reduce dust.
• Mold: Improve ventilation and lower humidity indoors to prevent mold growth.
• Tobacco smoke: Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke, as it poses many health risks.

Allergy Medications

Several classes of medications, available over the counter and by prescription, treat allergy symptoms, including:

• Antihistamines: Generally used as first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis, antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Benadryl (diphenhydramine), and others, manage attacks. Available as tablets or nasal sprays, they block receptors of histamine, the chemical that causes itchiness, stuffiness, and other symptoms.     
• Corticosteroids: Nasal corticosteroid sprays like Flonase (fluticasone nasal), Nasacort (triamcinolone), and Veramyst (fluticasone furoate) are the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. Not only are they effective when allergies flare up, but consistent use can also work to prevent attacks.
• Decongestants: Nasal decongestants, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), Mucinex (guaifenesin), and Afrin (oxymetazoline), can also help with the stuffiness associated with allergies. However, be careful; don’t take these medications for more than three days in a row.  
• Leukotriene inhibitors: Drugs that block leukotrienes—enzymes that trigger symptoms along with histamines—can also treat symptoms and manage attacks. Examples include Singulair (montelukast) and Zyflo (zileuton), among others.  
• Other approaches: To prevent allergies in more severe cases, immunotherapy is delivered either via injections or sublingually (under the tongue). This gradually desensitizes your immune system to the allergens causing symptoms, typically grass or ragweed pollen or house dust mites.