What is another name for a nasal crease? Understanding its Causes and Meaning

October 1, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, a nasal crease is described as a persistent transverse line on the nose, often a physical sign of allergic rhinitis. So, what is another name for a nasal crease? It is also widely known as a transverse nasal crease or allergic crease, primarily linked to a habitual upward rubbing of the nose.

Quick Summary

A nasal crease is also known as a transverse nasal crease or an allergic crease. It can be caused by the 'allergic salute,' a habitual upward rubbing of the nose linked to chronic allergies, or it can be congenital. Its appearance varies, and it may fade with allergy management.

Key Points

Allergic Crease: The nasal crease is often referred to as an allergic crease when it is caused by habitual nose rubbing due to chronic allergies.
Transverse Nasal Crease: This is the technical medical term for the horizontal line on the bridge of the nose.
Allergic Salute: The repetitive upward rubbing of the nose, common in children with allergic rhinitis, is the primary behavioral cause of an allergic crease.
Congenital Origin: Not all nasal creases are allergy-related; some are congenital and result from a developmental variant in nasal cartilage formation.
Management: The best way to prevent a nasal crease from allergies is to manage the underlying condition with medications or by avoiding allergens.
Cosmetic Treatment: For permanent creases, dermatological procedures such as fillers, chemical peels, or laser therapy can reduce their appearance.
Permanent vs. Temporary: While some nasal creases fade over time, especially in children, they can become a permanent feature in adults, particularly with continued rubbing.

What is a nasal crease?

A nasal crease is a visible, horizontal line or indentation that forms across the lower third of the bridge of the nose. While it is not a harmful medical condition, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue, most commonly chronic allergies. The visibility and permanence of the crease can vary significantly from person to person. For some, it may be a faint, temporary line that appears during bouts of hay fever, while for others, it can become a deep, permanent mark.

The medical name for this condition is the transverse nasal crease or transverse nasal line. It is most famously associated with a specific behavioral symptom known as the 'allergic salute.' Understanding the causes behind this physical sign is key to knowing whether it's a temporary phenomenon or a more permanent fixture of one's facial features.

The allergic salute: A common cause

The most well-known cause of a nasal crease is the 'allergic salute'. This is a gesture where a person, most often a child, repeatedly rubs their nose upwards with the palm or back of their hand to relieve an itch or remove mucus caused by nasal congestion. The persistent upward pressure and friction against the delicate skin and underlying cartilage of the nose over months or years can create a permanent indentation.

Symptoms and causes of the allergic salute

Chronic nasal itching: A constant, irritating itch inside the nose is a primary driver of the allergic salute.
Nasal congestion: A stuffy or blocked nose can lead individuals to rub their nose in an attempt to clear their airways.
Rhinorrhea (runny nose): Excessive mucus production prompts frequent wiping and rubbing.
Sneezing: Repeated sneezing fits, especially in response to an allergen, can contribute to the habit.

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is the root cause of these symptoms and thus the allergic salute. Common allergens that trigger this response include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores.

Hereditary and congenital nasal creases

While the allergic salute is a common cause, not all nasal creases are a result of allergies. Some individuals can be born with a nasal crease due to congenital factors or hereditary predisposition. This is often referred to as a transverse nasal line and may be present from birth but become more visible later in life, often during puberty.

Medical literature suggests that congenital creases may result from an embryological fault line where the cartilages of the nose do not fuse completely or grow at different rates. Unlike the allergic salute, which is caused by external behavior, this type of nasal crease is an intrinsic part of the individual's anatomy. It can sometimes be accompanied by other minor skin issues in the area, such as milia (small cysts) or comedones (blackheads).

Comparison of allergic vs. congenital nasal creases


Feature	Allergic Crease	Congenital Nasal Crease
Cause	Repeated upward rubbing of the nose (allergic salute) due to chronic allergies.	Developmental anomaly where nasal cartilages meet, present from birth.
Onset	Develops over time, typically during childhood, as a result of chronic allergies.	Present at birth but may become more pronounced during puberty or adulthood.
Associated Symptoms	Itching, sneezing, and a runny nose due to allergic rhinitis.	May be accompanied by milia or comedones along the crease.
Appearance	Can be lighter (hypopigmented) or darker (hyperpigmented) than the surrounding skin due to constant irritation.	Can be skin-colored or pigmented; may have an associated furrow.
Permanence	Can be temporary and fade if the underlying allergy is treated, but can become permanent in adults.	Usually permanent as it is a result of a structural feature.

Treatment and management

Managing a nasal crease depends on its cause. For those with an allergic crease, addressing the underlying allergic rhinitis is the most effective approach. For congenital creases, treatment is primarily cosmetic.

Managing an allergic crease

Identify and avoid allergens: Allergy testing can help pinpoint specific triggers like pollen or pet dander. Reducing exposure is the first step in prevention.
Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications can control symptoms. These include antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, and decongestants.
Immunotherapy: For severe allergies, allergy shots or sublingual tablets can desensitize the immune system to allergens over time.
Break the habit: For children, it's helpful to gently remind them to avoid rubbing their nose. Providing tissues promptly can prevent the 'salute.'

Cosmetic treatment for a permanent nasal crease

If the crease has become a permanent feature, especially in adults, dermatological and cosmetic treatments can help reduce its appearance.

Topical treatments: Skin-lightening creams containing ingredients like retinoids may help reduce hyperpigmentation over time, but their effectiveness can vary.
Chemical peels: A chemical peel can exfoliate the skin's surface, helping to smooth out the appearance of the crease.
Dermal fillers: For deeper indentations, injectable dermal fillers can be used to add volume and plump the skin, temporarily filling the crease.
Laser therapy: Certain laser treatments can stimulate collagen production, which may improve the texture and appearance of the skin in the area.

Conclusion

In summary, another name for a nasal crease is a transverse nasal crease, or in cases of chronic allergies, an allergic crease. It is a common physical sign that can stem from either a habitual upward rubbing of the nose related to allergic rhinitis or a congenital developmental difference. While generally benign, addressing the underlying cause is the best way to prevent or manage an allergic nasal crease. For those with a permanent or congenital crease, various dermatological and cosmetic options exist to minimize its visibility. A consultation with a dermatologist or allergist can help determine the best course of action.

What to know about a nasal crease

What it is: A horizontal line or groove across the bridge of the nose.
Names: Also known as a transverse nasal crease or allergic crease.
Causes: Often caused by the "allergic salute" (upward nose rubbing) due to chronic allergies, but can also be congenital.
Appearance: Can be hypopigmented (lighter) or hyperpigmented (darker), and its depth varies.
Treatment: Management focuses on treating the underlying allergies. For permanent creases, cosmetic options like fillers or lasers are available.
Benign: A nasal crease is not a serious health concern, but it can indicate underlying allergies that should be managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

The allergic salute is a common gesture, especially among children with chronic allergies, where they repeatedly rub their nose upwards with their palm or fingers to relieve an itch or clear congestion.

Yes, a nasal crease can go away, especially in children, if the underlying allergies are managed and the habit of rubbing the nose stops. However, if the habit continues into adulthood, the crease can become permanent.

A nasal crease itself is not a serious health problem. It is a benign physical sign, but it can be an indicator of chronic allergic rhinitis, which may require medical management.

The first step is to treat the underlying allergies to prevent further rubbing. This may involve medication or avoiding allergens. For permanent creases, cosmetic options like dermal fillers or laser therapy can reduce their appearance.

An allergic crease develops over time due to repeated nose rubbing from allergies, while a congenital nasal crease is present from birth due to a developmental variation in the nasal cartilage.

While often associated with childhood allergies, nasal creases can persist into adulthood. If the habit of nose-rubbing continues or if the crease has become permanent, it will remain visible.

Yes, in some cases, a transverse nasal crease can be hereditary. It is believed to be a result of how the nasal cartilages attach during development, and it can run in families.