2 wk throat irritation, irritation of skin around nose with scaly/dry skin. negative for strep. md said viral, but it persists. zyrtec (cetirizine) doesn't help?

Infection: Could be viral still , and maybe an allergic component with the dry crusty reaction around the nose, etc. Try a nasal spray to help and increase your fluids, rest the voice. 2 weeks of an infection is long, so if not better in the next few days, then re-visit the Dr. as maybe now it developed into a bacterial infection. Good luck to you.

Could be allergy: Most likely it is an allergy could be you are having drainage that irritate the skin and cause these symptoms in addition to Zyrtec take either the D version as long as you do not have BP pressure problems in addition take two tablets of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) around your bed time and treat the skin with hydrocortisone cream