Alcoholic Nose Rhinophyma: The Real Cause, and How to Treat It

If you do not fit into this category and are starting to experience redness in the face, it could be a sign of rosacea or another skin condition entirely. Either way, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible to determine the best treatment option for you. People once believed that rhinophyma was caused by alcohol consumption, primarily due to media portrayals of drunk individuals with red, swollen noses. However, the link between alcohol and rhinophyma has since been disproven. While alcohol doesn’t cause rhinophyma, it can worsen many symptoms.

You might be familiar with a pervasive stereotype of alcoholics having a red face or a plump, bulbous kind of nose. Classic appearance of rhinophyma with a bulbous, cosmetic nasal deformity causing distortion of the aesthetic subunits of the lower nose. Alar thickening can eventually lead to obstruction of the external nasal valves.

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People who have noses that are inflamed, bulbous, and red often have rhinophyma, which might be a form of a condition known as rosacea. Alcohol abuse can lead to serious health problems, so getting help is crucial if you think you or a loved one may have a problem. There are many treatment options available, and with the assistance of a medical professional, you can develop a plan that’s right for you. Rosacea can affect anyone, but it is most commonly seen in middle-aged adults. Naturally, your surgeon will determine the best methods for the removal of excess tissue and reshaping of your nose. If your doctor is able to diagnose Rhinophyma early on, the surgery could be relatively minor. However, if Rhinophyma is left untreated, you could require more complex surgeries with skin grafts.

Spring Hill Recovery offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. Overall, doctors strongly encourage individuals with rosacea or rhinophyma to avoid alcohol altogether, and if they are not able to avoid alcohol, only drink very sparingly. Rhinophyma is not directly caused by alcoholism or regular alcohol consumption. This previously assumed connection was made since alcohol has been known to have a negative effect on the vascular system, enlarging vessels in the face and neck, causing reddening or flushness.

What Is Rosacea and How Is it Related to Rhinophyma?

It may involve scalpel alcoholic nose, laser resurfacing, cryosurgery , or dermabrasion . Through surgery, you can reshape a disfigured nose, minimize enlarged blood vessels, and improve the overall aesthetics of your nose. When choosing an alcohol addiction treatment center, it’s important to choose one that understands the disease of addiction and the best ways to help promote strong, lasting change. With centers all around Oregon, Serenity Lane makes your physical and mental health our No. 1 priority. If you suffer from alcohol abuse or alcoholism, or if you believe a loved one is at risk for alcohol abuse, professional help is available.

• However, the true reason for this disfiguring condition has no clear causative trigger.
• It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
• An estimated 25.8 percent of people over the age of 18 reported binge drinking in the past month, with another 6.3 percent engaging in heavy alcohol use in the previous month.
• While rhinophyma can affect anyone, it is more common in men over 30 with fair skin.

In her spare time she loves learning about health, nutrition, meditation, spiritual practices, and enjoys being the a mother of a beautiful daughter. The condition known colloquially as “alcoholic nose” or “drinker’s nose” is also known as rhinophyma. Rhinophyma is characterized by redness on and around the nose as well as an enlarged or lumpy appearance of the nose. This chronic but treatable condition causes broken blood vessels on or near the nose, giving the red, bumpy appearance linked with an alcoholic nose. Rhinophyma is a condition that causes the nose to get larger, turn red, and have a bumpy texture. It is often believed to be the result of untreated cases of severe rosacea, a disorder that causes red discoloration of the face. Regular alcohol consumption has been linked with an increased chance of developing rosacea.

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There are many common misconceptions when it comes to rhinophyma. Of course, there are many snap judgments that people make when they see the physical effects of rhinophyma in person, especially in extreme cases.

Rhinophyma is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination. However, a skin biopsy may sometimes be necessary to rule out other conditions. Additionally, very early or mild cases of Rhinophyma may be treatable with less invasive cosmetic procedures, like laser resurfacing or dermabrasion. It all depends on the nature of your condition and how quickly you seek out treatment. In some cases, you may need to treat the potential underlying causes, which may include rosacea and/or alcoholism. If your rhinophyma is caused by rosacea, you can work with your doctor to identify any triggers that could be causing flare-ups. Avoiding these flare-ups can keep rhinophyma from getting worse or resurfacing after treatment.

If you’re concerned about the effects of alcohol on your nose, it’s essential to talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the risks and recommend substance abuse treatment. Rhinophyma exacerbated by heavy drinking can cause the cartilage cells to swell, resulting in a bulbous or “flared” appearance.