What is Alcoholic Nose or Rhinophyma?

It is crucial to note that rhinophyma can affect individuals regardless of their alcohol consumption habits. The progression of rhinophyma usually follows the course of more severe cases of rosacea, characterized by cyclical flare-ups that worsen without treatment. As the condition advances, symptoms can become increasingly pronounced, leading to permanent disfigurement if left untreated. Recognizing the importance of early detection and intervention can aid in managing the condition effectively and minimizing its impact on appearance and health.

How Can Alcohol Affect Your Nose?

Excessive drinking has numerous impacts on your body and mind, ranging from mild to severe. Learn which signs to look out for, and how to care for your well-being. A 68-year-old man presented with a large bulbous growth on his lower nose, which he says has been growing for years. He has been embarrassed by the cosmetic appearance for years and relates that he “doesn’t even drink that much.” Recently, he has noticed increased difficulty breathing (Figs 1-2).

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So, alcohol may not be the primary cause of “alcoholic nose.” However, it does cause red, inflamed skin and can alcohol rehab trigger rosacea and rhinophyma. Rhinophyma begins as a benign skin condition at the most severe end of the rosacea spectrum with a male predominance. It can lead to severe cosmetic deformities with resulting psychosocial consequences and the possibility of developing occult malignancy. Nonsurgical contouring can yield modest results, but surgical correction appears to be the best for optimal treatment of rhinophyma, with multiple modalities available at the discretion of the surgeon. Rhinophyma, also termed ‘end-stage rosacea’, is the most frequent phymatous manifestation of the disease. It starts as an accentuation of the normal tissue over the nose in adolescence and young adulthood.

Disease Progression

This can lead to further mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, as well as an overall loss of pleasure in life. In rare instances, a doctor may perform a biopsy to test the rhinophyma, but this is typically only done in cases of rhinophyma that have not responded to treatments. This is because alcohol is what is known as a vasodilator, which means it causes blood vessels to expand and blood to flow to the surface of the skin. This is especially true and noticeable for rhinophyma alcohol the skin on a person’s face. The exact cause of rhinophyma is unknown beyond the fact that it is related to rosacea, and for some people who develop it, it can be a mystery as to why.

• Although alcohol does not directly cause this condition, research indicates that it may exacerbate the severity of rhinophyma symptoms.
• If you think you might be facing a health challenge, please consult with a healthcare professional.
• These symptoms may seem negligible but can worsen if not addressed promptly.
• By impacting a person’s blood vessels and skin texture, rhinophyma results in a nose that appears swollen, red, enlarged, and bulbous in appearance – a condition that will only worsen if left untreated.
• The physical examination may complement diagnostic tests for a conclusive diagnosis, but the initial assessment is often sufficient to identify the condition.

• One of the biggest lifestyle change options that people have for improvement or prevention is to stop consuming alcohol.
• Larger nodules can develop, contributing to a more irregular surface texture.
• BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.

They can help you understand the risks and recommend substance abuse treatment. When looking at treatment programs for substance use, make sure to find an addiction recovery program that is accredited and which is in-network with your health care insurance. Both alcohol addiction and rhinophyma can be difficult to treat and manage by yourself, and professional help is typically recommended when treating both, especially at the same time. In people who already have rosacea and rhinophyma, this can mean an increase in inflammation, flushing, and the further progression of these conditions.

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Vascular-specific lasers and intense pulsed light treatment are common methods for contouring the tissue. Although rhinophyma is commonly misattributed to heavy drinking, it is crucial to recognize that it is a skin disorder resulting from chronic rosacea rather than simply a consequence of alcohol use 3. The physical examination may complement diagnostic tests for a conclusive diagnosis, but the initial assessment is often sufficient to identify the condition. Hormonal factors may also play a significant role in the development of rhinophyma. Genetic predisposition to rosacea, which may exacerbate skin conditions over time, can be a contributing influence.

Sometimes, this can include relying on ablative lasers or electrical currents (a treatment known as diathermy) to help remove excess tissue. Therefore, a common cause of rhinophyma is having long-term rosacea. For people who develop rhinophyma, their face skin thickens, especially around the nose. Rhinophyma — also sometimes referred to as “alcoholic nose” — is a physical condition that many people assume is caused by alcohol use disorder (alcoholism). If you’re at risk of getting rhinophyma, it’s important to watch for mild symptoms and receive treatment early before the disorder gets worse and you need surgery. While alcohol consumption does not cause rosacea, rosacea is an inflammatory skin disease that is affected by alcohol use, causing facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.

• The information available on RehabNet.com shouldn’t be utilized as a means to diagnose or treat health issues or diseases.
• If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, many treatment options are available.
• If these medications don’t work, a plastic surgeon can use different surgery techniques to change the shape of your nose and improve your breathing.
• These include liver damage, heart disease, cancer, mental health issues, and organ damage.

These procedures help reshape the nose while avoiding disruption of the cartilage tissue and causing minimal scarring. In some cases, cryosurgery—the use of extreme cold to remove damaged tissue—may be considered. Consulting with a dermatologist who knows you and your situation is best to determine a personalized treatment plan. This treatment plan may include medications, laser therapy, and even surgical procedures.

How Intensive Outpatient Programs Support Clients with Co-Occurring Disorders

Ria Health offers a proven at-home treatment to help you limit or stop your consumption of alcohol. You set your own personal goal, and we help you achieve it with coaching, medication, and other tools and resources. While drinking may not cause “alcoholic nose,” getting help to quit drinking can make the condition much easier to manage. In less severe cases, medication may be effective in treating rhinophyma. Topical and oral antibiotics reduce inflammation and redness, and other topical medications minimize inflammation. Some people also take oral capsules that stop skin glands from producing oil.