The misconception that rhinophyma equals alcoholism is an outdated stereotype that can breed negative self-esteem and social anxiety. It can also prevent those actually suffering from alcoholism from getting the help they need. Szymańska-Skrzypek, Anna; Burduk, Paweł K.; Betlejewski, Stanisław. “Rhinophyma–diagnosis and treatment.” Polish Journal of Otolaryngology, 2004. These procedures aim to reshape and smooth the affected areas of the nose, improving both function and appearance.

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A skin biopsy may occasionally be required to confirm the diagnosis, especially in rare cases where the condition doesn’t respond to treatment. While some people may experience flushing or redness when they consume alcohol, this doesn’t mean those people all suffer from rhinophyma. Wrong assumptions based on similar traits, such as flushed skin after drinking, have led to misinformation about the true causes of the condition.

Alcoholic Nose: Can Alcohol Affect the Appearance of the Nose?

• It typically manifests as a noticeably red, bumpy, or bulbous nose or swollen cheeks.
• Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions.
• At most, excessive drinking can increase someone’s risk of developing rosacea.
• While it’s true that alcohol use may trigger rosacea flare-ups, this does not mean that every person with rosacea will automatically develop rhinophyma.
• If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, getting help as soon as possible is essential.

However, alcohol may still play a very small role in increasing the risk of developing this condition. Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.

Preventing Skin Conditions Like Rhinophyma

• Rhinophyma is treated with surgery, but acne medication can help in some cases.
• Our hospital offers a variety of programs that can be tailored to patient needs, including an older adult program, dual diagnosis treatment and general psychiatric care.
• Sometimes, extensive cases of overgrowth may occur with cancerous tumors.
• People who may benefit from alcohol treatment programs may be deterred from taking initial steps in seeking treatment.
• While it’s true that chronic alcohol abuse can lead to many health problems, there is no definitive evidence that drinking alcohol causes the so-called alcoholic nose.

As it turns out, drinking alcohol (even in excessive amounts) has not been proven to directly cause rosacea. In many cases, “alcoholic nose” is used to describe the most severe, end-stage form of rosacea, known as rhinophyma. Rhinophyma causes the nose to become even more disfigured due to the progressive dilation of the nasal vessels alcoholic nose as well as the involvement of cysts and pustules. The most common and effective treatment for rhinophyma is surgery. Surgical treatment can remove tissue overgrowth, reshape disfigured noses, and minimize the appearance of enlarged blood vessels. It may be completed with a scalpel, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or via cryosurgery.

Rhinophyma Causes

Other options include topicals like metronidazole or azelaic acid. By contrast, people with more advanced cases may be prescribed topical ivermectin, oral isotretinoin, or brimonidine. Currently, no single thing has been shown as the direct cause of rhinophyma.