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Rhinophyma
Bulbous nose; Nose - bulbous; Phymatous rosacea
Rhinophyma is a large, red-colored (ruddy) nose. The nose has a bulb shape.
Causes
Rhinophyma was once thought to be caused by heavy alcohol use. This is not correct. Rhinophyma occurs equally in people who DO NOT use alcohol and in those who drink heavily. The problem is much more common in men than in women.
The cause of rhinophyma is unknown. It may be a severe form of a skin disease called rosacea . It is an uncommon disorder.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin problem that makes your face turn red. It may also cause swelling and skin sores that look like acne.
Symptoms
Symptoms include changes in the nose, such as:
- Bulb-like (bulbous) shape
- Many oil glands
- Reddish color (possible)
- Thickening of the skin
- Waxy, yellow surface
Exams and Tests
Most of the time, a health care provider can diagnose rhinophyma without any tests. Sometimes a skin biopsy may be needed.
Treatment
The most common treatment is surgery to reshape the nose. Surgery may be done with a laser , scalpel, or rotating brush ( dermabrasion ). Certain acne medicines may also be helpful in treating the condition.
Laser
Laser surgery uses laser light to remove diseased tissues or treat bleeding blood vessels. Laser surgery may also be used to remove wrinkles, sunspo...
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is the removal of the top layers of the skin. It is a type of skin-smoothing surgery.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Rhinophyma can be corrected with surgery. The condition may return.
Possible Complications
Rhinophyma can cause emotional distress. This is because of the way it looks.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you have symptoms of rhinophyma and would like to talk about treatment.
References
Berth-Jones J. Rhinophyma. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 211.
Habif TP. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 7.
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Rosacea - illustration
Rosacea has multiple phases, beginning with flushing of the skin, followed by redness, followed by the development of small blood vessels visible in the skin. The later stage is exhibited by the red papules on this person's cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Underlying redness and small blood vessels are also seen.
Rosacea
illustration
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Rosacea - illustration
Rosacea has multiple phases, beginning with flushing of the skin, followed by redness, followed by the development of small blood vessels visible in the skin. The later stage is exhibited by the red papules on this person's cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Underlying redness and small blood vessels are also seen.
Rosacea
illustration
Review Date: 10/24/2016
Reviewed By: David L. Swanson, MD, Vice Chair of Medical Dermatology, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Medical School, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
