Alcoholic Nose Rhinophyma

Rhinophyma itself is considered an advanced stage of rosacea, where untreated symptoms lead to thickening of the skin on the nose, resulting in a bulbous appearance. This condition manifests visually through redness and uneven texture on the nasal area and is generally considered a serious complication of rosacea. As mentioned previously, the best way to prevent rosacea flare-ups caused by alcohol consumption is to stop drinking alcohol. At Springbrook Behavioral Hospital, you can find the support you need to stop drinking for good. In any case, using the medical term for alcoholic nose is a helpful way to stop spreading misinformation and decrease the stigma surrounding rosacea.

Evolution of Treatment Approaches

In advanced cases, the nostrils may become distorted due to the tissue overgrowth, and the tip of the nose can become Sobriety significantly enlarged. The condition typically presents with several distinctive features that develop progressively over months or years. The nose becomes noticeably enlarged and bulbous, often taking on a rounded or bulging appearance that can be quite dramatic in severe cases. The skin develops a characteristic red or purplish coloration that may be persistent or come and go in waves.

Alcoholic Nose: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

You should let your healthcare provider know about any changes in your skin. The misconception that rhinophyma equals alcoholism is an outdated stereotype that can breed negative self-esteem and social anxiety.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. Copyright © 2025, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice. View our editorial content guidelines to learn how we create helpful content with integrity and compassion.

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• Understanding who is most likely to develop rhinophyma helps healthcare providers identify at-risk individuals and implement appropriate screening and treatment strategies.
• At The Recovery Village Palmer Lake, we understand that health challenges often interconnect in complex ways.
• Other symptoms of an alcoholic nose may include a burning or itching sensation on the affected skin and the appearance of small, red bumps.
• Some doctors may opt for dermabrasion and cryosurgery along with lasers and electrical currents.
• This is due to the dilation of blood vessels and increased blood flow to the area.
• The medical term is rhinophyma, and there is actually no known link between alcohol and rhinophyma.

At Still Detox, we shift focus from “alcoholic nose” stigma to the urgent need for recovery, addressing both body and mind. Alcoholic nose, medically called rhinophyma, is a progressive skin disorder that makes the nose develop a red, swollen, and bumpy appearance. The condition comes from severe, untreated rosacea, not from drinking alcohol. Rhinophyma comes from Greek words meaning “nose growth,” which accurately describes how excess tissue gradually builds up over many years.

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Intensive sober living adds to patients practicing sober behaviors until they become habits. When there is more time to focus on the sober journey ahead, the future begins to look that much brighter. Although rosacea is commoner in females, the incidence of rhinophyma is higher in males. Rhinophyma typically afflicts white males between the age of 40 and 60 years, and is more common in men with English or Irish descent.

• 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 notice alcohol makes your rosacea worse, it’s best to limit or avoid it.
• People who have rosacea may not develop an alcoholic nose until years later.
• Alamo Behavioral Health Addiction Treatment Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective residential treatment for individuals seeking recovery from addiction.

Some people may be more likely to develop rhinophyma than others, including men and fair-skinned people. Rhinophyma isn’t dangerous, but the changes to your nose can make you feel insecure and impact your mental health. In severe cases, the tissue growth can obstruct your airway or eyesight or even spread to other parts of your face, like the chin or ear. If you or someone you know is struggling with rosacea or alcohol-related skin issues, seeking professional advice is the best step toward healthier skin. The belief that alcohol use disorder directly leads to rhinophyma has been around for centuries.

What is Alcoholic Nose?

A flare-up of rosacea symptoms can be triggered by the consumption of many different foods and drinks, including alcohol. While women can be diagnosed with the condition, it is found much more commonly in men. People with fair or light skin tone, or those with a family history of rosacea, are more likely to develop rhinophyma. Rhinophyma is the most advanced form of rosacea and usually develops after many years of untreated alcoholic nose symptoms. Not everyone with rosacea will develop rhinophyma, but it is a potential risk if inflammation is persistent and uncontrolled.

By contrast, people with more advanced cases may be prescribed topical ivermectin, oral isotretinoin, or brimonidine. If inflammation is present because of a bacterial infection, then oral antibiotics such as tetracycline may be prescribed to manage the infection. However, multiple methods might be recommended to manage the thickened skin. Once rhinophyma reaches its hypertrophic and bulbous stage, surgical intervention becomes the primary option to restore the structure of the nose. BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. It is more common in men than women and typically affects people of Caucasian descent.

• Rosacea has four subgroups, with rhinophyma usually being considered the worst of them.
• It’s important to keep in mind that these programs are more available in this treatment.
• The condition comes from severe, untreated rosacea, not from drinking alcohol.

Alcoholic Nose (Rhinophyma)

The stigma attached to the term “alcoholic nose” can compound these feelings and may lead to unfair assumptions about a person’s lifestyle or history with alcohol. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It typically begins with facial flushing and visible blood vessels and may progress to bumps, swelling, or thickened skin. Rhinophyma is a progressive skin disorder characterized by thickened skin and irregular tissue growth, usually affecting the nose. It is classified as a severe subtype of rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Rhinophyma primarily impacts men and typically appears later in life, especially after years of untreated or poorly managed rosacea.

We are fully licensed by the State of California and our treatment center is accredited by The Joint Commission – the standard of excellence in quality programs. The process of detoxification involves various bodily systems, particularly the liver and kidneys, which play a vital role in filtering and excreting toxins. All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional. The Recovery Village Palmer Lake specializes in compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs. Rhinophyma can have significant psychological and social effects that are important to address as part of comprehensive treatment.

Alamo Behavioral Health Addiction Treatment Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective residential treatment for individuals seeking recovery from addiction. We recognize the profound significance of residential treatment in the journey toward long-term sobriety and overall well-being. Reach out to learn more about the various aspects of our residential treatment program and understand the importance of this modality in promoting lasting recovery and a brighter future. The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Most medical treatments for rhinophyma are covered by health insurance when deemed medically necessary.