What Is Rhinophyma Rosacea?

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for rhinophyma rosacea, a severe form of rosacea that primarily affects the nose.

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Rhinophyma rosacea is the final and most severe subset of rosacea. It is the swelling of the nose (particularly the tip) along with redness and a thick, bumpy surface. Pores may appear enlarged and the skin oily. Sufferers may also experience pustules, papules, and broken or dilated vessels. It usually develops in men between the ages of 50 to 70, who have suffered with active acne rosacea for many years.

Rhinophyma Rosacea?

Sufferers may also experience pustules, papules, and broken or dilated vessels. It usually develops in men between the ages of 50 to 70, who have suffered with active acne rosacea for many years. Other symptoms include:

Swelling

Sometimes rhinophyma rosacea can cause swelling across other parts of the face – such as the ears and chin. Hypertrophy (an increase in size) of the sebaceous glands and fibrosis (thickening or scarring) of underlying connective tissues are common. The sebaceous glands can store bacteria, causing chronic infections.

Rhinophyma Severity

Rhinophyma is graded on a severity scale from 1 to 3.

Grade 1: Prominent follicular openings with no skin thickening
Grade 2: Prominent follicular openings with mild skin thickening
Grade 3: Prominent follicular openings, skin thickening and overactive sebaceous glands. Nodular nasal contour is also common – which is swelling of the tip of the nose).

Causes

People often think alcohol causes this type of rosacea. It is unclear what the cause is, but there is no proven link between alcohol and rhinophyma rosacea. It is possible that male hormones increase the risk of this subset of rosacea due to the prominence in men.

Vascular instability may lead to fluid leakage into tissues. This can trigger inflammation and scarring. If left untreated the condition can lead to permanent disfigurement – a large bulbous nasal tip can cause nasal obstruction. While pain is uncommon, rhinophyma can lead to social anxiety and isolation.

Rhinophyma Triggers

As with all forms of rosacea it is best to avoid known triggers such as:

Spicy food
Cold wind or excessive heat (temperature extremes)
Stress
Alcohol

This unsightly form of rosacea can be controlled. Sufferers can try laser therapy combined with lifestyle changes. SkinBase IPL is a good place to start. Find out more about rosacea in the skin concerns hub.