What Is An Alcoholic Nose Or Drinker’s Nose Rhinophyma?

Rhinophyma is an entirely unique condition that is separate from alcoholism. You can also take steps to manage symptoms through lifestyle changes. The longer tissue overgrowth remains on the skin, the more likely it is to become permanent. If you are suffering from rhinophyma, talk to your doctor or dermatologist to develop a plan for treatment. Take the first step toward addiction treatment by contacting us today.

The medical term for what we know as ‘alcoholic nose’ is rhinophyma. It is a type of rosacea, a skin disorder that causes redness, inflammation, and small, pus-filled bumps typically concentrated in the cheeks, nose, and chin. Rosacea is a chronic condition that tends to flare and go into remission; however those with Rhinophyma may find that their nose may continue to grow. As one of the leading addiction treatment programs in the country, we know what it takes to overcome addiction and stay sober. We offer 24-supervised detox programs to help you safely reduce substance use as comfortably as possible. Our diverse treatment options allow you to grow, develop new skills, and maintain long-term abstinence. The condition sometimes called “alcoholic nose” or “drinker’s nose” is known medically as rhinophyma.

What Is Alcoholic Nose? (Rhinophyma)

If you or a loved one are struggling with long-term alcohol abuse, contact one of our helpful alcohol treatment specialists today. We can provide information on rehab programs and detox programs that may fit your specific needs. People who may benefit from alcohol treatment programs may be deterred from taking initial steps in seeking treatment. They may be afraid they will feel shamed by other people’s judgments of alcohol abuse. The most common side effect of rosacea in people who drink is flushed skin.

Unfortunately, nothing can prevent reactions to alcohol or ingredients in alcoholic beverages. To avoid a reaction, avoid alcohol or the particular substance that causes your reaction. Rhynophyma is most common in males of European heritage over the age of 50. Males are 5 to 30 times as likely to be affected as females, possibly due to androgenic factors. In the United States, people of predominantly Asian and African ancestry are only rarely affected by the condition. Rhinophyma develops in certain individuals with an unknown predisposition from long-standing rosacea which has progressed to a severe form.

What Are Some Other Names for Alcoholic Nose?

Generally, it’s a rare condition that affects Caucasian males between the age gap of 50 to 70 years old. Rosacea is identified by reddening and thickening of the skin, pitting and scarring, broken blood vessels, and disfigurement or bulging of the nose. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction, The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake can help. If someone is using alcohol heavily with an untreated condition of rosacea, bulbous nose and other skin-related symptoms may occur. To treat this condition, start by handling the alcohol abuse. Detoxing at a rehabilitation center or medical facility may be necessary.

Rhynophyma cause psychological distress due to its effect on one’s personal appearance and social perceptions of a link with alcoholism. Colloquial terms for the rhinophyma include “whiskey nose”, “gin blossom”, “toros nose”, and “potato nose”. Rhino means nose while phyma means a swelling, nodule, or skin tumor. You are lifted by a community that understands your needs and validates your experience throughout your recovery journey. Surgery, including laser treatment or dermabrasion, may be necessary to remove large bumps on the nose from rhinophyma if they interfere with breathing.

Does Alcoholism Cause Advanced Rosacea of the Nose?

Tell them about your struggles and how your alcoholism is agitating your rosacea. Although this is not rosacea, it can worsen the effects and symptoms of rosacea in people who suffer from it. The skin can become inflamed and turn purple or red depending on the amount of blood in that body area. This is because a lot of blood rushes into the area and swells as different bumps begin to grow. An alcoholic nose is not a true diagnosis of alcoholism or even a sign of it in many cases. As stated earlier, the medical definition of an alcoholic nose is rhinophyma. While there are no treatments that can completely reverse rhinophyma, medications and surgery can lessen the condition if caught in time.

When your nose is not bulbous or suffering from any significant disfigurement, you can usually breathe like normal through your nose. Contrary to the stereotype that rhinophyma is caused by alcohol or alcoholism, rosacea is actually the cause of rhinophyma. You might be familiar with a pervasive stereotype of alcoholics having a red face or a plump, bulbous kind of nose. However, it is very important to note that rosacea and rhinophyma can be agitated by things other than alcohol. Stress, sleeplessness, dehydration, depression, improper diet, dry skin, and many other factors can agitate rosacea and rhinophyma.