Rhinophyma is commonly linked to chronic alcohol use, colloquially being misnamed ‘whisky nose’ or ‘rum blossom’. However, the true reason for this disfiguring condition has no clear causative trigger. The truth is that studies have shown there is very little, if any, connection between alcohol use and rhinophyma. The condition is understood and treated as a condition that is totally separate from alcohol use disorder.
How Do You Treat Rhinophyma?
More severe cases should be referred to a specialist, who may consider using topical ivermectin and brimonidine, or oral isotretinoin. Rosacea can often appear on the outside to be an acne outbreak or natural coloring on the cheeks. The condition tends to affect fair-skinned, middle-aged women more often, but anyone of any age or skin tone can develop the condition. There are currently no cures for rosacea, but there are options available to treat specific symptoms. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction, The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake can help. Located on a 15-acre campus in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, our state-of-the-art facility can provide you with the ongoing support needed for lifelong addiction recovery.
Alcoholic Nose: Signs, Causes and Treatments
Blood vessels expand and sometimes break, making some heavy drinkers look red and flushed even when sober. Excessive consumption of alcohol may also lead to the development of spider veins on the face. While rhinophyma is often dubbed “alcoholic nose,” the reality is that it’s a type of rosacea — meaning that heavy drinking isn’t actually linked to it. Certain people are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications (including young children, people 65 and older, pregnant people, and people with certain medical conditions). For a full list of people at higher risk of serious flu-related complications, see People at Higher Risk of Developing Flu–Related Complications.
Does Alcohol Abuse Cause Rhinophyma?
Contact us today to learn more about treatment programs that can help you begin the journey to a healthier, alcohol-free future. There are many different surgical options that use plastic surgery techniques. During a rhinophyma surgery, the physician will remove the extra skin that builds up on the nose and reduce skin growths to help the nose return to its normal shape, size and appearance. Drinking can increase the effects of existing rosacea and may increase the risk of this condition developing. However, many people who use alcohol heavily do not develop rosacea, and rosacea does often occur in people who do not drink alcohol or only use it in moderation. Rhinophyma, the condition often referred to as alcoholic nose, has a red, swollen, lumpy appearance.
- And while it can happen to both drinkers and non-drinkers, it is more likely to occur in people who consume alcohol regularly.
- Rhinophyma can be cosmetically unsightly as skin thickening may result in irregular nodular growth and deformity of the nose.
- A spreading redness could move across the cheeks, nose, and other areas with blood vessels close to the skin.
- For those suffering from rosacea, it’s normal to feel self-conscious when experiencing pimples or redness of the nose.
- The main treatment option for rhinophyma is surgery; however, there are some medications that may provide a small degree of help.
Surgical treatment
Treatments for rhinophyma or “alcoholic nose”
How Alcoholic Nose Can Point to an Addiction at Hand
- A bulbous nose can be a side effect of the health condition rosacea.
- Rosacea is a separate disease and disorder from alcoholism and has no connecting cause.
- Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body.
- Welcome to the helpline at RehabNet.com, we are open around the clock, ensuring you can discuss treatment options for yourself or someone close to you at any time.
- Typically, alcohol use is not recommended when you have rosacea.
- Afterward, you may participate in inpatient programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other resources.