Rhinophyma is a rare skin condition characterized by a large, red, bumpy nose. In the past we believed that this condition arised from excessive drinking. However, modern science has revealed that it is actually a condition of an extreme case of rosacea. You can prevent this from happening
While its exact cause is currently unknown, there are ways to decrease the chances of Rhinophyma from occurring, or at least make the condition less severe.
Symptoms
Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition which causes irregular redness in the face. In the earlier stages of this condition people confuse it with acne. However, that is not the case with Rhinophyma. Fortunately, your doctor will be able to detect it quickly, with only a skin biopsy required to confirm.
As Rhinophyma occurs in the later stages of Rosacea, it’s important to recognize early symptoms of the skin condition. Random facial flushing, red skin across the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Sensitive skin, redness around your eyes, and inflmed eyelids. All of these together will spell out rosacea.
Rhinophyma, on the other hand, has slightly more precise areas that it affects. Gradual nasal growth into a bulbous shape, reddened skin, thickening of the outer layers, enlarged pores, and oily glands.
Treatment
Both conditions are treatable through either medication or surgery. While surgery aims to correct any long lasting cases of Rhinophyma, medication will be able to take care of the problem during its earlier stages. Antibiotics are most useful for treating this condition, and will prevent it from getting any worse. Many of the same medicines that treat Rosacea are useful to treat Rhinophyma. These include tetracycline, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, and oral isotretinoin.
Surgeries are a much more permanent fix to Rhinophyma. The procedure consists of the doctor removing excess tissue from the patient’s nose, using either a scalpel, laser, or even cryosurgery. Whatever option you choose, it will likely cause a change in the shape of your nose, though the doctor will make it into a cosmetic improvement.
Prevention
Just as there is no known cause of the condition, there not a surefire way to prevent it from happening. However, like Rosacea, you can manage it when caught early on, but to fully prevent it is difficult to say.
Doctors say that symptoms can decrease by preventing large amounts of blood from flowing to your face. There are several ways to do that;
- Cut out hot food and beverages
- Lower your alcohol intake
- Exercise and stay in shape
- Avoid very hot and cold temperatures
- Stay away from excessive sunlight
- Take showers instead of hot baths
- Try to limit the amount of medication that dilates blood vessels
Sep 28th 2015