To understand what rhinophyma is, it's important to first have a basic understanding of
rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic disease that affects the skin. The disease is characterized by redness, pimples, and, in advanced stages, thickened skin. When rosacea reaches this advanced stage, rhinophyma may develop. The most common characteristic or symptom of rhinophyma is an enlarged, bulbous, and red nose. Rhinophyma is associated with the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands beneath the surface of the skin on the nose. The condition is more common in men than women.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of rhinophyma.
Dermatologists usually diagnose this condition by its appearance and associated symptoms because there are no tests that can diagnose it. However, on rare occasions, skin biopsies can pinpoint rhinophyma. Doctors will usually diagnose the condition if the person has likely symptoms and a family history of it.
Depending on the severity of the rhinophyma, doctors may begin treatment with topical or oral
rosacea medications. Cases that do not respond to medications may be treated with:
- Electrosurgery
- Laser treatment
- Dermabrasion
- Resculpturing.
Although the nose will look red for a year or so following tissue removal, it will assume a normal skin color after about a year.
