Alcoholic Nose Rhinophyma: The Real Cause, and How to Treat It

There is a misconception that being an alcoholic will cause you to form a bulbous and red nose. That nose, sometimes called “drinker’s nose” or “alcohol nose” is actually known as rhinophyma, a side effect of rosacea. A “drinker’s nose” is actually a condition called rhinophyma, a side effect of rosacea. Usually, rhinophyma involves reddening of the nose and a noticeably bulbous nose, which means that the nose becomes enlarged, more pronounced, and rounder. As the alcohol red nose condition is assumed to be an effect of drinking excessively, it comes with a lot of negative stigmas.

What Causes Alcoholic Nose?

However, it is not more or less impactful than any other risk factors, such as gender, age, skin tone, and family history. Likewise, not everyone with an alcohol addiction develops rosacea, either. Please read on to learn all you need about alcoholic nose and the connection between alcohol addiction and skin conditions. A skin condition known as rosacea, which leads to redness and inflammation of the skin, has four types. Alcohol nose typically starts as one of the milder types of rosacea, but with time, if it is not appropriately treated, the problem usually matures into Rhinophyma. Rhinophyma is a condition that occurs when rosacea, a chronic skin disorder, spreads to the nose.

Treatment Specialties

• Rhinophyma causes the nose to become even more disfigured due to the progressive dilation of the nasal vessels as well as the involvement of cysts and pustules.
• Some people who do not have rosacea may also develop rhinophyma, and the exact cause is unknown.
• These procedures can significantly improve the appearance and function of the nose but require a recovery period.
• It is impossible to completely reverse an alcohol nose at such a stage with just medication.
• Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site.
• But if your red nose is affecting your self-esteem, causing you discomfort or resulting in judgement from others, then surgery is a viable option.

At Springbrook Behavioral Hospital, you can find the support you need to stop drinking for good. In any case, using the medical term for alcoholic nose is a helpful way to stop spreading misinformation and decrease the stigma surrounding rosacea. At the end of the day, it is just a skin disorder and should not be used to make assumptions about someone’s drinking habits.

Triggers of Alcohol Red Nose

In surgery, the nose can be reshaped and certain layers of excess skin can be removed that obstruct airways. Surgery for rhinophyma is quite common and is seen as one of the better avenues for improving a patient’s quality of life. Medication is not always enough to control rhinophyma once it has developed. Many times, it can be stubborn and require something stronger, in this case surgery. However, if a case of rhinophyma is less severe, some of the treatments we discussed for rosacea may be used. Rhinophyma, or an alcoholic nose, cannot be reversed with just medication, but some medicines help manage the problem.

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What is commonly called “alcoholic nose” is actually a skin condition called rhinophyma (Greek for “nose growth”). Rhinophyma is in a category of skin conditions known as rosacea, which causes chronic inflammation of the skin. This chronic inflammation is caused by broken blood vessels and sores on or around the nose, causing it to appear red, swollen, and bumpy. Another side effect that is generally connected to excessive consumption of alcohol is an alcohol red nose. Popularly known as “alcoholic nose,” the condition is when someone develops a red, enlarged, bulbous-looking nose.

Alcoholic nose does not prevent someone from breathing or give them any trouble in their day-to-day life. If a person suffering from rosacea also has rhinophyma, the flushing in the face due to alcohol can increase the visibility of their rosacea and rhinophyma symptoms. That means someone drinking heavily may show flushed cheeks and an enlarged nose with a red or purple tint if they have rosacea.

What we don’t know: The significant limitations of alcohol-related health research

• As many as two out of three patients with rosacea experience flare-ups when they consume alcohol.
• There are many assumptions made that alcohol could result in a large red nose for some people, specifically that the presence of such a trait is indicative of an addiction.
• It is not uncommon for someone who is drinking alcohol to feel flushed or for their skin to become red.
• It’s worth noting that current guidelines advise against drinking alcohol as a way to improve health.
• Your insurance plan may cover some or all of the cost of treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.
• Drinking alcohol enlarges the blood vessels, which makes them more susceptible to bursting.

It is commonly believed that the alcoholic red nose stems from alcohol abuse or chronic addiction. While rhinophyma cannot always be prevented, early intervention and proper management of rosacea can reduce the risk of developing this condition. Proactive measures can make a significant difference in the quality of life for individuals with rosacea. Addressing alcohol abuse is also crucial in prevention, as excessive drinking can exacerbate rosacea symptoms and lead to further complications. A common misconception is that alcoholic nose is solely caused by excessive alcohol consumption. While many individuals with rhinophyma may drink alcohol, the condition is also present in those who do not, challenging the stigma that links alcohol consumption to the disorder.

However, the real reasons for the skin condition are not yet evident, though many factors have been studied to influence it. This means that drinking can increase the impact of an existing rhinophyma and the risks of the skin problem – but it is not a result of drinking and drinking only. Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. why do alcoholics have weird noses It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery. Alcohol is a vasodilator, which means it increases blood flow to the skin’s surface, causing redness and inflammation.

Even if your rosacea is not specifically caused by alcohol, drinking can worsen the symptoms and cause a flare-up. It is thought that diet may contribute, particularly alcohol and spicy foods. The connection to alcohol is why rosacea of the nose is commonly attributed to alcoholic nose. It’s true that alcohol can aggravate certain skin conditions and cause them to worsen, but it isn’t thought to cause them. Alcohol does not cause rhinophyma, but it can aggravate a rosacea flare-up.

Understanding the connection between alcoholism and nasal health is crucial in both diagnosing and treating these often-overlooked symptoms. While not all individuals who consume alcohol develop rhinophyma, there is a strong association between long-term alcohol abuse and the development of this condition. Chronic alcohol consumption can cause damage to blood vessels, leading to inflammation and the characteristic redness and swelling seen in rhinophyma. It is important to address both issues – the alcoholism and the rhinophyma – simultaneously for comprehensive treatment and recovery.