Alcoholic Nose (Rhinophyma)
Rhinophyma, often misnamed ‘alcoholic nose,’ is a skin disorder causing a red, bumpy nose. It is a severe form of rosacea, not directly caused by alcohol use.
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Understanding Rhinophyma
The name rhinophyma comes from the Greek words “rhis” (nose) and “phyma” (growth). The misnomer “alcoholic nose” or “drinker’s nose“ comes from a mistaken belief that the condition results from heavy drinking or full-blown alcohol addiction.
Thanks to modern medical science, we know that rhinophyma doesn’t have a clear underlying cause. However, you may be more likely to get it if you have rosacea, a chronic skin condition causing redness and inflammation.
Rhinophyma Definition and Symptoms
Rhinophyma makes the oil glands in your nose overactive, which can make both the glands themselves and your nasal tissue grow. Your nose may look enlarged, bulbous, and red, especially around the tip.
Other common signs and symptoms of rhinophyma include the following:
- Acne-like bumps
- Enlarged oil glands
- Waxy skin texture
- Thickened skin
- Dilated blood vessels
Rhinophyma isn’t dangerous, but the changes to your nose can make you feel insecure and impact your mental health. In severe cases, the tissue growth can obstruct your airway or eyesight or even spread to other parts of your face, like the chin or ear.
Rhinophyma Causes and Risk Factors
Some people may be more likely to develop rhinophyma than others, including men and fair-skinned people. However, people of any gender or race can get it.
More risk factors for rhinophyma include the following:
- People between 40 and 70 years old
- Those with European ancestry, especially English, Irish, Scottish, or Scandinavian
- People with a family history of rosacea or rhinophyma
- People who take certain drugs, like vasodilators, ACE inhibitors, or simvastatin
Rhinophyma and Rosacea
Since rhinophyma is a type of rosacea, having rosacea can also increase your risk, especially if your case is severe or untreated.
It’s not clear why some people develop rosacea and others don’t—or why some people’s rosacea may turn into rhinophyma—but a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors can make rosacea worse.
The following factors may cause or contribute to rosacea flares in some people:
- Family history of rosacea
- Overactive blood vessels
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure
- Windy or cold weather
- Stress
- Eating spicy foods
- Certain skin, haircare, or makeup products
Rhinophyma Treatments
The best treatment for rhinophyma depends on how advanced it is. In the early stages, medications may help symptoms like redness and enlarged oil glands.
If your nose has already changed shape, treatments like lasers, microdermabrasion, or surgery can reshape the nose. While these treatments may not restore your nose to its original shape, they can get rid of the excess tissue and bumpiness.
Debunking the Myth: Alcohol and Rhinophyma
As you probably noticed, drinking alcohol isn’t a risk factor for rhinophyma, despite the common misconception that it’s the cause of rhinophyma.
The myth of the “alcoholic nose” has deep roots, with alcoholic characters in Shakespeare’s plays and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales depicted with rhinophyma-type symptoms.
After all, when alcohol can lead to ruddy cheeks and acne, it’s not a stretch to assume that drinking could cause the redness and bumpy skin of rhinophyma.
However, we know differently now, thanks to modern medical science. Even people who have never touched a drink can develop rhinophyma. In fact, the misconception can lead to stigma and judgment for people who have the condition.
That said, some evidence indicates that alcohol use could make rhinophyma worse for people who already have it. In a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers found that moderate and heavy drinkers were more likely to have more intense rhinophyma.
We also know that drinking alcohol can trigger rosacea flares in some people. In a 2010 survey by the National Rosacea Society, 76% of respondents said that drinking alcohol made their rosacea worse, with red wine being the most common trigger.
It’s one of many reasons to moderate or eliminate drinking and protect your health.
Get Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Stop Rhinophyma from Getting Worse
Rhinophyma is a form of late-stage rosacea, and despite the misnomer “alcoholic nose,” it isn’t linked to alcoholism and doesn’t have any clear underlying cause.
That said, initial research suggests that heavy drinking can make rhinophyma worse if you already have the condition. When alcohol abuse is also linked to health problems like depression, heart disease, and even brain damage, your body will thank you for controlling your alcohol intake.
If you need help moderating your drinking or detoxing from alcohol, visit SAMHSA’s online treatment locator or call 1-800-662-4357 to find alcohol alcohol use disorder clinics in your area.
FAQs About Rhinophyma (Alcoholic Nose)
Why is rhinophyma sometimes called “alcoholic nose”?
Historically, people believed that drinking too much alcohol caused the condition. While we now know that the condition is a form of rosacea and has nothing to do with drinking, the name and stigma persist.
Why do some people think alcohol causes a red or bulbous nose?
A combination of inaccurate information and overlapping symptoms. Since alcohol can make your skin flush or break out, some people might believe the myth that alcoholism can cause rhinophyma.
What are the symptoms of rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma makes your nose look red, bumpy, and bulbous with a thick, waxy skin texture. Your nose may look bigger than it used to or change shape.
Can you drink alcohol if you have rosacea?
Yes, but with caution. Alcohol doesn’t directly cause rosacea, but it can trigger flare-ups in many people who have the condition—especially with red wine and hard liquor. Even moderate drinking may worsen symptoms like redness, flushing, or visible blood vessels. If you notice alcohol makes your rosacea worse, it’s best to limit or avoid it.
How is rhinophyma treated or reversed?
Rhinophyma doesn’t have a cure or a universal treatment. Medication may help with early symptoms, like redness, but the changes in nose shape typically need more extensive treatment, like lasers, microdermabrasion, or surgery.
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