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Rhinophyma - Rhinophyma symptom, treatment, causes

Rhinophyma is due to the enlargement and bulbous deformity of the end of the nose due to chronic inflammation in its skin Rhinophyma mainly affects older men, and it believed to be a severe manifestation of rosacea. The enlarged nose is red or purple with exaggerated pores, congested or broken blood vessels, and frequent pimples. Long-term low-dose antibiotics usually control the progress of rhinophyma but, if the deformity is unsightly, surgical removal of excess tissue may be needed.

Rhinophyma is a large, bulb-shaped, red-colored (ruddy) nose. It was once thought to be caused by heavy alcohol consumption. It is derived from the Greek rhis ('nose') and phyma ('growth') Although the exact cause of this condition is unknown, it has been associated with a skin disorder known as acne rosacea in which the skin becomes scaly and red. In the past, rhinophyma was mistakenly attributed to excessive alcohol intake, branding the individual who suffered from this condition with an unnecessary negative social stigma. Rhinophyma is most commonly seen in men and was perhaps most famously sported by the late actor, W.C. Fields. The tissue overgrowth can be dramatic and leave the patient severely disfigured. In the past, treatment options were primarily limited to dermabrasion or simple knife excision. Now with the advent of C02 laser technology, cosmetic results have significantly improved. Dr. Buckingham employs combined resurfacing techniques to achieve maximal benefit for the patient. The procedure is done as an outpatient, requires about one hour to perform, and has a 10 to 14 day recovery period.

Rhinophyma describes the growth of the nose in some patients with rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic acneform disorder of the pilosebaceous units of the skin coupled with an increase in the reactivity of the local skin capillary beds to heat. Where women commonly suffer from one of three stages of rosacea, men more typically suffer the associated nasal overgrowth (rhinophyma) The sensitivity of the capillaries in women results in flushing and finally series of dilated small red veins visible at the surface of the skin. Rosacea is a common face rash of adults. Rosacea has three stages. In the first stage the face gets red. This redness sometimes merges into the normal variants of ruddy or blushy complexion types. The redness often persists after cold exposure or after exposure to irritants like soap. With time, small blood vessels develop making the redness more noticeable. Many patients will develop stinging or burning sensations and the skin will often feel tight. The skin feels like a mild sunburn with smiling, frowning, or squinting. Sometimes this progresses to the point that everything the patient puts on his or her face stings, burns, and irritates. In the second stage of rosacea, the redness covers a larger area of the face. Slight swelling, pimples, and pustules develop. This is especially noticeable on the nose, mid-forehead, and chin. As the condition progresses, prominent facial pores can develop. The third stage is characterized by swelling and growth of the nose and central facial areas. At times the ears may be involved as well. This can be very disfiguring. This stage is known as rhinophyma .

Causes of Rhinophyma

The common Causes of Rhinophyma :

• The cause of rosacea is unknown. Rosacea is stubborn and often the condition will last for years.
• Sunlight is a major trigger factor for rosacea and may be a cause of this condition.
• Foods or beverages that cause facial flushing, such as alcohol, spicy foods, hot soups, coffee, and tea, may make rosacea temporarily more noticeable.

Symptoms of Rhinophyma

Some common Symptoms of Rhinophyma :

• Thickening.
• Waxy, yellow surface.
• May be reddish .
• Bulb shape .

Treatment of Rhinophyma

• Retin-A is an effective treatment for Rosacea and can decrease the number of small blood vessels.
• Antibiotics taken by mouth are usually effective in controlling rosacea, and can be used for people not controlled by topical antibiotics. Tetracycline is the most common antibiotic used for treating rosacea.
• Antibiotics such as MetroGel, MetroCream and sulfur preparations applied to the skin one to two times a day work well for many people with rosacea.
• The red face of rosacea can often be improved with tunable dye laser treatments. This type of treatment is time consuming and expensive. It is not covered by insurance.
• Accutane is a drug taken by mouth which is reserved for severe rosacea. Accutane has many side effects and if taken during pregnancy will cause birth defects. Patients taking Accutane must have periodic blood tests and checkups.
• Use of sunscreen and avoidance of sunlight will help to prevent flares.
• Topical vitamin C creams such as Skin C Skin Firming Cream will lessen the redness that is caused by rosacea.  It should be applied once a day.