Alcohol Nose: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper Drug and Alcohol Rehab

The nose may also take on a purple-like hue in these severe rhinophyma cases. If you or a loved one are ready to begin the journey toward a substance-free life, we’re standing by to take your call. Reach out to our Recovery Advocates to learn more about our treatment programs and find a plan that works well for your specific needs and situation. Rhinophyma predominantly affects Caucasian men between the ages of 50 and 70. It presents several identifiable symptoms that can progress over time.

• Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is not a direct causative factor for rhinophyma.
• It’s important to note that not all types of alcohol have the same effect.
• Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field.
• Lifestyle changes are a crucial component of managing rosacea and preventing its progression to rhinophyma.
• However, recent research has suggested that while alcohol worsens the symptoms of rhinophyma, it is not the primary cause.

Who Is At Risk For Alcoholic Nose?

This means that individuals who do not consume alcohol can also develop this condition. 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. While the condition can’t be entirely reversed, various treatment options can help manage its symptoms and improve the nose’s appearance.

• Some people also take oral capsules that stop skin glands from producing oil.
• Any noticeable changes in your nose, especially if accompanied by tenderness or breathing difficulties, warrant a visit to a dermatologist or a doctor.
• Your doctor will treat early rhinophyma with oral medications, such as antibiotics or isotretinoin.
• A red face alone does not necessarily signify that someone is an alcoholic.

What Is Rosacea and How Is it Related to Rhinophyma?

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Alcohol’s Influence on Rhinophyma Development

It is benign initially, but it may block airways and increase the risk of skin cancer. Rhinophyma may respond well to topical treatments, such as metronidazole and isotretinoin, in the early stages though. No, rhinophyma is not reversible once it progresses to its hypertrophic and bulbous stages.

Alcoholic Nose: Can Alcohol Affect the Appearance of the Nose?

Some races, such as Asians, lack certain enzymes to process alcohol, leading them to have a flushed face upon consuming alcohol. If you have rosacea and struggle with alcohol use, you might be putting yourself at risk of experiencing more severe side effects of rosacea. In the end, we have discovered that an alcohol use disorder is not necessarily responsible for rhinophyma. Similarly, this removes the stereotype that everyone who suffers from rhinophyma is an alcoholic. However, rhinophyma can make normal breathing through the nose a challenge. Obviously, this can decrease a person’s quality of life and be a hindrance to daily life and chores.

Rhinophyma is believed to be a rare but severe manifestation of inflammatory rosacea. Some healthcare personnel refer to the nose condition as “end-stage rosacea.” In these cases, the sebaceous tissue (part of the skin that produces oil) becomes overgrown and enlarged. Sebaceous glands are typically colonized with bacteria, which can contribute to inflammation when they become plugged. Of course, avoiding alcohol isn’t always easy—especially for long-term drinkers. Ria Health offers a proven at-home treatment to help you limit or stop your consumption of alcohol.

• In severe cases, without intervention, the nose may appear completely enlarged and disfigured, mostly on the bottom two-thirds and tip.
• While the underlying causes aren’t fully understood, early treatment is considered the most effective solution.
• Treatment of rosacea may inhibit the progression of rhinophyma but this has not been conclusively confirmed 2.
• The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions.
• If inflammation is present because of a bacterial infection, then oral antibiotics such as tetracycline may be prescribed to manage the infection.

While there are no treatments that can completely reverse rhinophyma, medications and surgery can lessen the condition if caught in time. The longer rhinophyma goes without treatment, the more likely the condition will become permanent. The detoxification process only lasts short-term but may require that you are supervised by a healthcare professional. If you or a loved one are seeking alcohol rehab at an addiction treatment center, it’s important to know the treatment options to consider. Some of the many myths of an alcoholic nose include the belief that drinking too much can result in a swollen, bulbous nose.

How Rosacea And Alcohol Abuse Lead To Drinker’s Nose

Wrong assumptions based on similar traits, such as flushed skin after drinking, have led to misinformation about the true causes of the condition. Early intervention and proper management are key to preventing the progression of rosacea into rhinophyma. If you suspect you have rosacea or rhinophyma, consult with a dermatologist to explore your treatment options and develop a management plan tailored to your needs. Laser therapy can be effective in reducing redness and removing excess tissue. This treatment uses targeted beams of light to shrink blood vessels and reduce the size of the nose. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results, and the procedure is generally well-tolerated with minimal downtime.

If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your alcoholic nose loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is. Surgical and drug-based treatments can help, but limited research suggests that the condition may recur after surgery. Finally, acne rosacea advances to late-stage rosacea, and rhinophyma is an aspect of this. Once diagnosed, a person may receive evidence-based treatment methods with therapy, medication, and specialized programs that can help them overcome alcohol and the problems it causes.