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

Alcoholic nose, or drinker’s nose, is an informal term that refers to an enlarged purple nose that is thought to be caused by chronic alcohol abuse. Learn more about drinker’s nose and if drinking alcohol can affect the features of the face. While several of these terms are related to drinking alcohol, the reality is that alcohol abuse is not considered a cause of rhinophyma. Rather, drinker’s nose is actually a condition stemming from rosacea, a chronic skin disorder that causes visibly red or swollen skin and sometimes bumps or acne-like conditions. Therefore, when severe rosacea spreads to the nose, it is termed rhinophyma (literally meaning “nose swelling”). Notably, it should not be assumed that someone with this condition suffers from alcohol use disorder.

Alcoholic Nose: Signs, Causes and Treatments

If a person has rhinophyma, that is no indication as to whether they drink or abuse alcohol. Alcohol abuse can cause red flushness in the face similar to the symptoms of rhinophyma, leading to confusion between the two. You may have a reddish color to your skin, spidery red or purple veins across your nose, and a swollen nose that does not improve over time. Heavy consumption of alcohol was considered to be the cause of rhinophyma for many years.

• Usually, rhinophyma involves reddening of the nose and a noticeably bulbous nose, which means that the nose becomes enlarged, more pronounced, and rounder.
• Not all cases of rhinophyma are simple to recognize, as it can present differently depending on how far along the condition has progressed.
• Always remember that these conditions will affect your life and impact your environment and relationships in many ways if left untreated.
• One way to help people seek the treatment they need and help them live out healthier and better futures is to provide people with the whole story and clear information.

Can Transcend Assist you with Alcohol Treatment?

An alcoholic nose, often called a whiskey nose, drinker’s nose, gin nose, or gin blossom nose, is a common way to refer to a large purple-tinted nose. However, there is a lot of urban legend surrounding alcoholics’ noses. The term “alcoholic nose” has an interesting history and an even more interesting scientific explanation.

• If inflammation is present because of a bacterial infection, then oral antibiotics such as tetracycline may be prescribed to manage the infection.
• There is no connection between alcoholism and having a big nose.
• Ark Behavioral Health offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs.
• While alcohol nose does not directly imply addiction, it can be a visible manifestation of long-term alcohol abuse for some people.
• Now, more studies have shown that alcoholism is not necessarily the cause of rhinophyma.

Symptoms Of Alcoholic Nose

They vary in size and, over time, completely change the shape of the nose. A bulbous nose is one of the earliest rhinophyma warning signs. Treatment for alcoholic nose typically starts with a trip to the doctor. A physician will look at your medical and family history and possibly do tests to rule out other causes of the problem like eczema or lupus. The exact cause of rhinophyma isn’t known but a doctor can usually make a visual diagnosis.

Impact on Mental Health and Self-Esteem

While rosacea and alcohol abuse have similar symptoms such as a flushed face and bumpy skin, alcoholism is not believed to be the cause. If you are worried about alcohol abuse, our admissions team is available to help you or your loved one. While rhinophyma can affect anyone, it is more common in men over 30 with fair skin. Those with a family history of rosacea also increases the likelihood of developing rhinophyma (alcoholic nose). As you can see from that list, alcohol is a factor that can trigger a rosacea flare-up.

• When seeking professional help, make sure you find the right place for you, full of professional staff members looking to guide you to a better life.
• When your nose is not bulbous or suffering from any significant disfigurement, you can usually breathe like normal through your nose.
• If you or a loved one are in search of treatment services for alcohol use disorder, help is available.
• However, multiple methods might be recommended to manage the thickened skin.
• So, alcohol may not be the primary cause of “alcoholic nose.” However, it does cause red, inflamed skin and can trigger rosacea and rhinophyma.
• However, alcohol use disorder is treatable with detox, inpatient rehab programs, and other treatment services.

Rhinophyma has historically been referred to as alcoholic nose due to the incorrect belief that alcohol consumption may lead to the condition. That said, alcohol and caffeine can both temporarily dilate blood vessels, which seems to worsen rhinophyma. The most common and alcoholic nose pictures effective treatment for rhinophyma is surgery. Surgical treatment can remove tissue overgrowth, reshape disfigured noses, and minimize the appearance of enlarged blood vessels. It may be completed with a scalpel, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or via cryosurgery.

Drinking alcohol can wreak havoc on the vascular system as the brain fails to regulate its functions. Once rhinophyma becomes severe, there are visible and obvious changes to the shape, skin and size of the nose. If you or a loved one suffers from alcoholism, please get in touch with our alcohol rehab in Orange County immediately. You deserve the opportunity to live a life free from addiction and the bondage it can create. Furthermore, you deserve the time and commitment you will invest in your future self.

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