What is rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma is a common skin disease, which is characterized by a large, red, cauliflower-like nose.
Its exact cause is unknown, but it is most often caused by rosacea.
Rosacea is a common, chronic skin disease, which on the onset causes red blotches on the face. Then, small capillaries expand, and this redness becomes continuous. Rhinophyma typically appears in the latter stages of rosacea. In such cases, expanded capillaries are not limited to the face, but they appear on the nose as well. In the course of the disease, the nose gets larger like a cauliflower and becomes red. Sebaceous glands within the nose become inflamed, and lumpy deviations appear. These knots become bigger with time, the connecting tissue of the nose proliferates, the affected skin area gets thicker, and even the nostril can get narrower.
Who are the most likely to be affected by rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma is more common among men than women, it usually appears between the ages of 30-50. The likelihood of rosacea, and hence rhinophyma, is increased in the case of people with light hair, blue or green eyes, or previous occurrence of the disease in the family.
Diagnosis of rhinophyma
Rhinophyma has unique characteristics, therefore, the doctor can usually diagnose it without doing tests. They only need the case history and a physical examination.
Treatment of rhinophyma
The most effective and most long-term results can be achieved by surgery. At our clinic, it is possible to treat rhinophyma with a surgery with which a nose shape very similar to the original can be achieved. During the surgery, the doctor removes the proliferated tissue using CO2 laser after local anesthesia. After the surgery, the nose regains its layer of epithelium from the remaining patches of it.
Book an appointment with our specialist, and get rid of the discomforts caused by rhinophyma!
