Alcoholism is mistakenly attributed as a cause of this disease; heavy alcohol consumption does aggravate the condition and consequently it is more noticeable in alcoholic patients. The term rhinophyma is derived from the Greek rhis (‘nose’) and phyma (‘growth’). Rhinophyma may be diagnosed without testing, but a skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. Surgical treatment may be beneficial.
Rhinophyma is a slowly progressive condition due to hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands of the tip of the nose often seen in cases of long-standing acne rosacea; it is not a cancer. Rosacea can be associated with blepharitis. It presents as a pink, lobulated mass over the nose with superficial vascular dilation; it mostly affects men past middle age. Patients seek advice because of the unsightly appearance of the enlargement, or obstruction in breathing and vision. Rhinophyma can carry a strong psychological impact due to its effect on one’s personal appearance. Treatment consists of paring down the bulk of the tissue with a sharp knife or carbon dioxide laser and allowing the area to re-epithelialise. Sometimes, the tissue is completely excised and the raw area skin-grafted.
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