While rhinophyma is often dubbed “alcoholic nose,” the reality is that it’s a type of rosacea — meaning that heavy drinking isn’t actually linked to it. The Forge Recovery Center is more than an addiction center, it’s a community devoted to recovery and long-term sobriety. Our evidence-based treatment for alcoholism is guided by a trauma-informed philosophy recognizing the needs and dignity of our clients.
Treating Alcoholic Nose with Medication
Currently, no single thing has been shown as the direct cause of rhinophyma. However, there are contradicting beliefs that attribute other causes for the reddening of the nose and the structure of the nose noticeably changing. In extreme cases, the nose can become quite disfigured and make breathing difficult.
What Causes Alcoholic Nose?
Alcohol acts as a vasodilator, meaning it widens the blood vessels just beneath the skin. This dilation increases blood flow, which can make the skin, particularly around the nose and face, appear red and flushed. Surgical therapy, along with topical treatments, are incredibly effective for helping return the nose to its original shape without harming the bone and cartilage structures. The Asian population has been found to be deficient in an enzyme known as alcohol dehydrogenase. This enzyme is responsible for helping break down alcohol and metabolize it.
Alcohol Red Nose: Why Does the Nose Turn Red if Someone Has Rhinophyma?
You can also moisturize the area with unscented products if there is a lingering cold or windburn. Rosacea can be treated in its early stages with antibiotics, including topical creams. Drinking alcohol enlarges the blood vessels, which makes them more susceptible to bursting. However, the cartilage in the nose is not very flexible, so it can only grow so much.
Changes in Skin Texture
Finally, you may experience dry and bloodshot eyes as the dehydrating effect of alcohol reduces the amount of tears that you produce. Alcoholic nose is just one of the many impacts that alcohol can have on your face and overall appearance. It’s very important to seek professional help if you decide to stop drinking, particularly if you drink large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis. The first thing you should do is seek a professional diagnosis from a reputable doctor. This will help you to pinpoint the cause and receive advice on how to treat your specific condition.
Treatment for Alcoholism & Mental Health in Ohio
People who may benefit from alcohol treatment programs may be deterred from taking initial steps in seeking treatment. They may be afraid they will feel shamed by other people’s judgments of alcohol abuse. Medical advice for rosacea treatment includes risk factors people can avoid to lessen their instance of flare-ups, which may include some lifestyle changes. The social stigma related to alcohol abuse and alcoholic nose highlights the social pressures and barriers that still exist for those with substance abuse issues. This typically results in the eyes becoming swollen and red in appearance. Rhinophyma is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination by your local medical doctor or dermatologist.
What is Alcoholic Nose or Rhinophyma?
Some people benefit from oral antibiotics, as well, alcoholism or a drug for acne. This is thanks to the same enlarged blood vessels that cause facial redness. Alcohol also affects your sleep, resulting in dark circles, puffy eyes, and worsened hangover symptoms. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the blood vessels in the face, leading to a flushed appearance of the facial skin. Rosacea also causes an increased number of pimples and poorer skin quality.
- That being said, there may be some slight truth to the idea that drinking alcohol can contribute to the development of rhinophyma.
- Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that primarily affects the face, causing redness, swelling, and visible blood vessels.
- Quitting alcohol should only be attempted with professional medical advice and support.
- No one treatment works for everyone, and effective addiction treatment programs usually offer a variety of approaches tailored to suit each client’s needs.
Looking for Treatment for Your Alcohol Red Nose
Aside from physical repercussions, those who deal with rhinophyma can also face prejudice for their physical appearance. Of course, there are many snap judgments that people make when they see the physical effects of rhinophyma in person, especially in extreme cases. The exact cause of rhinophyma isn’t known but a doctor can usually make a visual diagnosis. Rosacea is a lifelong but treatable condition that mainly affects the cheeks and other central parts of the face.
- In the early stages of drinker’s nose, these symptoms will be mild to moderate in form.
- Rosacea is not caused by alcoholism, but alcohol abuse can affect rosacea, which may worsen the appearance of a drinker’s nose.
- Unfortunately, if left untreated, rhinophyma can obstruct the nostrils and affect breathing, deeming a medical evaluation worthwhile.
- Mild rhinophyma is best suited for medication, which often includes topical anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.
- Many dermatologists believe that rhinophyma is a severe side effect of untreated rosacea.
Is Alcohol Bad for Your Skin?
When someone has Rhinophyma, the blood vessels under the skin of their nose usually break does alcohol make your nose red and give the skin a red and swollen appearance. 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. A flare-up of rosacea symptoms can be triggered by the consumption of many different foods and drinks, including alcohol.