Rhinophyma is a skin disorder characterized by a large, red, bumpy or bulbous nose. It can occur as part of phymatous rosacea. The exact cause of rhinophyma is unknown, but it’s considered a sub-type of severe rosacea. This condition is significantly more common in men, especially between the ages of 50 to 70 years.
Overall, rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition. It causes irregular redness or flushing of your face, particularly in the cheeks or nasal areas. Small, red bumps filled with pus, called pustules, may appear on your face as part of this condition.
Rhinophyma is classified as part of sub-type 3 rosacea. It forms gradually over several years and is believed to be the result of poorly treated or untreated rosacea. The outcome is usually a large mass on the lower half of your nose.
Risk factors for Rhinophyma
Risk factors include gender and age. Rhinophyma occurs more often in men than in women. The condition gradually develops after the onset of the initial stages of rosacea, which typically happen between the ages of 25 and 50.
You’re at a higher risk for more severe rosacea and rhinophyma if you have:
- fair skin.
- an Irish, English, Scottish, Scandinavian or Eastern European racial background.
- a family history of rosacea.
Symptoms of Rhinophyma
Rhinophyma usually occurs in more severe cases of rosacea. You may see some of the following symptoms in the less severe stages of rosacea:
- random facial flushing.
- red, blotchy areas in the center of your face.
- recurrent bumps and pimples, often mistaken for acne.
- telangiectasia, which is a swelling of tiny blood vessels on your nose and cheeks.
- very sensitive skin.
- ocular rosacea, which is characterized by a burning or gritty feeling in your eyes, often along with conjunctivitis, characterized by redness and inflammation of your eye.
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