Rhinophyma is a skin condition that changes the appearance of the nose. It is often associated with thickened skin that causes enlargement and deformity of the nose. The changes also include redness, increased pore size, and superficial skin infections, which may produce a foul-smelling discharge. The skin changes of the nose are usually benign but sometimes can mask certain types of skin cancer.
The exact cause of rhinophyma remains elusive, but it is thought to be a late stage of rosacea due to the increased growth of the oil glands.
Once the late stages of rhinophyma have become visible, a surgical procedure is usually necessary for treatment. Fortunately, good results are achievable with current techniques using excision and lasers.
FAQs about Rhinophyma
Men between the ages of 50-70 are more commonly affected, but women can also experience the condition. Anyone affected by rosacea, which is a chronic inflammation of the skin, may suffer from rhinophyma.
Rhinophyma is isolated to the skin changes that occur on the nose, but rosacea can affect the central forehead, chin, and cheeks. These changes are usually manifested by a flushed appearance and uneven skin tone and texture.
The first step in preventing rhinophyma is treating rosacea. Rosacea is characterized by facial flushing, red skin of the central face and cheeks, and increased sensitivity of the affected skin. Sometimes rosacea can be mistaken for adult acne. A physician can prescribe medications, apply skincare treatments, and use lasers and light to help control rosacea and prevent or slow the progression of the disease.
Rhinophyma rarely occurs once it has been treated with surgery or laser excision. If the patient chooses to use a less aggressive treatment strategy, more than one treatment may be needed.
Schedule a Consultation
The first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thompson at his Denver practice. During this appointment, prospective patients can explain their physical concerns to the doctor and learn about various methods of correction. There are many different treatment options available, including surgical excision and treatment with different types of lasers. Each therapy has unique features with variable recovery periods. Dr. Thompson will create a customized treatment plan based on each patient’s specific needs. Call our Denver office at (303) 667-1474 to schedule an appointment today!
