Alcoholic Nose Rhinophyma: Can Alcohol Affect the Appearance of the Nose?

This technique allows for excellent cosmetic results and relatively quick recovery times. Dermabrasion involves mechanically removing the outer layers of thickened skin to restore a more normal contour. Regardless of the cause, a persistent purple nose alcohol discoloration warrants immediate medical evaluation to rule out serious underlying health conditions. In severe cases, without intervention, the nose may appear completely enlarged and disfigured, mostly on the bottom two-thirds and tip. For some people, the condition can spread to the chin or the ear, causing extra tissue growth and disfigurement. Though rosacea is more common in women, end-stage rosacea with rhinophyma is more common in men.

But not many people realize that there are many ingredients, additives, and preservatives within alcoholic beverages that can cause negative side effects. In some people, these reactions look like allergy symptoms even though they don’t have a true allergy to alcohol. It’s helpful to focus on staying hydrated and flushing all the alcohol from your system, as well as resting as much as possible.

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This skin condition tends to run in families and affects certain ethnic groups more frequently than others. People of Northern European descent, particularly those with fair skin, light eyes, and Celtic or English ancestry, are at higher risk for developing rosacea and potentially rhinophyma. Texture changes are also prominent, with the skin becoming thick and bumpy, often described as having an “orange peel” appearance. Visible blood vessels, called telangiectasias, become prominent across the surface of the nose. In advanced cases, the nostrils may become distorted due to drinkers nose: is alcoholic nose really from drinking the tissue overgrowth, and the tip of the nose can become significantly enlarged. The condition typically presents with several distinctive features that develop progressively over months or years.

We offer 24-hour psychiatric services provided by licensed professionals in various disciplines. Our hospital offers a variety of programs that can be tailored to patient needs, including an older adult program, dual diagnosis treatment and general psychiatric care. In addition, we offer detox services as part of our addiction recovery program. This is a great tool for those looking to stop drinking because of alcoholic nose. Another common reason why this skin condition has been called alcoholic nose is that if a person has this condition, drinking alcohol can cause flare-ups.

Treatments For Rhinophyma Or Alcoholic Nose

If you drink alcohol, the substance could trigger underlying symptoms to begin affecting you. So, alcohol may not be the primary cause of “alcoholic nose.” However, it does cause red, inflamed skin and can trigger rosacea and rhinophyma. For more advanced forms of rhinophyma, the most effective way to manage thickened skin is almost exclusively through physically removing excess tissue. Sometimes, this can include relying on ablative lasers or electrical currents (a treatment known as diathermy) to help remove excess tissue.

If you are suffering from rhinophyma, talk to your doctor or dermatologist to develop a plan for treatment. However, only a small percentage of people with rosacea will develop the condition. One study found that out of 108 patients with rosacea, only 15 were noted to also have rhinophyma, almost all of whom were men. Call our helpline to talk to one of our trained representatives who can help to guide you toward the right addiction treatment center for your or your loved one.

Does Alcoholism Cause Advanced Rosacea of the Nose?

This is particularly important for people who notice that their facial redness and inflammation worsen after drinking. Although alcohol doesn’t cause rhinophyma, it can serve as a trigger that worsens existing rosacea symptoms. Alcohol consumption causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased facial flushing and redness. For people with rosacea, this effect can be more pronounced and longer-lasting than in those without the condition. This stereotype persisted partly because alcohol consumption can temporarily worsen rosacea symptoms, including facial redness and inflammation.

• It shows up more frequently in men than women and is common among those with fair skin and European ancestry.
• One side effect that is commonly attributed to excessive alcohol consumption is an alcohol nose.
• Additionally, drinking alcohol can lead to the development of nasal infections, which can further damage the nose and cause it to become enlarged.
• Another successful story of a rhinophyma patient is that of Pamela, whose rhinophyma seemed to be triggered by severe acne along with multiple pregnancies and emotional distress.

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Copyright © 2025, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice. View our editorial content guidelines to learn how we create helpful content with integrity and compassion. Medication may help with early symptoms, like redness, but the changes in nose shape typically need more extensive treatment, like lasers, microdermabrasion, or surgery. Since alcohol can make your skin flush or break out, some people might believe the myth that alcoholism can cause rhinophyma. If your nose has already changed shape, treatments like lasers, microdermabrasion, or surgery can reshape the nose.

• Alcohol nose usually refers to the end stage of rosacea, which is called rhinophyma.
• This explains why do alcoholics get a red nose more frequently or experience more pronounced facial redness.
• If your skin reddening is slight or temporary, you might consider white wine or spirits in moderation to reduce the impact.
• The shoulders and chest are also susceptible to looking more flushed or red after drinking alcohol.

For starters, drinking more alcohol than is recommended at once can lead to alcohol poisoning and reckless behavior, which can cause injury to yourself or others. Other symptoms of an alcoholic nose may include a burning or itching sensation on the affected skin and the appearance of small, red bumps. In some cases, individuals with an alcoholic nose may also experience acne or seborrheic dermatitis. The redness and swelling may be more noticeable after consuming alcohol or during times of emotional stress.

There is a misconception that being an alcoholic will cause you to form a bulbous and red nose. That nose, sometimes called “drinker’s nose” or “alcohol nose” is actually known as rhinophyma, a side effect of rosacea. The physical impact of rhinophyma can be a point of self-consciousness for many individuals. Alcoholic nose After all, nobody really wants to stand out for something like a skin condition they can’t control. One way to help people seek the treatment they need and help them live out healthier and better futures is to provide people with the whole story and clear information.

That’s why our goal is to make rehab accessible through a variety of rehab insurance coverage plans we have on offer. We invite you to learn more about them and let our team help you find the right insurance option for you or your loved one. If caught in the early stages, however, symptoms can often be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. While the underlying causes aren’t fully understood, early treatment is considered the most effective solution.

What Does Alcoholic Nose Or Rhinophyma Look Like?

Cookie PolicyWe do not offer specific health advice, nor are we a remote clinical advice service (RCA). We can, with your consent, pass your details to our partners that can offer this. Alcohol is occasionally mixed with many preservatives that damage the skin, or you may be allergic to them.

ENT surgeons are versed in multiple techniques that can reduce the overgrowth of tissue while preserving the underlying cartilage. Sometimes, the enlargement can return after treatment, but surgical treatments can be repeated as needed. This common name and years of misinformation from the medical community about the condition prompted a false link between alcohol abuse and alcoholic nose. Alcohol use disorder and skin conditions like rosacea are connected because of the potential for alcohol to worsen existing skin conditions. If you’re concerned about the effects of alcohol on your nose, it’s essential to talk to your doctor.