Rhinophyma, also known as nasal lump, is a hypertrophic variant of rosacea. This skin ailment takes the form of chronic inflammation, mainly located on the olfactory organ. The cause of the formation of furrows and pustules on the pinkish surface is a dysfunction in the blood vessels and sebaceous glands. At the same time, it is the most severe form of the disease and occurs almost exclusively among men.
| Three Stages of Rosacea | |
|---|---|
| Erythematous | Redness around the nose and cheeks due to stress or harsh weather conditions |
| Papulopustular |
|
| Phymatous |
|
Rhinophyma – causes and symptoms
Rhinophyma, also known as nasal lump, is a hypertrophic variant of rosacea. This skin ailment takes the form of chronic inflammation, mainly located on the olfactory organ. The cause of the formation of furrows and pustules on the pinkish surface is a dysfunction in the blood vessels and sebaceous glands. At the same time, it is the most severe form of the disease and occurs almost exclusively among men.
It is also this organ that is exposed to irritants such as tobacco smoke and UV radiation, which impairs the functioning of the skin and, as a result, microcirculation abnormalities.
This condition can be caused by drugs: steroids, vasodilators, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, statins, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics. However, it can also have its origin in local infections, e.g. infection with human cysticercosis or lithophilic yeast. In addition, rosacea on the nose has more favourable conditions for development in people who abuse alcohol, caffeine, theine and hot spices, who are prone to severe stress and who overexpose the skin to the sun with inadequate skin care. Genetic factors and hormonal disorders are also not insignificant. However, it should be emphasised that the exact aetiopathogenesis of the disease, due to its complexity, has not yet been definitively understood.
Characteristic symptoms of Rhinophyma include:
- soft tissue hypertrophy
- distortion and asymmetry of the nose,
- enlargement of the sebaceous glands,
- seborrhoea,
- inflammation (redness),
- nasal obstruction and breathing difficulties.
Rhinophyma treatment methods
Rhinophyma is treated causally, topically and generally. The basic recommendation is to limit the factors that may have triggered rosacea on the nose and favoured its development. Thus, it is necessary to limit arrival in full sunlight (especially between April and September), eliminate alcohol, coffee, strong tea and chocolate from the diet. In addition, it is necessary to stop smoking, avoid hot baths and intense exercise.
Topical treatment usually involves antibiotics (erythromycin, clindamycin, metronidazole), as well as azelaic acid, retinoids. In general treatment, on the other hand, the doctor usually prescribes antibiotics: tetracyclines, erythromycin, metronidazole, as well as retinoids (isotretinoin), antifreeze (hydroxychloroquine) and sulfones (dapsone).
Rhinophyma – natural methods for fighting rosacea on the nose
Particularly beneficial properties are demonstrated by creams containing:
- vitamin E (has an antioxidant and protective effect, so that the affected skin is not further irritated by e.g. UV radiation or frost),
- rosewood oil (stimulates epidermal cell growth, accelerating healing and regeneration, and has an anti-inflammatory effect, which is important in reducing the formation of erythema),
- horse chestnut extract (reinforces capillaries, seals blood vessel walls, which improves disturbed microcirculation),
- zinc oxide (has an astringent and antibacterial effect, also soothes inflammation and accelerates the regeneration of minor skin damage).
Rhinophyma – acnerose dermocosmetics
In Acnerose you will find the ingredients recommended above and much more. They have been selected to meet the needs of both oily, acne-prone and vascular skin. Therefore, Acnerose dermocosmetics have anti-inflammatory and seboregulatory properties, which reduce the number of pimples and promote their healing. In addition, they seal the walls of the blood vessels, so that erythema is reduced and no more capillaries burst. Vitamin E, which thickens the skin, makes spider veins shine through less. Acnerose is also soothing, reducing the skin heat, burning and itching that accompany acne. The ingredients of the dermocosmetics come exclusively from raw materials of natural origin. You will not find chemical additives in them: PEGs, SLS, parabens, silicones, artificial fragrances. As a result, they are very well tolerated by the skin.
The set consists of four products, for each stage of care. They are:
- Acnerose cleanser,
- Acnerose morning ointment, Acnerose
- Acnerose Day Cream,
- Acnerose night paste.
Rhinophyma – how to cure it? – summary
Rhinophyma occurs in approximately 10% of the population. These are usually men in the 50-60 age group with skin phenotypes I and II. Adequate early diagnosis and treatment, combined with appropriate skin care with cosmetics of natural composition, will avoid more advanced changes in the form of nasal deformity.
FAQ
1. What to do to prevent rhinophyma - how to treat it?
As in many cases, prevention is key. It is therefore important to start treating rosacea as soon as possible pharmacologically under the guidance of a dermatologist and to use good quality, specialised dermocosmetics such as Acnerose for skin care on a daily basis. If tissue overgrowth occurs it is worth considering surgery.
2. How do I treat rhinophyma with treatments?
Treatments for rhinophyma include excision of tissue damaged by the disease and transplantation of new tissue. Less invasive treatments are laser and photodynamic therapies.
3. Should rhinophyma be treated?
Yes, rhinophyma is unsightly and significantly reduces the sense of attractiveness, in addition to leading to nasal obstruction, so it should absolutely be treated. Overgrowth of tissues can also affect other areas e.g. ears, forehead, eyelids - however, these entities have their own medical name.
