Rhinophyma is a rare disorder in which the nose appears large, bulb-shaped and red in color.
Causes
According to MedlinePlus.com, rhinophyma is not caused by heavy alcohol consumption and the exact cause is unknown. According to the Baylor College of Medicine, rhinophyma is the end-stage result of acne rosacea.
Risks
According to the Baylor College of Medicine, rhinophyma occurs more commonly in white males of English or Irish descent. This condition generally affects people between 40 to 60 years of age.
Symptoms
Rhinophyma is a disorder that causes progressive changes of the nose which include the presence of many oil glands that cause oily skin, pitting of the skin, a bulb-shape of the nose, reddened color, skin thickening and a waxy, yellow surface.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of rhinophyma includes a physical examination to assess the presence of symptoms and a skin biopsy. A skin biopsy is not indicated for every situation, but according to the Baylor College of Medicine, a biopsy reveals skin cancer in approximately 3 to 10 percent of people.
Treatment
Treatment of rhinophyma includes corrective surgery, acne medication, antibiotics and steroids.
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