Many people who’ve dealt with rosacea, which affects 3 million Americans each year, know that the condition can worsen dramatically if it’s neglected or poorly treated. If you’ve had a past diagnosis of rosacea and notice changes like redness and numerous oil glands on your nose, come see Dr. Ana Trevino at Alamo City Dermatology in San Antonio, Texas, to find out if you might have rhinophyma. Right from her offices, Dr. Sauceda can quickly diagnose and provide innovative treatment for this pesky skin disorder and have you back to looking and feeling your best.

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What is Rhinophyma?

Rhinophyma is a skin condition that results in a large, red, bumpy nose. The exact cause of the disorder isn’t known, but it often occurs as part of severe cases of rosacea. rhinophyma, it is thought, develops gradually over years, usually manifests with a large, unsightly mass on the lower half of your nose. In the past, some experts thought there was a link between alcohol abuse and rhinophyma, but that link has been mostly disproven.

Who is at risk?

Both gender and age play a factor in who is at increased risk of getting rhinophyma. Since rhinophyma happens after the onset of rosacea, which usually afflicts people between the ages of 25 and 50, rhinophyma is common in older people. Men, especially between the ages of 50 and 70, are more likely to get rhinophyma.

Other factors that put people at risk include:

  • Fair skin
  • Certain racial backgrounds (Irish, English, Scottish, Eastern European)
  • Genetic factors (family history of rosacea)

What are symptoms of rhinophyma?

In severe cases of rhinophyma the following may occur, affecting your skin, including:

  • Growth of your nose into an enlarged, round shape
  • Thickening of the outer skin
  • Appearance of more oil glands
  • Waxy, yellow skin
  • Larger skin pores
  • Redder skin tone

Most medical professionals can diagnose rhinophyma with physical exams and an overview of your medical history and without tests. In some cases, Dr. Sauceda may opt for a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, particularly in cases where your skin doesn’t respond to any initial attempts to treat the disorder.

How do you treat rhinophyma?

Generally, Dr. Sauceda opts for non-surgical contouring to treat this benign skin condition, which can yield improvement not only cosmetically, but also can improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Sauceda performs a treatment procedure called surgical planning of the nose and dermabrasion, which involves removing the rhinophymas tissue growth.

The healing process typically takes 2-3 weeks and the skin treated is pink and sensitive during this time following the procedure. For Dr.Sauceda, reducing the oversized nose condition that rhinophyma causes is one of the most satisfying procedures she performs as a dermatologist.