Staying hydrated and following a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and omega-3 fatty acids may also support skin health. These symptoms can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. The progression varies from person to person, with some experiencing rapid changes while others may notice a gradual worsening over years. Prompt treatment can help slow or reverse some of these effects, especially when initiated early.
Weight gain from high-calorie content
There are apps which can help you to keep track of when you flare up and what factors are influencing it. Early-stage drinkers’ nose can be treated if you stop drinking immediately and use topical or oral antibiotics. Seth brings many years of professional experience working the front lines of addiction in both the government and privatized sectors. The journey of using AI in health education is ongoing, and continuous learning and adaptation will be key to maximizing its benefits.
The condition is seen as a deformity that can lower self-image and reduce overall confidence in those affected. With long-term alcohol abuse, you may also develop physical side effects, such as organ damage, heart conditions, and cognitive impairment. You may also develop a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.
What happens when you drink alcohol everyday?
You set your own personal goal, and we help you achieve it with coaching, medication, and other tools and resources. While drinking may not cause “alcoholic nose,” getting help to quit drinking can make the condition much easier to manage. Surgical treatment can remove tissue overgrowth, reshape disfigured noses, and minimize the appearance of enlarged blood vessels. It may be completed with a scalpel, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or via cryosurgery.
Finding Treatment and Healing From Alcoholism

If you’re worried about developing rhinophyma, you can take steps to prevent the condition. Taking care of your skin and watching out for potential triggers can help reduce your risk and will help you keep your skin healthy as you age. However, those who do won’t develop rhinophyma until they reach the later stages of rosacea. It’s also possible to develop rhinophyma without rosacea, but the exact cause of this development is unknown.
- Any information found on RehabCenter.net should never be used to diagnose a disease or health problem, and in no way replaces or substitutes professional care.
- In advanced cases, the skin may appear thickened and rough, with a noticeable purple or red hue.
- Avoid harsh exfoliants or alcohol-based products that may aggravate redness and irritation.
- With antibiotics, make sure you take the full course you’ve been prescribed.

This is why some individuals may experience a feeling of warmth or flushing after consuming alcohol. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Chronic alcohol consumption can also lead to the formation of blood clots, which can block blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. A surface marker of a systemic problem—liver damage, heart disease, and mental health decline dwarf skin concerns. The CDC ties excessive drinking to over 140,000 deaths yearly, far outpacing cosmetic issues 4. At Still Detox, we shift focus from “alcoholic nose” stigma to the urgent need for recovery, addressing both body and mind.
In the past, and even in modern times, rhinophyma was largely considered to be a side-effect of alcoholism or alcohol use disorder. Someone who has a bulbous, swollen red nose may suffer from incorrect judgments and assumptions about their character and substance use habits. If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, many treatment options are available. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of your addiction but typically includes a combination of detox, inpatient care, support groups and sober living aftercare. Rhinophyma is believed to be a rare but severe manifestation of inflammatory rosacea. Some healthcare personnel refer to the nose condition as “end-stage rosacea.” In these cases, the sebaceous tissue (part of the skin that produces oil) becomes overgrown and enlarged.
Rhinophyma is often referred to as an “alcoholic nose,” a label that carries significant social stigma. However, many skin specialists and experts view this as a misrepresentation of the condition’s true nature. Treatment for an alcoholic nose condition includes reducing alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. “Alcoholic nose,” describes a swollen, red, bumpy nose, that can be worsened by drinking too much alcohol.
Managing drug addiction your triggers for rosacea flare-ups is the best way to prevent rhinophyma from developing. After early Rhinophyma passes, the skin of the nose will often harden, becoming larger and more bulbous in the process. When the shape of the nose starts to change, this is when most people realize that they have more than just mild rosacea or skin discoloration. While it may contribute to rhinophyma or “drinker’s nose,” it probably doesn’t cause it. If you are suffering from an alcoholic nose and are an alcoholic, you can get help. For help with rhinophyma, you can get in touch with your dermatologist or your general practitioner.
Rhinophyma as a Side Effect of Rosacea
Alcohol affects your face and skin in general by enlarging both pores and alcoholic nose photos blood vessels. Blood vessels expand and sometimes break, making some heavy drinkers look red and flushed even when sober. Excessive consumption of alcohol may also lead to the development of spider veins on the face.
Medical Management of Rhinophyma
Severe cases of rhinophyma can see an individual develop an extremely bulbous nose, so much that it appears to be quite disfigured. In many cases, treatments such as laser therapy and lifestyle changes can improve the appearance of a purple nose. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, Casa Capri Recovery is here to help. Our compassionate team specializes in guiding women toward healthier lives with evidence-based treatments and personalized care. Not everyone with rosacea who develops thickened skin will go on to develop rhinophyma.
2 Public Awareness Campaigns and Stigma Reduction
- Interestingly, red wine is shown to cause the worst flare-ups, likely due to a chemical found in the alcoholic beverage.
- Well-meaning family members may add to the stigma through their own misconceptions.
- Speak with your doctor about available treatment options, support groups, and counseling to begin the process of recovery.
- Patients working with specialized teams, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons, get the best outcomes.
- Alcohol disrupts iron metabolism, a major factor in PCT, a rare skin condition causing fragility, blistering, and scarring.
With that being said, if you have either of these skin conditions, your symptoms may be worsened if you consume alcohol. With that being said, not many people will go on to develop rhinophyma. Furthermore, while this chronic inflammation can be diagnosed in women, men are considered to be at a higher risk of developing rhinophyma. Individuals with fair skin or a family history of skin conditions may also be more likely to develop this skin disorder. When discussing the term “alcoholic nose,” this is actually referring to the skin condition rhinophyma. Under its official medical term, this condition falls under the category of rosacea, which causes individuals to have chronically inflamed skin.