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Rhinophyma

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

Rhinophyma is a large, bulb-shaped, red-colored (ruddy) nose.

Alternative Names:

Bulbous nose; Nose - bulbous; Phymatous rosacea

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Rhinophyma was once thought to be caused by heavy alcohol consumption, but this is not the case. Rhinophyma occurs equally in those who do not drink at all and those who drink alcohol in quantity. It is seen almost exclusively in men over age 40.

The cause of rhinophyma is unknown, though it is generally regarded as a severe form of rosacea. It is a relatively rare disorder involving thickening of the skin on the nose and the presence of many oil glands. The nose talks on a bulb-like (bulbous) look.

• Review Date: 10/26/2006
• Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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