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Rhinophyma - Overview

Alternative Names

Bulbous nose; Nose - bulbous; Phymatous rosacea

Definition of Rhinophyma:

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

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 large quantities of alcohol. The condition is much more common in men than in women.

The cause of rhinophyma is unknown, though it is thought to be a severe form of rosacea. It is a relatively rare disorder.

  • Reviewed last on: 10/3/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Lucas JL, Tomecki KJ. Acne and rosacea. In: Carey WD, ed. Cleveland Clinic: Current Clinical Medicine 2010. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010.

Habif TP. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 7.

Brodsky J. Management of benign skin lesions commonly affecting the face: actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, and rosacea. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009 Aug;17(4):315-20.

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