Rhinophyma

Rhinophyma

An Old Man and His Grandson, by Domenico Ghirlandaio
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 L71.1
ICD-9 695.3
DiseasesDB 96
MedlinePlus 001037
Patient UK Rhinophyma
MeSH D012224

Rhinophyma is a large, bulbous, ruddy nose caused by granulomatous infiltration, commonly due to untreated rosacea.[1]

Signs and symptoms

An example of severe rhinophyma.

Rhinophyma is characterised by prominent pores and a fibrous thickening of the nose, sometimes with papules.[2] It is associated with the common skin condition rosacea. It can carry a strong psychological impact due to its effect on one's personal appearance.[3]

Causes

Alcoholism is mistakenly attributed as a cause of this disease, but heavy alcohol consumption does aggravate the condition. Rhinophyma may be diagnosed without testing, but a skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. Surgical treatment may be beneficial.

Rhinophyma is a slowly progressive condition due to hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands of the tip of the nose often seen in cases of long-standing acne rosacea; it is not a neoplasm. It presents as a pink, lobulated mass over the nose with superficial vascular dilation; it mostly affects men past middle age. Patients seek advice because of the perceived unsightly appearance of the enlargement, or obstruction in breathing and vision.

Treatment

Treatment consists of paring down the bulk of the tissue with a sharp instrument or carbon dioxide laser and allowing the area to re-epithelialise. Sometimes, the tissue is completely excised and the raw area skin-grafted.[4]

History

The term rhinophyma is derived from the Greek rhis ('nose') and phyma ('growth').

See also

References

  1. ↑ Cohen AF, Tiemstra JD (2002). "Diagnosis and treatment of rosacea". J Am Board Fam Pract 15 (3): 214–7. PMID 12038728.
  2. ↑ "Rosacea". Dermnetnz.org.
  3. ↑ "Rhinophyma". Rhinophyma. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
  4. ↑ Dingra PL. Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat (4th ed.).

External links