These symptoms can be treated with antibiotics such as tetracycline, metronidazole, and erythromycin. In extreme cases, the nose can become quite disfigured and make breathing difficult. Szymańska-Skrzypek, Anna; Burduk, Paweł K.; Betlejewski, Stanisław. “[Rhinophyma–diagnosis and treatment].” https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-the-nose-of-an-alcoholic-changes-rhinophyma/ Polish Journal of Otolaryngology, 2004. Take our short alcohol quiz to learn where you fall on the drinking spectrum and if you might benefit from quitting or cutting back on alcohol. If caught in the early stages, however, symptoms can often be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.

The physical impact of rhinophyma can be a point of self-consciousness for many individuals. After all, nobody really wants to stand out for something like a skin condition they can’t control. One way to help people seek the treatment they need and help them live out healthier and better futures is to provide people with the whole story and clear information. As mentioned previously, the best way to prevent rosacea flare-ups caused by alcohol consumption is to stop drinking alcohol. At Springbrook Behavioral Hospital, you can find the support you need to stop drinking for good.

Symptoms of Rhinophyma include:

Medical advice for rosacea treatment includes risk factors people can avoid to lessen their instance of flare-ups, which may include some lifestyle changes. The social stigma related to alcohol abuse and alcoholic nose highlights the social pressures and barriers that still exist for those with substance abuse issues. It typically manifests as a noticeably red, bumpy, or bulbous nose or swollen cheeks.

In many cases, doctors are not able to definitively find the cause of rhinophyma. Unfortunately, doctors are not yet clear on the direct cause of rhinophyma. It shows up more frequently in men than women and is common among those with fair skin and European ancestry. Each individual is sensitive to alcohol in different ways, so everyone who has rosacea may not see a flare-up after drinking. You can temporarily mask alcohol breath, but there’s no way to really get rid of it except to ride it out and let your body eliminate it. Your body needs time to process and eliminate alcohol in order to really get rid of the smell on your breath.

Treating Alcoholic Nose And Alcohol Use Disorder

A survey by the National Rosacea Society found that red wine was the most common culprit, followed by white wine and beer. A spreading redness could move across the cheeks, nose, and other areas with blood vessels close to the skin. At this time, doctors are not exactly sure what causes rhinophyma.

Create a support group of your friends and family so that they can help you through this challenge. Remember that it is easier to do this when you have support or professional help. When seeking professional help, make sure you find the right place for you, full of professional staff members looking to guide you to a better life. The condition may also produce problems with a person’s eyes and eyelids as well as vision problems.