Rhinophyma

Rhinophyma
Classification and external resources
An example of severe rhinophyma.
ICD-10	L71.1
ICD-9	695.3
DiseasesDB	96
MeSH	D012224

Rhinophyma is a descriptive term for a large, bulbous, ruddy appearance of the nose caused by granulomatous infiltration, commonly due to untreated rosacea.

Causes

An Old Man and His Grandson, by Domenico Ghirlandaio

Alcoholism is mistakenly attributed as a cause of this disease; heavy alcohol consumption does aggravate the condition and consequently it is more noticeable in alcoholic patients. The term rhinophyma is derived from the Greek rhis ('nose') and phyma ('growth'). Rhinophyma may be diagnosed without testing, but a skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. Surgical treatment may be beneficial.^{[citation needed]}

Rhinophyma is a slowly progressive condition due to hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands of the tip of 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 unsightly appearance of the enlargement, or obstruction in breathing and vision. Rhinophyma can carry a strong psychological impact due to its effect on one's personal appearance. Treatment consists of paring down the bulk of the tissue with a sharp knife or carbon dioxide laser and allowing the area to re-epithelialise. Sometimes, the tissue is completely excised and the raw area skin-grafted.

See also

• Phymas in rosacea
• List of cutaneous conditions

External links

• Rhinophyma or Potato tumor of nose :Cause, Features and Management| Medchrome]
• MedEd at Loyola medicine/dermatology/melton/rhino1.htm
• About rhinophyma at orlhns.info
• Rhinophyma Treatment