The main treatment option for rhinophyma is surgery; however, there are some medications that may provide a small degree of help. Rosacea affects the nose more in men and the cheeks more in women, which makes men much more likely to get rhinophyma than women. Rhinophyma has not been shown to be connected to alcohol use, and calling rhinophyma an “alcoholic nose” is not medically correct. A surface marker of a systemic problem—liver damage, heart disease, and mental health decline dwarf skin concerns. The CDC ties excessive drinking to over 140,000 deaths yearly, far outpacing cosmetic issues 4.
Alcohol also dehydrates the skin, disrupts blood circulation, and accelerates aging, contributing to visible signs of wear and tear on the body. Recognizing the broader health implications of alcohol abuse is the first step toward recovery and improved health. A family history of rosacea or skin conditions may increase susceptibility to developing an alcoholic nose.
Rhinophyma isn’t dangerous, but the changes to your nose can make you feel insecure and impact your mental health. In severe cases, the tissue growth can obstruct your airway or eyesight or even spread to other parts of your face, like the chin or ear. Rhinophyma makes the oil glands in your nose overactive, which can make both the glands themselves and your nasal tissue grow.

For some individuals with alcohol addiction, it can be more effective to enroll in a treatment program outside of their local community. This way, they are not bombarded with social pressures and stigma close to home. The association between alcohol abuse and rosacea can be traumatizing for some people with rosacea. These physical effects of alcoholism are severe and can significantly reduce life expectancy and quality of life. It is a type of rosacea, a skin disorder that causes redness, inflammation, and small, pus-filled bumps typically concentrated in the cheeks, nose, and chin.
If you or someone you love needs help to stop drinking alcohol, you are not alone. Find compassionate, comprehensive treatment programs at The Living Room. Contact our intake team to learn about our rehab and recovery programs or to schedule an intake appointment. Long periods of alcohol use can increase the risk of serious health complications, including stroke, cancer, and heart disease. Alcohol abuse can also impact a person’s mental health, increasing the risk of depression and other conditions.

Rhinophyma exacerbated by heavy drinking can cause the cartilage cells to swell, resulting in a bulbous or “flared” appearance. So while drinking alcohol may not make your nose physically bigger, it can play a role in altering its appearance. Although the condition worsens with excessive alcohol use, an alcoholic nose is not a sign of addiction or a drinking problem. However, if your nose is constantly swollen, it might be a https://ecosoberhouse.com/ sign you’re drinking too much.
Detox often involves a medical environment to help ease alcoholic nose symptoms and withdrawal. The only true way to prevent drinking nose is to abstain from alcohol entirely or at early signs of rhinophyma. With that, it is important to recognize the signs of a drinker’s nose to adjust accordingly — prior to full development. The consequences of alcoholism are wide-ranging and affect almost every system in the body. Here, we delve deeper into the general physical side effects of alcoholism, exploring how chronic alcohol consumption impacts various bodily functions Sober living home and leads to numerous health issues.
Your nose may look enlarged, bulbous, and red, especially around the tip. You may have a reddish color to your skin, does drinking alcohol make your nose bigger spidery red or purple veins across your nose, and a swollen nose that does not improve over time. Our addiction treatment programs are designed just for women to have the availability and get started on the healing process right away.
Therapy helps individuals work through trauma, cope in healthy ways, and improve their life outlook, among other things. Therapy can help you learn how to build healthy relationships and better communicate with loved ones and peers. Therapy helps uncover the root of the dependency and provides long-term treatment.
The actual cause of Rhinophyma remains largely unknown but is thought to involve genetic factors. While alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of Rhinophyma, it is not the direct cause of the condition. Understanding the actual causes, risks, and treatment options for Alcohol Nose is essential to address the stigma and provide appropriate care. People who drink alcohol heavily may also experience temporary redness in the nose due to alcohol’s effect on blood vessels.
The primary treatment for rhinophyma is surgical intervention, although some medications may offer minor relief. Similar research is needed on the link between alcohol consumption and rosacea in men. Because alcohol dilates blood vessels and damages the vascular system, it can aggravate rhinophyma and other types of rosacea.

With that being said, alcohol abuse can lead to several other health conditions, which may be worse than rhinophyma. An alcohol nose (rhinophyma), is characterized by a bulbous, red, or purple appearance of the nose. This condition is often linked to excessive alcohol intake due to the long-standing myth that alcohol directly causes inflammation.