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Dermatology Community
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Rosacea Rhinophyma
by anon_17, May 20, 2008 12:01PM
I am 18 years old and have suffered from constant facial flushing for the last 2 years. In the last month or so, my nose has been almost constantly red and the skin on it is in much worse condition than the rest of my face. There are small white pustules on it and it feels very rough. I want to ask if you think this could be rhinophyma or rosacea because everywhere on the Internet it says that rosacea is a condition that only affects middle-aged people. Thanks for your help
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Your description does indeed sound like rosacea, and I was diagnosed with it when 27. But you also describe what might be some other conditions. Acne and seboric dermatitis can also occur with it. Plus you might have an infection; I once had a staph infection on my nose. Infections on the face are serious. Rosacea can also affect the eyes (ocular rosacea), so a visit to your family doctor can help you coordinate the care.
Should you elect to allow your family doctor to treat you, however, make certain that you're not given acne medications unless you and the doctor are sure that you have it. I once had a family practitioner want to give me Accuntane, and my acne is VERY mild. Later on, I switched back to a dermatologist who couldn't believe that.
I waited until I was constantly ridiculed by "friends" before I sought help; I hope that you don't do the same. Rosacea is very easily treated, if diagnosed early, and many of the medications are available in generic form. Make certain that your doctor understands your financial concerns upfront, for the goal is for you get treatment--not forego it due to money problems. Many doctors go out of their way to try less expensive medicines first. Good luck....j c
Rosacea is a common skin disease that causes facial flushing that stings or burns but does not itch. Rosacea also causes the appearance of small blood vessels, or telangiectasias, on the face; adult acne; itchy, burning eyes; and in the late stages, a red, bulbous nose.
The red, burning face can occur unpredictably or in response to certain triggers. The most common triggers of facial flushing in order are:
Sun Exposure,Emotional Stress, Hot Weather, Alcohol, Spicy Foods, Exercise,Wind etc.
The most effective treatment of facial flushing today is avoiding triggers.Two medications that may help reduce the occurrence of flushing with rosacea are the blood pressure medications clonidine and propanolol.
Rhinophyma is a descriptive term for a large, bulbous, ruddy appearance of the nose caused by granulomatous infiltration. This is commonly due to untreated rosacea.
A skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. Surgical treatment may be beneficial.