What Can You Do For a Red Nose?

QUESTION: I'm not a drinker, but I have beezer that would put W.C. Fields to
shame. It's embarrassing, and I am at a loss to explain it. What can I do
for my red nose that's growing?
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ANSWER: There are number of treatments that may help your red nose condition
known as rhinophyma. The antibiotic tetracycline may be useful, as may the
vitamin A acne treatments Retin-A (applied to the skin) and Accutane (pills).
If medicines don't work, surgery and other medical procedures, such as laser
surgery and peeling of the skin surface, may be effective.
It's true that there is a common impression that this is an "alcoholic's
nose," but there is little scientific evidence to back that up. Many doctors
believe that avoiding spicy foods and caffeine can stop or slow the redness
and swelling. Although, here again, there are not yet any solid studies to
prove that these foods are truly the culprits, it's certainly worth a try to
eliminate them from your diet and see if it helps.
If all else fails, and surgery is not for you, you might consider using
cosmetic make-up and powder to reduce the redness, and diminish the attention
your nose may be getting.