Red Nose and Cheeks

Red Nose and Cheeks

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QUESTION: I am too embarrassed to ask my boyfriend why his nose is fiery red
and swollen. He also has red splotches on his cheeks. I don't think he is an
alcoholic. He is elderly, active and to be in good health. Would you care to
offer an explanation?
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ANSWER: I am happy that I have an answer for you that can be quite
reassuring. You have clearly described a condition called "rhinophyma;" the
term derived from Greek words "rhino" for "nose" and "phyma" meaning "growth".
It occurs as a result of a skin condition--rosacea--which is a chronic
inflammatory disorder that affects the central areas of the face, and
particularly the nose. The areas become red, with widened blood vessels
apparent, and pustules and papules appearing in the area as well. The nose
tissue begin to grow, appearing swollen and sometimes misshapen. The cause is
still unknown, but it usually appears after middle age and is most common in
individuals with fair complexion. Although commonly thought to be a sign of
an alcoholic, this is not true, and many nondrinkers suffer with this
condition. Diet probably has nothing to do with it either. It can be
treated, and long term use of tetracycline antibiotic is frequently
recommended and may be quite effective, since a single dose once a day may be
enough to keep the condition in check once control has been achieved. A
topical cream of metronidazole may also be applied locally. If the shape of
the nose has become a cause of concern, surgical correction may be used to
reshape its form. The presence of this disorder is not a sign of any other
health impairment, and so the good health your boyfriend apparently enjoys is
probably real. Since there are treatments available, I hope he reads this
column and avails himself of them.