Alcoholic Nose: What It Is, Causes, and How to Treat It

What Is an Alcoholic Nose?

The term alcoholic nose refers to a medical condition called rhinophyma. This condition causes the skin on the nose to thicken, giving it a bulbous, red, or even purple-colored appearance. While often associated with excessive alcohol consumption, there is little scientific evidence proving that alcohol directly causes rhinophyma.

 Other Names for Alcoholic Nose

The condition is also called:

• Drinker’s nose
• Whisky nose
• Rum nose
• Gin blossom
• Bulbous nose
• Cauliflower nose

The belief that alcohol use disorder directly leads to rhinophyma has been around for centuries. However, studies show that genetics and rosacea play a much bigger role.

What Does Alcoholic Nose Look Like?

People with rhinophyma often have:

• A red swollen nose
• Visible blood vessels on the surface
• Thickened skin that gives the nose a bulbous appearance
• A rough or bumpy skin texture
• In some cases, a purple or darkened nose

This condition is more common in men over the age of 50, but women can develop it as well.

Causes of Alcoholic Nose

The causes of alcoholic nose are linked to rosacea, a chronic skin disorder that affects the blood vessels in the face. While alcohol may worsen symptoms, it is not the main cause.

 Key Causes of Rhinophyma Include:

1. Rosacea – The primary cause of rhinophyma, leading to chronic inflammation of the skin.
2. Genetics – A family history of rosacea increases the risk of developing rhinophyma.
3. Fair skin tone – People with lighter skin are more prone to rosacea and rhinophyma.
4. Age and gender – Rhinophyma is common in men over 50 but rare in women.
5. Alcohol and other triggers – While alcohol does not cause rhinophyma, it can trigger flare-ups in people with rosacea. Other triggers include spicy foods, stress, and hot temperatures.

People who frequently drink alcohol may notice redness and swelling in the nose, but even non-drinkers can develop rhinophyma.

Alcoholic Nose Symptoms

The symptoms of rhinophyma worsen over time if left untreated. The most common alcoholic nose symptoms include:

• Persistent redness on the nose and face
• Swollen nose with a bulbous shape
• Thickened skin with an irregular texture
• Visible blood vessels on the surface
• Enlarged oil glands, making the skin appear rough
• In some cases, a purple or darkened appearance

These symptoms often develop gradually, starting with mild redness and flushing before progressing to severe swelling and skin thickening.

How to Treat Alcoholic Nose?

Medical Treatments

There are several ways to treat rhinophyma, depending on the severity of the condition. Treatments range from topical medications to surgical treatments that reshape the nose.

Medical Treatments for Rhinophyma

1. Topical treatments – Prescription creams like azelaic acid help reduce redness and swelling.
2. Oral antibiotics – Medications like doxycycline can treat inflammation and prevent further skin thickening.
3. Laser therapy – Targets visible blood vessels and reduces redness.
4. Surgical treatments – Procedures like dermabrasion or laser surgery remove excess tissue and reshape the nose.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Symptoms

• Avoid alcohol – Drinking can trigger red swollen flare-ups.
• Use gentle skincare – Protecting the skin from irritation can help prevent worsening symptoms.
• Manage stress – High stress levels can trigger rosacea and worsen symptoms.
• Wear sunscreen – Sun exposure can aggravate the condition.

Who Is at Risk for Alcoholic Nose?

Although alcoholic nose is not a recognized medical condition, rhinophyma affects people with:

• Fair skin
• Rosacea or a family history of rosacea
• Age 50-70
• Celtic or Northern European ancestry
• Chronic Rosacea – Long-term rosacea without treatment

People who drink alcohol heavily may also experience temporary redness in the nose due to alcohol’s effect on blood vessels.

Alcohol Addiction and Skin Health

While alcoholic nose is not directly caused by drinking, alcohol use disorder can still impact skin health. Chronic alcohol use can:

• Dehydrate the skin, making conditions like rosacea worse.
• Cause broken blood vessels, leading to redness and irritation.
• Increase the risk of infections, which can worsen rhinophyma.

If alcohol is worsening your skin condition, seeking treatment for alcohol use may help.

Managing and Treating Alcoholic Nose

Although an alcoholic nose has long been linked to heavy drinking, it is actually a skin disorder known as rhinophyma. While alcohol can worsen symptoms, the condition itself is primarily caused by rosacea.

Understanding the causes of alcoholic nose and recognizing alcoholic nose symptoms early can help prevent severe cases. By combining medical treatments like oral antibiotics and azelaic acid with lifestyle changes, people with rhinophyma can manage their condition effectively.

If you or someone you know is struggling with rosacea or alcohol-related skin issues, seeking professional advice is the best step toward healthier skin.

At treatment centers in Scottsdale, Arizona, professionals can provide the right care and treatment options for managing skin conditions related to alcohol use and rosacea.