Rhinophyma: which is, causes and how treatment is performed
Rhinophyma is a disease characterized by the presence of masses or bumps in the nose, which develop slowly, but which, when in large or very large quantities, can cause a nasal obstruction. Rhinophyma occurs most in men from the age of 40 and is usually a result of sebaceous gland hyperplasia, which is one of the characteristics of rosacea. Learn more about rosacea: what it is, its symptoms and types.
- Like rosacea.
- Rhinophyma can be caused by prolonged sun exposure and excessive alcohol consumption.
- The diagnosis is made by the dermatologist based on clinical examination and treatment is surgical.
- Simple and uncomplicated.
- If cancer is suspected the tissue is sent to the laboratory for cell analysis.
The onset of rhinophyma may be associated with certain factors that increase the risk of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands and, therefore, the appearance of bumps in the nose:
In addition, rhinophyma can occur more easily if caffeine and spicy foods are over-consumed in addition to hormonal changes.
Diagnosis of rhinophyma is done through a clinical examination, in which the dermatologist evaluates the characteristics of the injury, this disease progresses slowly and is not serious, however, if there are many lumps in the nose or if they are very large, there may be a nasal obstruction.
The dermatologist may consider the presence of cancer associated with rhinophymic lesions, such as basal cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer characterized by the presence of spots that develop slowly over time, in this case in addition to clinical diagnosis, It is necessary to perform an anatomopathological examination, in which the cells are observed in order to check for the presence or absence of malignant cells. See what it is and what are the first signs of basal cell carcinoma.
Treatment of rhinophyma is simple, guarantees good results and has no complications, in the simplest cases of rhinophyma the dermatologist may indicate the realization of dermoabrasion, which is a non-invasive procedure in which the doctor scrapes the most superficial layer of the skin with a rough brush, laser or equipment containing diamond particles. After performing the procedure, the area is sensitive, so avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen to avoid darkening the skin.
In the most severe cases of rhinophyma, your doctor may indicate a more invasive procedure, which is surgical decortication, which corresponds to the complete removal of tissues from your nose, followed by dermoabrasion and skin implantation.
In case of suspected cancer, the extracted tissue is taken to a laboratory, where the cells will be tested for the presence or absence of tumor cells.
The home treatment for rhinophyma is the same as for rosacea and can be performed with aloe vera and rose water, as they have healing, moisturizing and antiseptic properties and can be useful mainly in the post-surgical period. Rosacea.