Rhinophyma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Rhinophyma?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, usually diagnoses and treats rhinophyma. A surgeon may reshape the nose when surgery is needed. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma is a large, red-colored nose with a bulb shape. It is an uncommon disorder. It may be a severe form of a skin disease called rosacea.
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes reddened skin and a rash, usually on the nose and cheeks. Over time, the skin may thicken, especially on the nose. This gives the nose an enlarged, bulb-like look. It is one of the more severe symptoms of rosacea, and it mostly affects men.
Symptoms
Rhinophyma changes the look and feel of the nose. Signs can include:
- A bulb-like (bulbous) shape.
- Thickening of the skin.
- Many oil glands, the small glands that make skin oil.
- A waxy, yellow surface.
- A reddish color in some people.
Rhinophyma can cause emotional distress because of the way it looks. Rosacea itself can also cause facial redness, thin red lines from visible blood vessels, and a rash with pimples. It can make the eyes sore, red, itchy, watery, or dry.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of rhinophyma is unknown. It may be a severe form of rosacea. Rhinophyma was once thought to be caused by heavy alcohol use. This is not correct. It occurs equally in people who do not use alcohol and in those who drink heavily.
The problem is much more common in men than in women. Scientists do not know what causes rosacea. A family history of rosacea may raise the risk. Time in the sun or emotional stress can bring on rosacea symptoms. If rosacea is left untreated, the skin may thicken and enlarge, leading to firm, red bumps, especially on the nose.
How doctors diagnose it
Most of the time, a health care provider can diagnose rhinophyma without any tests. Sometimes a skin biopsy may be needed. In a skin biopsy, a doctor takes a small piece of skin to look at it closely.
Treatment
The most common treatment is surgery to reshape the nose. Surgery may be done with a laser, a scalpel, or a rotating brush. The brush method is called dermabrasion, which means sanding away the top layers of skin. Certain acne medicines may also help treat the condition.
Rhinophyma can be corrected with surgery, but the condition may return. There is no cure for rosacea, but treatment can keep it under control. The choice of treatment depends on the symptoms.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of rhinophyma and would like to talk about treatment. Also see a provider if you have eye symptoms from rosacea. Without treatment, eye damage and loss of vision can result.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can look at changes in the nose and talk about rosacea. They can refer you to a dermatologist for treatment and help with follow-up care over time.
Common questions
What causes rhinophyma?
The cause of rhinophyma is unknown. It may be a severe form of rosacea, a long-term skin disease. Scientists also do not fully know what causes rosacea.
Is rhinophyma caused by drinking alcohol?
No. Rhinophyma was once thought to be caused by heavy alcohol use, but this is not correct. It occurs equally in people who do not use alcohol and in those who drink heavily.
Can rhinophyma be treated?
Yes. The most common treatment is surgery to reshape the nose, done with a laser, a scalpel, or a rotating brush. Certain acne medicines may also help treat the condition.
Can rhinophyma come back after surgery?
Yes, it can. Surgery can correct rhinophyma, but the condition may return, so follow-up visits can help.
Who gets rhinophyma?
It is much more common in men than in women. It is an uncommon disorder, and it is seen in people who drink little or no alcohol as well as in heavy drinkers.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Rhinophyma
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Rosacea
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
