A red swollen nose is a common symptom of rosacea. This is often causing embarrassment and deteriorating self-esteem. Red, growing bigger nose is a well-known symptoms of rosacea subtype 3, which attacks the nose. This red nose might last for quite a while and looks like a sunburnt nose. Some people experiencing raised small bumps on the nose during rosacea outbreak are mistaken for experiencing permanent acne problem. This red nose is also thought as an indication of heavy drinker as well. As rosacea mostly happens to an individual with fairer skin, a red swollen nose might be totally distinguishable.
Why does the nose swell with rosacea?
Red swollen nose experienced during rosacea outbreak is an indicator of rhinophyma. This is a large, bulbous nose which occurs as a result of untreated rosacea. This is included in rosacea subtype 3. Rhinophyma happens because of the thickening of nose fibrous which is experienced with rosacea flare up. Rhinophyma is a permanent redness on the nose which is accompanied by progressive growth. The red swollen nose is basically a tissue inflammation beneath the nose skin. This might cause huge embarrassment as the effect is definitely visible and can be easily gotten rid of. Rhinophyma is more common on men than women and tipically happens between ages of 30 and 50.
Symptoms of rhinophyma
Rhinophyma or red swollen nose happens at the later stage of rosacea flare up. Similar to the other subtypes of rosacea, it is signed initially by a random flushing. This flushing is then causing a red, blotchy area on the face center. Your nose become severely sensitive and some blood vessels beneath the nose skin are becoming visible. If the rosacea is left untreated, these blood vessels are swelling and causes a growing nose. With rosacea affecting the nose, your nose will be gradually bigger. The skin on the nose gets thickened and in bulbous shape. The skin is not smooth anymore, yet it is rough and might have numerous oil glands.
Best ways to control rosacea on nose
Rhinophyma might be difficult to treat as it is quite a permanent condition. The best way to control rosacea on the nose is to prevent it from coming. Hence, you might want to treat your facial rosacea as soon as it initiates. Preventing rosacea from spreading all over your face is wise to avoid swollen nose caused by rosacea. However, when your nose is already affected by rosacea and has grown a red swollen nose, you might want to consider some best treatments to be done for this skin disorder.
- Taking oral antibiotics containing tetracycline or minocycline which can reduce inflammation and stop redness.
- Applying topical medications enriched with metronidazole, tretinoin, or benzoil peroxide to minimize nose swelling.
- Taking medications for severe acne, containing isotretinoin, which will stop glands from producing oils. Less sebum will reduce the level of swelling and inflammation.
- Undergoing surgery. This is a more long-lasting treatment which is believed to be effective in treating rhinophyma. Surgery enables nose reshaping which can restore it into the normal appearance. Laser and dermabrasion surgeries are quite effective for nose rosacea.
- Doing some home remedies. Warm water compress is believed to reduce inflammation and thus, limit swelling.
- Cutting down alcohol consumption. Alcohol is highly associated to blood vessels inflammation which can lead into an inflated nose. Alcohol is a trigger for rosacea and can promote spreading. Excessive alcohol consumption will spread facial rosacea onto the nose and eyes.
- Covering your skin from excessive sun exposure. The heat of sun exposure will also cause more allergy and inflammation. Covering your skin with sunscreen will help keeping the skin cells healthy and prevent collagen lost.
- Maintaining your stress level. High stress level does not merely cause rosacea. Instead, it also causes rosacea to spread onto the nose, eyes, chin, and chest. Hence, keeping your stress level low will help inhibiting rosacea outbreak.
- Stopping hot baths. Despite the comfort you get from having a hot bath, you might also develop skin dryness and severe rosacea. Lukewarm water is allowed with rosacea, yet hot bath or sauna might cause it to spread and heal slower.