Rhinophyma is a disease characterized by the presence of masses or lumps in the nose, which grow slowly, but which when in large quantities or when very large, can cause nasal obstruction. Rhinophyma happens more in men after the age of 40 and is usually a consequence of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands, which is one of the characteristics of rosacea. Understand more about rosacea: what it is, symptoms and types.
Like rosacea, rhinophyma can be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun and excessive use of alcohol. The diagnosis is made by the dermatologist based on the clinical examination and the treatment is surgical, simple and without complications. If cancer is suspected, the tissue is sent to the laboratory for analysis of the cells.
Possible causes
The occurrence of rhinophyma can be associated with some factors that increase the chances of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands and, consequently, the appearance of lumps in the nose:
- Prolonged exposure to the sun; Excessive use of alcohol; Family history of rhinophyma; Stress.
In addition, rhinophyma can occur more easily if there is excessive consumption of caffeine and spicy foods, in addition to hormonal changes.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of rhinophyma are:
- Redness in the nose; Change in the texture of the nose; Swelling; Dilation of the pores of the nose; Appearance of fibrous tissue; Presence of lumps in the nose.
The diagnosis of rhinophyma is through clinical examination, in which the dermatologist evaluates the characteristics of the lesion. 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 nasal obstruction.
The dermatologist may consider the presence of cancer associated with rhinophyma lesions, such as basal cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer characterized by the presence of spots that grow slowly over time. In this case, in addition to the clinical diagnosis, it is necessary to perform an anatomopathological examination, in which the cells are observed in order to verify the presence or absence of malignant cells. See what it is and what are the first signs of basal cell carcinoma.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for rhinophyma is simple, guarantees good results and has no complications. In the simplest cases of rhinophyma, the dermatologist can indicate the performance of dermabrasion, 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 with diamond particles. After performing the procedure, the region is sensitive, so you should avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen to avoid darkening the skin.
In the most severe cases of rhinophyma, the doctor may indicate the performance of a more invasive procedure, which is surgical decortication, which corresponds to the complete removal of tissue from the nose, followed by dermabrasion and skin implantation.
In case of suspected cancer, the removed tissue is taken to a laboratory, where the cells will be analyzed to check for the presence or absence of tumor cells.
Homemade options
The home treatment for rhinophyma is the same as for rosacea, and can be done with aloe vera and rose water, as they have healing, moisturizing and antiseptic properties, and can be useful especially in the post-surgical period. See how to use home remedies for rosacea.
