Alcohol Red Nose: Why Do So Many Drinkers Have Red Noses?
Being able to recognize the symptoms can help people take that first step toward treatment and avoid letting the condition progress any further. Many people with rhinophyma feel misunderstood or judged based on how they look. Some even avoid getting medical help because they worry others will assume they have a drinking problem. When treatment is delayed, the condition can become more severe and harder to manage, which is why clearing up the confusion matters. When someone has Rhinophyma, the blood vessels under the skin of their nose usually break and give the skin a red and swollen appearance.
Sign up for text support
More severe rhinophyma may get worse from drinking any kind of alcohol, and symptoms might get progressively worse. However, rosacea has other causes and alcoholic nose is more common in people with these predispositions. This is known commonly as ‘alcoholic nose’ and is an upsetting and concerning side effect of drinking too much. If you are trying to overcome a skin condition like rosacea, you should see a dermatologist. They can help you treat skin conditions and teach you natural ways to manage your symptoms. Oral antibiotics can be used if you have any infected cysts or pustules from acne, rosacea, or sun exposure.
Enlarged Pores
A dermatologist can accurately diagnose rhinophyma and rosacea and recommend appropriate treatments. A primary care physician can assess overall health and discuss concerns related to alcohol consumption. A landmark 2017 study reported a positive association between alcohol intake and rosacea in women. The research highlighted the increased risk of rosacea with increasing alcohol consumption.
What is an Alcoholic Nose? Debunking the Myths of Rhinophyma
For some individuals with alcohol addiction, it can be more effective to enroll in a treatment program outside of their local community. This way, they are not bombarded with social pressures and stigma close to home. Medical advice for rosacea treatment includes risk factors people can avoid to lessen their instance of flare-ups, which may include some lifestyle changes. The association between alcohol abuse and rosacea can be traumatizing for some people with rosacea. However, a scientific study that came out in 2015 at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine dismantled the theory that alcohol abuse and alcoholic nose are connected. At Recovery Guide, our mission is to connect as many individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders to reputable treatment facilities.
Treatments for rhinophyma or “alcoholic nose”
At Alamo Behavioral Health, we understand that the cost of rehab often discourages people from seeking help. That’s why our goal is to make rehab accessible through a variety of rehab insurance coverage plans we have on offer. We invite you to learn more about them and let our team help you find the right insurance option for you or your loved one. Harriet Garfoot BA, MA has an Undergraduate degree in Education Studies and English, and a Master’s degree in English Literature, from Bishop Grosseteste University.
Direct Effects of Alcohol on Facial Appearance:
However, if severe cases are left untreated, it can cause disfigurement. Treatment for basal cell carcinoma usually involves surgery to remove the affected tissue. If you or someone you love is alcoholic nose pictures struggling with alcoholism, getting help as soon as possible is essential. Alcohol addiction is a serious condition that can lead to health, relationship, and financial problems. The truth is that studies have shown there is very little, if any, connection between alcohol use and rhinophyma.
Alcohol as a Trigger Factor

Regular alcohol consumption may contribute to the progression of rosacea symptoms over time, potentially accelerating the development of rhinophyma in susceptible individuals. However, it’s important to note that many heroin addiction other factors can trigger rosacea, including spicy foods, hot beverages, sun exposure, stress, and certain medications. Of course, avoiding alcohol isn’t always easy—especially for long-term drinkers.
- Moreover, certain types of alcohol, like red wine, are more likely to trigger rosacea than others.
- In advanced cases, the skin may grow so much that it starts to interfere with breathing, eyesight, or facial movement.
- Circulation, immune response, and skin type all influence how severe the condition becomes.
- The term “alcoholic nose” itself carries a significant stigma, regardless of the individual’s actual drinking habits or the true cause of their rhinophyma.
- An alcohol red nose is one of the most tell-tale signs of a problem with alcohol.
What Is Alcoholic Nose or Drinker’s Nose?
While some people may experience flushing or redness when they consume alcohol, this doesn’t mean those people all suffer from rhinophyma. Wrong assumptions based on similar traits, such as flushed skin after drinking, have led to misinformation about the true causes of the condition. When blood vessels burst, it makes the blood visible under the surface of the skin, leading to skin redness.

This chemical makes the blood vessels open more than other alcoholic drinks, resulting in abnormally high blood flow. As such, drinkers with rosacea should avoid red wine if they want to keep flare-ups to a minimum. Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is another indicator https://unlocklat.am/blog/goodbye-letter-to-alcohol-template-download/ of liver disease and is most commonly caused by alcohol use disorder. The symptoms of PCT include fragile skin, blistering, photosensitivity, crusts, milia (small white bumps), scleroderma (hardened skin), erosions, and hypertrichosis (increased hair growth). In people with long-term excessive alcohol consumption, this discoloration may also reflect broader health concerns. High blood pressure, in particular, puts added stress on small facial blood vessels, contributing to darker or purplish tones.