Possible early rhinophyma? Biopsy confirmed phymatous changes. Second opinion said not rhinophyma but inflammatory rosacea.

Question

Only on nose which is now swelling at the tip badly, is flushing, inflamed, very oily, has blackheads & many broken veins. Rest of my face is clear. In perimenopause & symptoms have gotten dramatically worse in past year. What treatment is recommended for the oiliness, pore reduction, inflammation, redness and burning painful swelling. It is deforming the tip of my nose. Meds? Laser? IPL? Would manual lymph drainage help decrease the now permanently swollen tip?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you appear to have a porous and red nasal tip appearance, and this may be consistent with rosacea. Rosacea, untreated, may lead to rhinophyma. Please consider meeting with a cosmetic dermatologist. Much of the redness may be improved upon with either intense pulse light, or a pulsed Dye Laser. There are other medications that may be used as well to control the progression of rosacea. Wishing you all moving forward. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

There are many treatments for this condition. Both diagnoses are similar. I would suggest starting with a dermatologist (I am not a dermatologist) to help you evaluate and treat the condition. They can use light treatment, topical medication and even oral medication. Start with standard therapy such as Metrogel and move up to treatments such as BBL that is not covered by insurance. Best of luck!

Dr Patel

Dr Patel

Possible early rhinophyma? Biopsy confirmed phymatous changes. Second opinion said not rhinophyma but inflammatory rosacea.

Answers (2)