Phymatous rosacea – A rare subtype of rosacea
Phymatous rosacea also known as Rhinophyma rosacea is a rare disfiguring disease that affects the nose. Other phymas include otophyma (it affects the ears), metophyma (it affects the forehead), gnathophyma (it affects the chin), and blepharophyma (eyelids).
There are 4 types of rhinophyma that include fibrous, glandular, fibroangiomatous, and actinic.
Phymatous rosacea was thought to be caused by heavy alcohol use, but phymatous occurs equally in people who do not use alcohol and those who drink heavily. The only problem is that it is much more common in men than in women.
Table of Contents
What causes Phymatous rosacea?
- Inflammation
- Cytokines
- Growth factors, and
- Blocked lymphatic drainage
What are the symptoms of Phymatous rosacea?
- Facial blushing
- Swollen bumps
- Visible veins
- Burning sensation
- Enlarged nose
- Eye symptoms
What triggers Phymatous rosacea?
- Drinking
- Hot drinks, chocolate, spicy food
- Smoking
- Stress
- Sunlight
- Extreme temperatures
- Some cosmetics
- Medicines
What is the current treatment for Phymatous rosacea?
The most common treatment for phymatous rosacea is surgical resection or electrosurgery (if it worsens). Your dermatologist may prescribe:
- Oral medication such as isotretinoin
- Topical medications like azelaic acid and retinoids
- LED light therapy
- Intense Pulse Light
- Topical and oral antibiotics such as metronidazole, sulfacetamide, tetracycline, erythromycin, and minocycline.
The most important part is to use sunscreen.