Clean Recovery Informs Public of “Alcoholic Nose”

New Port Richey, FL – Clean Recovery Centers has released a new blog post detailing alcoholic nose signs and symptoms. By providing these educational blogs, Clean Recovery Centers has provided their communities with tools and resources to address addiction and mental health.

“Alcohol affects the body in many ways, from liver complications to heart disease, the effects of long-term drinking are often noticeable. One sign that is often not mentioned is the effect on the face and nose. When the liver processes alcohol, a chemical is released called acetaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. Because of its toxic properties, the body triggers an immune response, resulting in flushing of the skin. This is why many people experience redness in the face and nose during binge drinking.

"However, redness in the nose can become permanent as drinking becomes more frequent. Rhinophyma is a skin disorder of the nose that causes redness and a bulbous appearance. It is often referred to as end-stage rosacea and can result from the condition never being treated in the early stages,” the article reads.

Symptoms of rhinophyma include a waxy and yellowish surface, enlarged pores, redness that does not fade, thickening of the skin, and gradual enlargement of the nose. The stigma surrounding rhinophyma is that only those who have an alcohol use disorder are affected by the condition. However, there are factors such as age, gender, genetics, ethnicity, and complexion that can contribute to the development of rhinophyma.

Alcohol can cause other conditions to occur that can affect the nose. Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and rashes on the face and nose. The condition is long-term and many will see symptoms come and go throughout their life. Because rosacea is inflammatory, conditions such as sun exposure can cause flares. It is manageable, but there is no cure for rosacea. Long-term alcohol use has been seen to trigger this condition, especially in women.

“Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a condition that results in light sensitivity of the skin. Milia (small, white keratin bumps) and blistering can occur in areas that are exposed to sunlight, typically the face, nose, and hands. Long-term alcohol use is the most common cause of type 1 PCT and can also indicate a sign of liver disease.

Enlarging of the blood vessels from chronic drinking can contribute to redness, flushing, and the appearance of spider veins on the nose and face, as well as the neck and chest area. When blood vessels begin to branch off and give the look of spider legs, it can be an early indicator of liver complications,” the article continues.

Interestingly, there is no link between heavy alcohol consumption and the development of rhinophyma. There is no clear cause for the condition in general, only a link to untreated rosacea. Rosacea itself is often diagnosed in those who do not drink alcohol at all. Alcohol can cause the condition to flare, but it does not cause the initial occurrence. With the stigma surrounding these conditions and alcohol, it makes it difficult for those who do not drink to seek treatment for them.

The only way to fix an alcoholic nose is through medical intervention. Rosacea can be managed with medication or topical creams as well as with managing triggers. Stopping alcohol use can help symptoms clear and become easier to manage. Rhinophyma however does not clear up on its own and will typically involve surgical reconstruction to reshape the nose.

Clean Recovery Centers has helped hundreds to get clean, live clean, and stay clean. With facilities in Largo, Tampa, New Port Richey, Sarasota, Nokomis, and Bradenton, they have established themselves as the leading provider of addiction and mental health treatment along the Suncoast. Their unique, three-phase approach to treatment is unlike any in the area, and can adjust to the various needs of their clients.

For those who want to learn more about Clean Recovery Centers, call (888) 330-2532 or visit their website.