For years, Gerard McAliece’s nose swelled, over and over again, until it covered his mouth. At 68 years old, this Scottish grandfather no longer dared to go out, or even kiss his wife. Gerard ended up cutting himself off from those close to him. Everything changed when a clinic agreed to operate on him.
Behind this spectacular case lies a well-identified pathology: rhinophyma, often called “strawberry nose”. This is the most severe form of rosacea, a chronic inflammatory disease of the face. Around 5% of patients treated for rosacea develop rhinophyma, mainly men over 50, according to SkinThera.
Rhinophyma: when a strawberry nose makes you lose confidence
Rhinophyma manifests as a thickened, bumpy, red nose, with enlarged pores and sometimes visible vessels. The evolution is slow, over years, but the volume can become spectacular. Men are much more affected than women, with ratios of up to 30 to 1 in certain series, which reinforces the looks.
Contrary to popular belief, this “big red nose” is not a sign of chronic alcoholism. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director, recalls that it is a real dermatological disease, potentially disturbing for breathing. But the shock is above all psychological: mockery, shame, avoidance of photos, withdrawal.
Treatment of rhinophyma: medications, CO2 laser and surgery
Treatment often begins early, at the stage of rosacea, to try to slow down the progression. Dermatologists use oral antibiotics such as cyclins or metronidazole, sometimes retinoids such as isotretinoin, to calm inflammation and enlarged glands. Vascular lasers target redness and vessels, especially in beginner forms.
When the nose becomes very large and asymmetrical, the treatment of rhinophyma becomes mainly mechanical. SkinThera specifies that surgery is then preferred outside of flare-ups. Dr Gérald Kierzek underlines, for Doctissimo, that. In Gerard’s case, the excess skin was removed in a four-hour operation.
After treated rhinophyma: breathing, social life and confidence regained
Healing depends on the extent of the procedure. The dermatologist interviewed by NewBeauty describes approximately 4 to 7 days of healing for mild forms, compared to 10 to 14 days when remodeling is significant. He summarizes: .
For Gerard, the change was immediate. His nose remains imposing, but on a human scale. Above all, he finally dares to go out, see his grandchildren again, sit at a restaurant. He confides to Doctissimo: .
Is rhinophyma linked to alcohol?
No, this is a severe form of rosacea, with no evidence of a direct link to alcohol.
What are the main treatments for rhinophyma?
Anti-inflammatory drugs, vascular or ablative lasers, and nasal remodeling surgery in advanced forms.
How long does healing take after rhinophyma treatment?
Often 4 to 7 days for mild forms, up to two weeks for the most severe.
Sources
- Doctissimo
“His nose kept getting so big that it stopped him from kissing his wife. This extreme case of “strawberry nose” which astonishes even medicine”
