Alcohol Drinkers Nose (Red / Purple Bulbous Nose Pictures)

Many people think drinking a lot of alcohol can change the way your nose looks. For this reason, the condition is often called alcohol nose or alcoholic nose. What does a purple nose indicate, though?

This guide explores rhinophyma – the clinical term for a red or purple nose – and outlines its causes and effects. You will also discover how to connect with evidence-based treatment for alcohol abuse.

What Is an Alcoholic Nose?

An alcoholic nose is a term people use to describe a swollen, red, or purple nose which they think comes from heavy drinking. The medical name for this condition is rhinophyma. It is part of a skin disorder called rosacea, which makes blood vessels in the face swell. 

While alcohol can make rosacea worse, it is not the main cause of rhinophyma.

Is It the same as Whiskey Nose, Drinkers Nose, and Beer Nose?

Yes, alcoholic nose is also known by other names like alcoholism nose, alcoholic red nose, whiskey nose, drinker’s nose, and beer nose. These names all describe the same condition where the nose becomes red, swollen, and bumpy. People often use these terms to suggest that the nose’s appearance is due to heavy drinking, even though alcohol is not the main cause of this condition.

Causes of Rhinophyma or “Alcoholic Nose”

Rhinophyma, often called alcoholic nose, has several causes, but heavy drinking is not among the main purple nose causes.

• Rosacea: The leading cause of rhinophyma is rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition which triggers redness and highly visible blood vessels on the face. Over time, it can lead to thickened skin and bumps, especially on the nose. This condition affects the blood vessels in the skin, making them expand and become more visible. As the condition worsens, it can cause the skin on the nose to grow thicker and more bulbous.

• Genetic factors: Genetics also play a major role in developing rhinophyma. If you have a family history of rosacea or other skin conditions, you are more susceptible to developing rhinophyma. People with fair skin – especially those of Celtic or Northern European descent – are more prone to rosacea and, by extension, rhinophyma.

• Age and gender: Rhinophyma is more common in men than women, and it usually appears in men between the ages of 50 and 70. Hormonal differences might explain why men are more affected. Androgens – male hormones – could contribute to the thickening of the skin on the nose. Women can develop rosacea, but they are less likely to progress to rhinophyma.

• Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors can provoke rosacea and make it worse, leading to rhinophyma over time. These triggers include sun exposure, temperature extremes, and wind.

• Lifestyle factors: Some lifestyle factors can aggravate rosacea and contribute to the development of rhinophyma. Spicy foods, hot drinks, and caffeine can trigger rosacea flare-ups. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding these triggers can help manage the condition. High stress levels can make rosacea worse. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and adequate sleep can help control symptoms. While exercise is healthy, very intense workouts can cause flushing and make rosacea symptoms worse. Gentle exercise might be a better option for those with rosacea.

• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing rhinophyma. Infections that last a long time can cause inflammation and make the skin condition worse. A weakened immune system can make it harder for the body to fight off skin conditions like rosacea.

• Alcohol’s role: While it does not cause rhinophyma, alcohol can worsen rosacea symptoms in some people. Alcohol causes blood vessels to expand, which can lead to redness and flushing. This is why people often associate a red nose with heavy drinking. However, not everyone who drinks alcohol will develop rosacea or rhinophyma, and not everyone with these conditions drinks alcohol.

What Does Alcoholic Nose Look Like?

An alcoholic red nose – rhinophyma – has a distinct appearance. The nose looks red, swollen, and bumpy. These changes happen over time and make the nose look very different from a normal, healthy nose.

Characteristics

These are the main characteristics of a red nose from drinking or other causes like rosacea:

• Redness: One of the main signs of an alcoholic nose is redness. The nose can look very red, especially at the tip and on the sides. Red nose alcohol happens because the blood vessels in the skin are enlarged and closer to the surface.

• Swelling: Swelling is another common feature of an alcoholic nose. The nose can become larger and puffier. This swelling is due to the thickening of the skin and the buildup of tissue.

• Bumps and lumps: Rhinophyma causes the nose to develop bumps and lumps. These can make the nose look uneven and bumpy. The lumps are made up of extra skin and tissue that has grown over time.

• Bulbous shape: The nose often looks round and swollen. The tip of the nose can become very large and bulbous, giving it a distinctive appearance.

• Visible oil glands: With rhinophyma, the oil glands in the nose become more visible. This can make the skin look shiny and oily. These glands produce more oil than usual, adding to the swollen look.

• Thickened skin: The skin on the nose becomes thicker with rhinophyma. This thickened skin can feel rough and bumpy to the touch. It can also make the nose look larger and more pronounced.

• Purple tint: In some cases, the nose can take on a purple tint. This happens because the blood vessels are so close to the surface of the skin. The purple color is more noticeable in colder weather when blood flow changes.

• Enlarged pores: The pores on the nose can become enlarged and more visible. This makes the skin look rough and uneven. The enlarged pores can also contribute to the bumpy texture of the skin.

• Gradual changes: These changes happen gradually over time. At first, the nose might just look a little red or swollen. As the condition progresses, though, the changes become more noticeable and severe.

Alcoholic Nose Pictures

Here is an alcoholic nose picture for your reference. Keep in mind that drinkers nose pictures may not all be triggered by alcohol use, despite the name often used to describe rhinophyma.