ALBERTSON, N.Y. (PRWEB)
December 11, 2020

Princess Diana’s gossamer beauty – recreated in Netflix’s “The Crown” – could not seem further from the wisecracking Depression-era actor W.C. Fields. “But they shared a common trait,” notes Christina Smitley, a certified family nurse practitioner specializing in dermatology with Advanced Dermatology PC. “Both suffered from rosacea, with the bulbous-nosed Fields exhibiting the severe form of the disease known as ‘rhinophyma.’”

According to the not-for-profit National Rosacea Society, about 16 million people in the United States suffer from rosacea, a chronic skin condition that typically starts as occasional facial flushing but can progress to permanently reddened and damaged skin.

“Overall, most rosacea patients are adult women,” observes Smitley. “But with rhinophyma, far more men are affected.”

Researchers continue to explore the causes of rosacea, which appears to be a misfire of the body’s neurovascular and immune systems.

“Over time,” explains Smitley, “the frequency of blushing or facial flushing can increase, and the redness can become permanent. Some patients’ skin may become more sensitive. Others may experience changes that include acne-like breakouts, swelling, or visible blood vessels.”

“And in cases of ‘phyma,’” Smitley continues, “it progresses to thickening skin, which becomes bumpy and oily. Most often, this occurs on the nose, hence the name ‘rhinophyma.’”

Left untreated, those afflicted with rosacea can face serious challenges. The National Rosacea Society reports that seventy percent say the condition negatively impacts their personal and professional lives, contributing to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

“In particular,” states Smitley, “rhinophyma can carry a toll, as it has been inaccurately linked with alcoholism. W.C. Fields’ hard-drinking persona may have contributed to that misperception – which is incorrect and can further distress patients. In addition to the emotional and psychological burden of rhinophyma, if left unaddressed, it can interfere with breathing.”

“Rhinophyma,” emphasizes Smitley, “responds well to treatment. And the sooner patients start, the more quickly they can reclaim their appearance, control symptoms – and prevent rosacea from disrupting their lives.”

With that in mind, Smitley offers the following tips:

5 Tips to Successfully Treat Rhinophyma:

1. Get a clear diagnosis: “Rhinophyma is a more advanced form of rosacea,” notes Smitley, “appearing after earlier symptoms, so patients may already have a diagnosis. That said, it’s important that the skin be evaluated for other conditions, including skin cancer, which can co-occur in the affected area.”

2. Treat ASAP: “Early intervention,” emphasizes Smitley, “can slow rhinophyma and minimize its appearance. This can reduce the need for more extensive treatment to remove excess skin and reshape the nose.”

3. Understand the roles of meds and surgery: “Once the skin has become thicker,” says Smitley, “only removal can reduce it. Depending on the extent, dermatologists can remove excess skin with different surgical techniques, including lasers. Medications, in particular isotretinoin, can play an important role in slowing ongoing thickening, and may be prescribed after surgery to help block reoccurrence. With isotretinoin, it’s important patients fully understand potentially serious side effects so they can make an informed decision.”

4. Stick with post-treatment ‘musts’: “Number one?” Smitley states. “Always avoid the sun: SPF 30, protective clothing, seeking shade. Next? ID your triggers: Possibilities include temperature extremes, spicy foods, hot beverages, alcohol, certain medications, stress, health and beauty products. These can all spark flares that contribute to reoccurrence. The National Rosacea Society’s website has a diary booklet patients can use to record exposures and identify those they are susceptible to. Your skin specialist can help you evaluate your individual triggers.”

5. Make self-care skin-friendly: “Your dermatologist,” advises Smitley, “can help you choose health and beauty products that avoid ‘trigger’ ingredients like menthol, camphor, or sodium lauryl sulfate, as well as provide guidance in following a careful skin-care routine: Cleansing is important, but it must be gentle. And moisturizing is a must, with a “friendly” cream that steers clear of irritants.”

“Restorative treatments and supportive care,” concludes Smitley, “give patients tools to control rhinophyma so that they can feel empowered in their lives.”

Bio: Christina Smitley, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner with Advanced Dermatology pc, is board-certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (New York & New Jersey) is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. http://www.advanceddermatologypc.com