The skin on the nose can become uneven, lumpy and shiny with large pores. The tip of the nose in particular becomes enlarged, and the skin can become red-purple with obvious blood vessels. It can be pustules and pimples. Some have previously called this "port wine nose" or "potato nose".
It is a type of sebaceous gland disease, and a variant of the disease rosacea. For unknown reasons, there is a growth of the sebaceous glands and the surrounding tissue. The actual cartilage and bones in the nose do not grow. It has not been proven that alcohol is a cause of this. Rhinophym does not predispose to skin cancer.
Creams used for rosacea can help and sometimes tablets too. The most effective treatment is carried out by a dermatologist or surgeon using a knife or laser. Outer parts of the skin on the nose are removed and an attempt is made to recreate the natural shape of the nose.