When most people think of rosacea, they likely think of reddened skin and visible blood vessels. However, other types of rosacea may cause different symptoms, such as thickening skin, or phyma. This thickened, swollen skin is caused by a type of rosacea known as phymatous rosacea.
The best way to treat phyma (which comes from the Latin word for “swelling”) is to prevent it altogether. By treating rosacea symptoms and making lifestyle changes to reduce rosacea flares, you can minimize inflammation and reduce the risk of developing phyma. Treatment may also include oral and topical medications.
Dr. Henry is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in New York City, and a clinical instructor at Weill Cornell Medical College.
References
Aferzon, M., et al. Excision of rhinophyma with high-frequency electrosurgery. Dermatologic Surgery.
MedlinePlus. (2022). Rhinophyma.
Meier, L.E., et al. (2022). Rosacea: pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis. UpToDate.
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