Differential Diagnosis for Large Nose Rosacea
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Rhinophyma: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the characteristic large, red, and bulbous nose appearance, which is a subtype of rosacea. It is more common in men and typically occurs after years of having rosacea.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Acne: Although not typically causing a large nose, severe acne can lead to significant inflammation and scarring, potentially altering the nose's appearance.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition can cause redness and inflammation on the nose, but it usually doesn't result in the significant enlargement seen in rhinophyma.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma: Although less likely, these skin cancers can present with lesions on the nose and, if left untreated, can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
- Sarcoidosis: This systemic disease can cause skin lesions, including on the nose, and if not diagnosed, can lead to serious complications affecting multiple organ systems.
- Rare diagnoses
- Neurofibromatosis: This genetic disorder can cause tumors to grow on nerve tissue, potentially leading to a large nose appearance due to neurofibromas, but this is much rarer than rhinophyma.
- Hemangioma: A benign tumor made up of blood vessels that can occur on the nose, potentially causing enlargement, but this is less common in adults and typically presents earlier in life.