Differential Diagnosis for Purple and Bulbous Nose Tip
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Rhinophyma: This is a subtype of rosacea that is characterized by a bulbous, enlarged, and purple nose tip. It is more common in males and is often associated with other symptoms of rosacea, such as flushing and acne-like lesions.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Rosacea: While not as specific as rhinophyma, rosacea can cause redness, swelling, and a bulbous appearance of the nose, which may be mistaken for a purple discoloration.
- Lupus pernio: This is a type of cutaneous sarcoidosis that can cause purple lesions on the nose, although it is less common than rhinophyma.
- Do Not Miss
- Basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma: Although less likely, these skin cancers can cause lesions on the nose that may appear purple or bulbous. Missing a diagnosis of skin cancer could have serious consequences.
- Granuloma faciale: This is a rare condition that can cause purple lesions on the face, including the nose, and can be mistaken for other conditions.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: While lupus pernio is a form of sarcoidosis, systemic sarcoidosis can also cause skin lesions, including on the nose.
- Angiosarcoma: This is a rare and aggressive skin cancer that can cause purple lesions on the face, including the nose.
- Cryoglobulinemia: This is a rare condition that can cause purple lesions on the face and nose due to the formation of cryoglobulins, which are proteins that precipitate in cold temperatures.