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Jan 11, 2018 · What Is a 'W.C. Fields' Nose? Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR. Last Editorial Review: 1/11/2018. Ask the experts. What was wrong with W.C. Fields' nose? Doctor's response. The American entertainer of vaudeville and the movies, W.C. Fields (1880-1946), had rosacea with rhinophyma (ryno-fee-ma).
Sep 4, 2019 · The red, swollen and bumpy nose of rhinophyma (pronounced “rye-no-FY-muh”) was long associated in popular discourse with heavy alcohol consumption; it’s been historically referred to as drinker’s nose, and W.C. Fields referred to the bumps on his trademark nose as “gin blossoms.”
Mar 25, 2020 · Rhinophyma (bulbous nose)* Prominent scar formation from cyst lesions. Both rosacea and acne vulgaris are cosmetically embarrassing disorders. Flushing and blushing are common early symptoms of rosacea. Skin involvement is limited to the central facial areas—nose, cheeks, forehead, chin.
- Get a clear diagnosis: Rhinophyma is a more advanced form of rosacea, 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.
- Get treatment: Early intervention can slow rhinophyma and minimize its appearance. This can reduce the need for more extensive treatment to remove excess skin and reshape the nose.
- Using medications and surgery: Once the skin has become thicker, only removal can reduce it. Depending on the extent, dermatologists can remove excess skin with different surgical techniques, including lasers.
- Stick with post-treatment “musts”: Number one? 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.
May 8, 1990 · Movie audiences may enjoy the humor of W.C. Fields, but few would envy his looks. The bulbous Fields nose was a classic symptom of rosacea, a chronic disease that primarily affects the skin of the face. "Rosacea has several different components," said Dr. Melissa K. Clements, a dermatologist.
May 22, 2023 · Left untreated, advanced stages of rosacea can cause a disfiguring nose condition called rhinophyma (ryno-fy-ma), literally, growth of the nose, characterized by a bulbous, enlarged red nose and puffy cheeks (like the classic comedian W.C. Fields).
Nov 6, 2020 · The late comedian W.C. Fields was famous for his red, bulbous nose, which was due to rosacea—and for enjoying alcohol. That may have fueled the cause-and-effect perception. Fields reportedly called the red bumpiness on his nose “gin blossoms.” Rhinophyma has also been called “whiskey nose,” “rum nose,” or “drinker’s nose.”
