Rosacea
Are you experiencing regular, easier-than-normal blushing or flushing? It could be rosacea, a chronic skin condition frequently undiagnosed and often mistaken for acne. Fair-skinned people may be more susceptible, but this medical issue can arise in any complexion.
Don’t delay; get the proper diagnosis and treatment so you can feel your best.
Primarily impacting the face – cheeks, forehead, chin and nose – it is not uncommon for rosacea to extend to the neck and chest. This chronic inflammatory condition usually manifests itself through recurring episodes of facial redness caused by dilated blood vessels, tiny bumps and spots resembling pus-filled acne. It can also cause a burning or stinging sensation and make the skin feel hot and sensitive.
While it is true that women are far more likely than men to be affected by this skin disorder, in males, its severity may be greater upon manifestation. Rosacea can affect anyone. More commonly, however, it is seen in young adults whose faces become ruddier and more persistent over time, with visible blood vessels also appearing. If not treated quickly, bumps and pimples will form – even worse for men who could experience a swollen nose due to excess tissue. As much as 50% of the affected individuals also have eye-related issues, such as feeling irritated or red eyes from wateriness or broken capillaries.
All this considered shows how vital early detection and treatment are for those afflicted by rosacea. Although there is no cure for rosacea, treatments are available to help, manage, control the symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Rosacea?
The specific cause of rosacea is still a mystery, though scientists believe that genetics, immune system irregularities and environmental factors contribute. When someone experiences an episode of rosacea, the blood vessels in their facial skin expand or dilate, causing a burning or stinging sensation and making the skin feel hot and sensitive.
Numerous triggers, such as food and drink, physical activity, extreme temperatures or stress, can aggravate rosacea. Alcohol is the most commonly reported trigger, while spicy foods containing cinnamaldehyde (e.g., tomatoes and citrus fruits), hot beverages and histamine-rich items like aged cheese have also been known to provoke flare-ups in those with rosacea who are sensitive to them. Additionally, exposure to sunlight has proven a problematic factor for many sufferers of this skin condition.
What Are the Types of Rosacea?
Every subtype of rosacea has its distinct set of signs. There are four types in total, they include:
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), the first subtype of this condition, causes redness and flushing on the face with visible blood vessels. Additionally, people may experience many other uncomfortable symptoms such as sensitive skin, swelling, stinging sensations, intense burning sensations that worsen when exposed to certain substances and dryness accompanied by rough patches on the surface of the skin.
- Papulopustular rosacea, also called acne rosacea, is commonly seen in middle-aged women. Along with very red and oily patches on the skin that are often raised and sensitive to touch, patients may observe broken blood vessels. Acne-like breakouts can occur, making this form of rosacea quite challenging for those suffering from it.
- Rhinophyma, the rarest of all rosacea subtypes, is commonly seen in men and has signs like thickened skin on the nose area and bumpiness on other facial regions such as the chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears. Additionally, broken blood vessels which appear visible may be present alongside large pores.
- Ocular rosacea: is characterised by its effects on the eye area. Those with ocular rosacea may experience a range of symptoms, including broken blood vessels on eyelids, watery and reddened eyes, burning or stinging sensations in the eyes, dryness and itchiness around the eyes as well as cysts located near them. They may also find themselves more sensitive to light than usual, and affected vision can become impaired over time.
What Are the Treatment Options for Rosacea?
As the signs and symptoms of rosacea can differ significantly in terms of both subtype and severity, it is essential that treatment be tailored to meet each patient’s specific needs. While there is no cure for rosacea, it can be managed with a combination of treatments, which may include:
- Topical treatments: These are medications that are applied directly to the skin. Topical treatments for rosacea include metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin, and brimonidine. They reduce inflammation and redness and can help control the small bumps associated with rosacea.
- Oral medications: For more severe cases of rosacea, oral medications may be prescribed. These include antibiotics, isotretinoin, and low-dose doxycycline. They reduce inflammation and control the bacterial overgrowth that can contribute to rosacea.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy can be used to reduce redness, broken blood vessels, and the appearance of small bumps. Laser therapy can also be used to improve the texture and tone of the skin.
- Avoiding triggers: Certain triggers can aggravate and worsen rosacea symptoms. These include sun exposure, hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, and stress. Avoiding these triggers can help to manage rosacea symptoms.
- Skincare: Gentle skin care is essential for managing rosacea. This routine includes using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturisers and avoiding harsh scrubs or exfoliants. Sun protection is also crucial, as sun exposure can worsen rosacea symptoms.
It is important to work with a dermatologist to develop a customised treatment plan for rosacea, as the severity and presentation of rosacea can vary widely from person to person.
Dr Miller is here to help
Dr. Natalia Miller
Struggling with rosacea? Dr Miller can help you improve the condition and keep it under control.
To diagnose your condition, Dr Miller will inspect your skin and eyes and ask questions pertinent to the diagnosis process. Suppose another medical issue has similar symptoms or appears likely instead of rosacea; she may recommend various tests like lupus screenings or allergy testing to rule this out before concluding.
Once you are diagnosed with rosacea, Dr Miller will discuss your treatment choices. Although there is no absolute cure for this condition, treatments are available to provide relief and improve the appearance of skin affected by rosacea.
Reduce (or eliminate) signs of rosacea on your skin
Ease your discomfort
Prevent rosacea from worsening
To reduce redness, she may prescribe medication tailored to your needs. To begin with, taking topical or oral medications can help bring the condition back into control; in the long run, an anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary for keeping it under restraint.
If needed, lasers, intense pulsed light sources or other medical and surgical tools can be used to get rid of visible blood vessels or reshape the nose in order to restore its natural beauty.