Rosacea

“Rosacea is a chronic progressive skin disorder which is characterized by extreme sensitivity, inflammation and redness…”

What is it?

Rosacea (row-zay-sha) is a chronic skin condition that affects mainly the face. The first signs of rosacea may be redness or blushing that comes and goes initially. Over time, the redness may become persistent and more visible. The most common sites for symptoms are the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Sometimes, rosacea may involve the eyes as well, and include symptoms such as blood-shot eyes that feel gritty. Over half of rosacea sufferers may experience eye symptoms.

Rosacea is a chronic progressive skin disorder which is characterized by extreme sensitivity, inflammation and redness (leaky vessels), rapid loss of collagen and elastin, increased visibility of blood vessels, swollen and painful or acneic skin. The skin becomes hyper-responsive and sensitive to an external and internal stimulus such as alcohol, UV exposure, artificial cosmetics, heat and extreme temperature changes.

The treatment strategy for Rosacea includes repairing the skin barrier, calming inflammation, rebuilding the dermis, restoring antioxidants, increasing circulation and repairing broken capillaries.

FAQ

What are the symptoms of Rosacea

Bumps, tiny pus-filled pimples, and enlarged blood vessels can also appear, giving skin a rough, uneven appearance. Rosacea symptoms can vary from one person to another, and there is no predicting severity. There is no known cure for rosacea, although it can be managed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.

WHAT ARE THE EXTREME SYMPTOMS?

Rarely, rosacea symptoms can be severe enough that the skin tissue of the nose becomes thick, swollen, and bumpy (called rhinophyma). It is characterized by thick, red bumps around and on the nose, which develop when the oil-producing glands and the surrounding connective tissues becoming enlarged.

This is a more severe form of rosacea that occurs mostly when it remains untreated. Rhinophyma develops in some men who have rosacea, and very rarely in women with rosacea.

Who can get Rosacea

Rosacea usually develops in adults between ages 30 and 50. It affects both men and women, although it seems to affect more women and more severe cases seem to occur in men.

It tends to affect people with fair skin, such as those of northern and eastern European descent (for example Celtic, English, and Scottish), although rosacea can develop in those of any skin type.

What can trigger Rosacea?

A number of lifestyles factors can cause rosacea to flare up. These triggers vary from person to person, so it is both important and helpful to find out which ones make your rosacea symptoms flare up. Knowing this can help you to better manage your condition and to avoid things that can potentially aggravate your skin.

Common rosacea triggers are cosmetic products with fragrance, alcohols, abrasives or other irritating ingredients. Choose only gentle products.

Food and Drinks: Hot drinks, such as soup and hot chocolate caffeinated beverages, such as tea or coffee spicy seasonings such as pepper, paprika, red pepper and cayenne, alcohol, especially red wine.

Intense exercise by overheating the body can trigger flushing, divide vigorous exercises into shorter sessions. Stay cool while working out.

Certain medications that cause flushing can cause flare-ups. Drugs such as ACE-inhibitors and some cholesterol-lowering drugs (i.e. niacin) may play a role. Extended use of prescription-strength cortisone creams on the face can worsen rosacea symptoms.

Stress, or emotional upset, is one of the most common triggers associated with rosacea flare-ups. Manage stress by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, deep breathing and stretching, and eating a healthy diet.

Extremely hot or cold weather exposure to wind, hot baths, showers and saunas, UV exposure wear sun protection (SPF 30 or higher) daily. Sunblock may be better for people with sensitive skin. Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Different Types of Forms

There are four forms of rosacea, which are defined by the following range of symptoms:

Mild (Erythematotelangiectatic): The main symptoms are facial flushing and redness, which may be present only sometimes. In addition, there may some swelling, burning and stinging, roughness, and visible red blood vessels.

Moderate (Papulopustular): This is a more advanced form of rosacea that is marked by persistent redness and pimple like bumps (often mistaken for acne), as well as burning and stinging.

Severe (Phymatous): In some individuals, rosacea may affect the nose, causing the skin tissue to thicken (giving an enlarged appearance) and become bumpy. This advanced form of rosacea is called rhinophyma.

Ocular rosacea In addition to skin symptoms, rosacea may also affect the eyes and eyelids. It may cause redness to the surrounding skin tissue but also burning or stinging, dryness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and watery, bloodshot eyes.

When to seek help?

Seeking early treatments can help to reduce the appearance of common symptoms (e.g. redness, papules, pustules, and enlarged blood vessels) and their associated effects such as burning, stinging, dryness, and flaking.

Improving their skin condition can also help rosacea patients feel more comfortable and confident about their physical appearance. Early and ongoing treatment of rosacea can help to control symptoms and prevent worsening of the condition and the possibility of disfigurement.