Rosacea is a chronic inflammation that occurs on the skin of the face. It usually appears between the ages of 30 and 50.
Rosacea results in blushing, enlarged blood vessels in the surface of the skin, red pimple-like bumps, and the thickening of the skin's oil glands. It primarily occurs over the middle face, nose, and cheeks.
Symptoms of rosacea commonly include the following: Inflamed, acne-like bumps are usually superficial but may be deep and painful. Some of the bumps may contain pus.The inner cheeks and the skin across the bridge of the nose have a red, flushed look. The redness may also extend to the lower forehead and the chin, as well as the entire cheek area.Oil glands in the skin on the nose thicken.The skin on the cheeks and nose are mildly swollen.Tiny blood vessels on the face are swollen.
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. This disorder is common in people with fair skin, from Northern European ethnic backgrounds. A person with rosacea often has a history of reddened skin and acne, or pimples.
Rosacea is usually unavoidable in most people. However, certain trigger factors that may worsen the condition can be avoided. These include: alcoholic beveragesanxiety and stress that cause flushingcaffeineexcessive rubbing or scrubbing of the faceexposure to heat and sunlighthot, spicy foodssome cosmetics and facial products
The condition is diagnosed by its appearance.
The main effect of rosacea is disfigurement due to scarring. This is particularly true in men, who are prone to develop thickened tissue on the nose. In serious cases, the eyes may be involved, and that may cause vision problems. The person may suffer emotionally from having a chronic skin disorder.
There are no risks to others, as this condition is not contagious.
Treatment of rosacea may include: laser removal of the enlarged blood vesselsmetronidazole (i.e., Noritate, MetroCream, MetroGel, MetroLotion), corticosteroids, or sulfur-based cream applied directly to the affected skinoral antibiotics, especially tetracycline (i.e., Sumycin) or minocycline (i.e., Minocin, Solodyn)oral isotretinoin (i.e., Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret)
Side effects depend on the type of treatment chosen. Side effects are minimal with topical medicines or low doses of tetracycline, but may include allergic reactions and stomach upset.
All visible signs of the skin condition may clear up with treatment. However, the general redness of the skin and easy flushing may not go away. Use of sunscreen outdoors can reduce the risk of further irritation of the skin.
The appearance of the skin can be monitored. Eye involvement may require frequent examination by an eye specialist if vision is affected. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare professional.
