ROSACEA

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. It typically begins after the age of 30 and is more common in fair-skinned individuals. While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to its development, including genetic predisposition, abnormalities in blood vessels, and immune system dysfunction.

Key features

The symptoms of rosacea can vary in severity from mild to severe and may come and go over time. Common signs and symptoms include:

Facial redness

Persistent redness, often resembling a flushed or sunburned appearance, is a hallmark of rosacea. It usually affects the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.

Flushing

Episodes of facial flushing or blushing may occur, triggered by various factors such as heat, sunlight, stress, spicy foods, or alcohol.

Visible blood vessels

Small, swollen blood vessels (telangiectasia) may become visible on the skin, particularly in the central face.

Eye problems

In some cases, rosacea can affect the eyes, causing symptoms such as dryness, irritation, burning, redness, and a gritty sensation. This condition is known as ocular rosacea.

Papules and pustules

Some individuals with rosacea experience acne-like breakouts, consisting of small red bumps (papules) or pus-filled bumps (pustules). However, these can be mistaken for acne but typically lack blackheads and whiteheads.

Thickened skin

In some cases, rosacea can progress, causing the skin on the nose to thicken and develop a bumpy texture. As a result, this condition, called rhinophyma, occurs more frequently in men.

Treatment

Topical
treatments

Prescription topical creams or gels with ingredients like metronidazole, azelaic acid, minocycline, or brimonidine effectively reduce redness, inflammation, and acne-like lesions linked to rosacea. Patients apply these medications directly to the affected skin.

Laser and light
therapies:

Various laser and light-based treatments effectively reduce redness and visible blood vessels while improving overall skin appearance. Additionally, these therapies directly target the blood vessels and excess skin pigment linked to rosacea.

Oral
medications

In more severe cases of rosacea, oral medications such as antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline) may be prescribed. Consequently, these medications help reduce inflammation and control bacterial overgrowth on the skin, which can contribute to flare-ups.

Since rosacea varies from person to person, treatment plans are personalized based on specific symptoms and individual responses. Therefore, consulting a dermatologist or healthcare professional specializing in rosacea is essential. This way, they can develop an appropriate treatment plan and ensure ongoing management of this chronic condition.