by Dawn R. Cole

Created on: October 02, 2008   Last Updated: October 10, 2008

Rosacea is a benign, chronic skin disease that commonly affects the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. It can also manifest in the eyes, on the back, chest, neck, ears, and scalp. Typically, Rosacea is found in fair-skinned adults between the ages of 30-50 and, though it is diagnosed more frequently in women, the affects are normally more severe in men.

There is no cure for Rosacea but early diagnosis and treatment can help to manage and control the symptoms.

THE 4 SUB-TYPES OF ROSACEA AND ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS:

1. Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea = the most common form of the disease involving inflamed pink or red skin patches (plaques) that look like you are blushing, flushed, or sunburned. You may feel a burning or stinging sensation, accompanied by skin that is rough or dry. Enlarged, spider-like blood vessels, known as telangectasia, become visible just under the skin.

2. Papulopustular Rosacea = sometimes called "acne rosacea," causes pimples or bumps to appear within the red patches. They can erupt and result in oozing lesions.

3. Phymatous Rosacea = thickening of the skin that produces bulbous nose growth and enlargement, known as rhinopyma.

4. Ocular Rosacea = watery, bloodshot or dry eyes, burning irritation, swollen eyelids, and reoccurring sty problems. Rosacea keratitis is a serious complication and, if left untreated, can result in potential corneal damage, vision loss and blindness.

ROSACEA TREATMENTS:

1. Oral medications = normally prescribed for lesions, facial flushing and rhinophyma. Many are commonly used as an acne rosacea treatment and include antibiotics like: tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, ampicillin and metronidazole.

2. Topical therapy = gels, ointments, antibacterial washes, and rosacea cleansers. Short-term steroids (cortisone) can also be used to reduce inflammation, as well as Glycolic-acid peels.

3. Laser and photodynamic therapy (PDT) = useful in diminishing facial redness or visible blood vessels. (Multiple treatments are necessary and not normally covered by insurance plans.)

4. Surgery = if left untreated, the bulbous growths that affect the nose can become disfiguring.

5. Ocular Rosacea = requires an ophthalmologist to prescribe eye drops, containing steroids and antibiotics.

If you suffer from any of the listed symptoms of Rosacea,
early diagnosis is essential in providing treatment options to address and relieve the physical and cosmetic symptoms associated with this disease. Ocular Rosacea symptoms pose the greatest threat because, if untreated, you could suffer irreparable damage to your vision.

Learn more about this author, Dawn R. Cole.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.