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Rosacea: A Dermatological Mystery

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition, characterized by marked facial redness, that may be mistaken for acne, a skin allergy, eczema or the excessive use of alcohol.

The symptoms of rosacea include the following:

Red blotchy areas on face

Small, red bumps or pustules on the nose, cheeks, forehead or chin

Red bulbous nose (rhinophyma)

Visible small blood vessels on the nose and cheeks

Burning, or gritty sensation in eyes

A tendency to flush, or blush easily (1)

Acne rosacea, or adult acne, is another name for rosacea.

Rosacea has three distinct phases.

1. Pre-rosacea starts with a tendency to flush or blush easily. It progresses to a persistent redness in the center of the face, especially the nose.

2. Vascular rosacea reveals small, swollen blood vessels on the nose and cheeks (telangiectasia). The skin is overly sensitive. Oily skin and dandruff are noted.

3. Inflammatory rosacea shows small, red bumps, or pustules, gradually spreading over the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin.

Severe cases show enlargement of the sebaceous, or oil glands in the nose and cheeks, with a build up of tissue around the nose.

Ocular rosacea gives a burning and gritty sensation to the eyes. The inner eyelids may become inflamed and scaly. (2)

The cause of rosacea is unknown, but several theories include the following:

Blood vessel disorder

Chronic gastrointestinal bacterial infection

Mites in hair follicles

Sun damage (3)

Rosacea is aggravated by the following:

Hot spicy foods/beverages

Alcoholic beverages

Extremes in temperature

Exposure to sunlight

Anger, stress or embarrassment

Strenuous exercise

Hot baths/saunas

Corticosteroids

Dru gs that dilate blood vessels (4)

A person experiencing persisting symptoms, should contact a physician or see a dermatologist.

Treatment for rosacea may consist of the following:

Moisturizers

Skin cleansers

Sunscreens

Topical antibiotics (metronidazole)

Azelaic acid (Azelex)

Oral antibiotics (Tetracycline, erythromycin)

Accutane for inflammatory rosacea

Laser surgery or electrosurgery (5)

Symptoms may decrease after several months. Long term treatment is generally indicated.

Preventative measures may include the following:

Protection of the face in winter

Avoidance of touching, or rubbing the face

Avoidance of facial products containing alcohol

Application of moisturizer after topical medication has dried

Usage of products that don't clog oil and sweat gland openings

Avoidance of getting over heated

Usage of green or yellow tinted pre-foundation creams and powders

Avoidance of alcohol consumption (6)

For further information, please refer to the Mayo Clinic website.

1. http://www.mayoclinic.com/heal th/rosacea/DS00308/DSECTION=sy mptoms

2. Ibid.

3 .http://www.mayoclinic.com/hea lth/rosacea/DS00308/DSECTION=c auses

4. http://www.mayoclinic.com/heal th/rosacea/DS00308/DSECTION=ri sk-factors

5. http://www.mayoclinic.com/heal th/rosacea/DS00308/DSECTION=tr eatments-and-drugs

6. http://www.mayoclinic.com/heal th/rosacea/DS00308/DSECTION=li festyle-and-home-remedies

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