by Alison Bowler

Created on: October 04, 2008   Last Updated: April 27, 2010

Rosacea is a skin condition primarily affecting the face. It may show as discrete patches of reddened skin or involve the whole face. Typically, it shows as a reddening of the skin looking similar to sunburn or a prolonged blush. Other symptoms are a burning sensation in the skin, pimples or pustules, visible red lines on the skin (enlarged blood vessels also called telangiectasis), itchy watery eyes and thickening of the skin. The presence of pimples is known as acne rosacea, while ocular rosacea involves inflammation of the eyes.

An estimated 2-5% of the population may be affected with rosacea. The condition usually develops around the ages 30-50 years. The cause of rosacea is unknown but it may have genetic element as often a number of sufferers occur in the same family. It does appear to be more common in people descended from Northern European stock.

Although the cause of this condition may not be known, a number of factors have been found that contribute to flare-ups. Amongst these are exposure to the sun, spicy foods, alcohol, stress and a mite (Demodex folliculorum) that lives in facial hair follicles. Sufferers of rosacea are recommended to keep a diary detailing symptoms, food and lifestyle so they can identify any individual triggers.

Rosacea treatment relies on treating the symptoms, along with lifestyle changes to avoid triggers producing flare-ups. Before starting any treatment, a confirmed diagnosis is required. Acne remedies and steroid creams used for some conditions with symptoms similar to rosacea should be avoided. Such medications can make the symptoms of rosacea more severe.

Treatments

* The regular use of a mild, high factor, sunscreen is important. Either one produced specifically for rosacea patients or alternatively a sunscreen designed for children may be used.

* A course of the oral antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline combined with a cream containing metronidazole helps in treating acne rosacea.

* Harsh skin care products should be avoided and a mild rosacea cleanser should be used in daily skin care regimes.

* A night cream containing Seabuckthorn oil may be beneficial in controlling Demodex folliculorum mites.

* Low-impact exercise regimes, such as yoga, can reduce stress and lower the number of flare-ups.

* Patients with disfiguring red thread veins may require treatment with either laser surgery or saline injections into the veins.

* The thickening of the skin seen in some cases, particularly around the nose, may require correction by plastic surgery.

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