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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 like sunburn or a prolonged blush. Other symptoms are a burning sensation, pimples or pustules, visible red lines on the skin (these are enlarged blood vessels and are called telangiectasis), itchy watery eyes and thickening of the skin. The presence of pimples or pustules is also known as acne rosacea, while eye involvement is called ocular rosacea.

It is estimated that 2-5% of the population may be affected and 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 are found in the same family. It does appear to be more common in people descended from Northern European stock. Although more common in women when found in men the condition tends to be more severe.

Although the cause of this condition may not be known a number of factors have been found to 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 daily diary detailing foods eaten and lifestyle along with frequency ans severity of any flare ups. An accurate diary will help to identify individual triggers.

Rosacea treatment relies on treating the symptoms, also lifestyle changes to avoid triggers known to induce flare-ups. Before starting any course of treatment a confirmed diagnosis is required. Acne remedies and steroid creams used for similar conditions should be avoided as they can make 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. To be effective the sunscreen should be applied even on overcast days.

A course of the oral antibiotics erythromycin or tetracycline combined with a cream containing metronidazole has been found to help in cases of acne rosacea.

Isotrettinoin or Accutane as been found effective in severe cases. Care should be taken with this medication because of potential side effects. This is particularly important if the patient is pregnant owing to risks to an unborn child.

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

A night cream containing Seabuckthorn oil has been found to be beneficial in controlling Demodex folliculorum.

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

The disfiguring red thread veins where present can be treated by laser surgery or saline injections into the veins.

The thickening of the skin seen in some cases particularly around the nose may be corrected by plastic surgery.

If flushing is a problem then treatment with beta-blockers has been found to help.

Where eye involvement is severe advice from an eye specialist should be sort.

Learn more about this author, Alison Bowler.
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