Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic condition that has several different presentations and varying degrees of severity with frequent overlap. Common presentations include significant background redness, an increase in visible blood vessels on the face, and/or small, red, sometimes pus-filled bumps. Less common features are enlargement of the nose, chin or forehead, or involvement of the eyes. Rosacea tends to wax and wane, with flare-ups that can last for weeks or months at a time. 

There is no known cure yet for rosacea, but the team at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center offers a variety of treatments to help minimize its symptoms and decrease flares. 

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

There are four different types of rosacea, each of which has slightly different symptoms:

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR)

ETR causes flushing, redness, and swelling in the center of your face. Your blood vessels might be visibly broken, and your skin might feel especially sensitive, dry, or rough.

Papulopustular (acne) rosacea

Acne rosacea most typically affects middle-aged women and is characterized by acne-like breakouts of inflammatory bumps and pustules. It leaves the skin oily and sensitive, and your blood vessels might be visibly broken.

Rhinophyma

Rhinophyma causes the skin on your nose to become thicker and bumpy, though it can also occur on your chin, ears, cheeks, and forehead. It can occur in the setting of the previous types of rosacea with redness and visibly broken blood vessels. It’s seen more often in men.

Ocular rosacea

Ocular rosacea affects your eyes, leaving them:

• Sensitive to light
• Dry and itchy
• Bloodshot and watery
• Feeling gritty, burning, or stinging

Ocular rosacea can also cause impaired vision and should be managed in conjunction with an ophthalmologist.

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is unclear, though some researchers believe that a combination of environmental and hereditary factors lead to the condition. It’s more common in people between the ages of 30 and 50 and happens more often in people with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes.

Some factors also cause or aggravate rosacea flare-ups, such as:

• UV exposure
• Drinking hot coffee or tea
• Drinking alcohol
• Eating spicy foods
• H. pylori (a bacteria that can be found in the GI tract) 
• Eating foods with cinnamaldehyde, like citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, and cinnamon
• Demodex (a skin mite)

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center immediately to discuss your treatment options.

How do you treat rosacea?

While there is no known cure for rosacea, there are easy ways for you to mitigate your symptoms, such as wearing sunscreen, avoiding abrasive agents and products with alcohol, menthol, and witch hazel. You might also want to keep a journal to track the foods and cosmetic products to determine what makes your symptoms worse.

Sometimes, prescription medications are needed in conjunction with these lifestyle changes to control rosacea and improve your quality of life. The team at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center is knowledgeable of the variety of oral and topical treatments available including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. They might also suggest laser and light treatments for specific concerns. 

To find relief from your rosacea, schedule your visit today by calling the nearest office or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.

References and Resources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/rosacea

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea