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 and has three distinct phases: 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; vascular rosacea reveals small,
swollen blood vessels on the nose and cheeks (telangiectasia). The skin is
overly sensitive. Oily skin and dandruff are noted; 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 and 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; drugs 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
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/health/rosacea/DS00308/DSECTION=symptoms
2. Ibid.
3
.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rosacea/DS00308/DSECTION=causes
4.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rosacea/DS00308/DSECTION=risk-factors
5.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rosacea/DS00308/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
6.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rosacea/DS00308/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
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