Rosacea
What is rosacea?
Some adults who think they have acne are actually suffering from rosacea or acne rosacea. Rosacea usually starts as redness on the nose, cheeks and chin. It looks similar to a sunburn but does not go away. Untreated rosacea can progress to persistent ruddiness, visible blood vessels and small bumps and pimples. In advanced rosacea cases, skin thickens, the nose can swell and eye irritation occurs.
Acne rosacea
Rosacea sufferers often mistake their red bumps and pimples for acne vulgaris. However, acne rosacea is characterized by persistent redness and small, hard, red inflamed pimples. Rosacea suffers rarely get blackheads and their pimples often burn or sting. Unlike acne vulgaris, acne rosacea symptoms can include dry skin, skin thickening and plaques (raised red and white patches).
Who gets rosacea?
People with fair skin types over the age of 30 who flush easily seem to develop rosacea. Many sufferers have Northern or Eastern European backgrounds. The actual cause is unknown but could be a vascular disorder.
What are the symptoms?
The primary signs of rosacea are:
- persistent redness on the cheeks, nose, forehead or chin
- small, hard bumps and pimples
- visible blood vessels
- eye irritation
Men develop rosacea around the nose and women tend to show symptoms on the cheeks and chin in a butterfly pattern. More women are diagnosed with rosacea but men suffer more advanced symptoms.
What triggers rosacea flare-ups?
Rosacea is characterized by remissions and flare-ups. Certain triggers can aggravate rosacea skin types and cause a flare-up. Triggers include sun exposure, emotional stress, extreme temperature changes, alcohol, spicy food, hot beverages, hot baths or showers.
I think I might have rosacea. What should I do?
If you think you have rosacea schedule an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist. Only he or she can correctly diagnosis this skin condition.
If you are diagnosed with rosacea your doctor can help you determine your individual triggers and explore treatment options. Many dermatologists start with an oral antibiotic and topical treatment lotion. Common topical treatments include Metrogel (metronidazole) and Finacea (azelaic acid). With rosacea it is important to treat your skin early to keep symptoms from progressing and worsening.
What skin care routine should I use?
Rosacea skin types need mild, non-irritating skin care that helps relieve redness and pimples. Wash once a day using luke warm water and a mild cleanser. Rosacea acne suffers can follow cleansing with a mild acne treatment product and moisturizer. Apply sunscreen during the day and avoid scrubs and masks. With rosacea it is best to limit the number of skin care products used. Always check with your doctor or dermatologist to make sure your skin care routine is compatible with your medical treatment program.
Controlling rosacea
Like acne, rosacea cannot be cured, only controlled. Figuring out what your triggers are will help reduce flare-ups and symptoms. Consulting a doctor early on and starting an appropriate skin care routine and medical treatment program will greatly help control your rosacea.