Rosacea

Rosacea, (roh-zay-sha) is a skin condition that’s often referred to as “adult acne” because it usually affects people over the age of twenty-five and can causes skin lesions similar to those seen with teenage acne. Unfortunately, this skin disease may be disfiguring in its most extreme form - leading to problems with self esteem. On the plus side, there’s a lot that can be done to minimize the problems associated with rosacea – so even a rosacea sufferer can put their best face forward.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea symptoms. Rosacea is a skin condition that’s characterized by facial redness and flushing – and in many cases - skin bumps and pustules on or around the cheeks, nose, mouth and even the eyes that resemble acne in appearance. Triggers can cause the blood vessels on the face to expand and become more prominent. Skin texture can thicken and become irregular and tiny blood veins cap appear like spiderwebs. There are several types of rosacea and in its most extreme forms; it be painful with burning, itching, and soreness around the eyes. Vision can become blurry and must be treated to avoid potential eye problems. In rare situations, rosasea can advance to an advanced stage called "rhinophyma", pronounced as "ry-no-FY-muh."

What Causes Rosacea?

No one knows the exact cause of rosacea, although theories abound. Most experts believe the condition is triggered by an overly zealous inflammatory response to certain factors in the environment. Indeed, “triggers” such as exposure to sunlight, temperature changes, exercise, stress, alcohol, and certain foods bring on the characteristic flushing and redness that rosacea sufferers are forced to deal with. The triggers vary from person to person, so keeping a diary of what worsens the symptoms is important to determine what should be avoided. Sunlight exposure is a problem for most people with rosacea, so wearing a sunscreen should be a top priority for anyone with this condition.

Does Rosacea Ever Go Away?

Rosacea is never really cured, although it can go into remission for long periods of time, and the symptoms can usually be controlled by avoiding triggers and making appropriate lifestyle changes.

How is Rosacea Treated?

If you suspect rosacea, see a dermatologist. For people with inflammatory pustules and acne-like lesions, oral or topical antibiotics may help the symptoms of rosacea, while antihistamines may be effective for reducing the flushing and burning. For prominent blood vessels on the face and skin redness, laser therapy performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can have good results – although it can be expensive. Some doctors prescribe beta-blockers, a type of heart and blood pressure medication, for frequent facial flushing if it doesn’t respond to antihistamines.

Another treatment that works for some people is prescription strength Retin-A which should be prescribed by a dermatologist. This treatment is controversial since it can increase the redness in some cases. It should only be used under the close care of a dermatologist.

What About Skin Care?

It’s important to choose skin care products that won’t worsen the symptoms of rosacea, while avoiding cleansers and toners that contain alcohol and chemical fragrance. Products made for sensitive skin are best. Cleansing and moisturizing should be applied gently with as little irritation of the skin as possible. Products containing alpha-hydroxy-acids or salicylic acid are too irritating and should be avoided.

International Rosacea Foundation

The best source of rosasea information on the web. The International Rosacea Foundation is a non-profit organization totally dedicated to providing comprehensive information about rosacea. Its website includes the latest, in depth descriptions of causes and how to deal with rosaceas skin condition. The foundation not only covers causes and treatments, but provides research and a connection to the Clinical Trials Research Center.