Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that is visible in the eyelids, cheeks, chin, forehead and nose of a person. It may be in the form of reddened skin, eruptions similar to acne and spider-like blood vessels
Causes of Rosacea
Rosacea is caused due to swelling of blood vessels beneath the skin. It can be linked to skin disorders like acne vulgaris, seborrhea; eye disorders like keratitis and blepharitis. The risk factors for Rosacea are as given below
1. Fair skin
2. Blushing easily
3. Exposure to sun, sun burn
4. Exposure to vagaries of weather like moving from a hot environment to a cool one like working out during winter etc.
5. Alcohol, spicy food, diet rich in histamines and caffeine rich foods can also cause rosacea.
6. Acne and wrinkle treatments like microdermasion and chemical peels can also cause Rosacea rashes.
7. More prominent in people between the age of 30 and 50.
Symptoms of Rosacea
• Redness in the face in specific areas like the nose or the entire face
• Blushing easily or face getting flushed
• Telangiectasia or spider like blood vessels on the facial area
• Prominent, red nose which may appear bulbulous
• Acne like eruptions on the skin
• Burning sensation on the face
• Watery eyes that may be easily irritated, even blood-shot; at times.
There was a survey done of 1066 Rosacea patients which showed the following cuases and risk factors:
Sun exposure 81%
Emotional stress 79%
Hot weather 75%
Wind 57%
Heavy exercise 56%
Alcohol consumption 52%
Hot baths 51%
Cold weather 46%
Spicy foods 45%
Humidity 44%
Indoor heat 41%
Certain skin-care products 41%
Heated beverages 36%
Certain cosmetics 27%
Medications (specifically stimulants) 15%
Medical conditions 15%
Certain fruits 13%
Marinated meats 10%
Certain vegetables 9%
Dairy products 8%
Rosacea treatment
There is no cure for Rosacea, but it can be treated and controlled in such a way that flare-ups can be reduced. One should keep a note of the symptoms so that one can find out causative patterns. Here are some things that you can for Rosacea rash prevention
1. Avoid exposure to sun and use a good, quality sunscreen, preferably, dermatologically prescribed.
2. Do not exposure yourself to sudden change from one weather to another
3. Reduce stress and anxiety; meditation and positive flow of thoughts can work.
4. Restrict spicy food, alcohol, aerated drinks and beverages.
5. Avoid harsh skin products
Antibiotics like doxycycline, minocycline and tetracycline are recommended by skin doctors to be taken orally. Skin creams like metronidazole can be applied to the skin to control flare-ups. Ther e are medications like Accutane and Isoretinol which contain Vitamin A that can prevent Rosacea and other skin problems. One may know that Rosacea is different from acne, and cannot be treated with over-the-counter acne medications.
To reduce or remove Rosacea rashes and scars, laser surgery may be recommened. One can also reduce swollen nose tissue surgically, if you desire so.
Triggers vary from person to person. Other triggers may include wind, hot baths, cold weather, specific skin products, exercise, or other factors.
Antibiotics taken by mouth (such as tetracycline, minocycline, or doxycycline) or applied to the skin (such as metronidazole) may control skin eruptions. Other medications (isoretinol or Accutane), which are similar to vitamin A, are stronger alternatives that your doctor or dermatologist might consider. Rosacea is not acne and will not improve with over-the-counter acne treatment.
In severe cases, laser surgery may help reduce the redness. Surgical reduction of enlarged nose tissue may also improve your appearance, if you so choose.
Prognosis of Rosacea
Roscea is not clinically dangerous. It is not curable though, but can be controlled with treatment and preventative measures. Untreated, it is chronic and recurring. There can be permanent changes in the appearance in the form of a bulbulous nose for instance, and cause loss of self-esteem. So treatment can always help.
Rosacea Pictures-Face, Nose etc
Check out Rosacea pictures to see how the nose and face appears due to this skin problem:
