What is Rosacea?

Acne Rosacea (RO-ZAY-SHE-AH) is a chronic disease that affects the skin. The disorder is characterized by redness, slight inflammation, pimples and, in some cases, the skin becomes thick. Mostly, Rosacea affects the face; other parts of the upper body are rarely involved.

Nearly 14 million people in the United States have been affected by Rosacea. Although it may affect men or women of any age group and even children, mostly fair-skinned adults between the ages of 30 and 50 develop Rosacea. Women get Rosacea more often than men, though the reason is yet unknown. This disorder in women has been associated with menopause. Rosacea usually progresses over a long period of time. It may first seem like a reddish complexion, and an occasional embarrassment or stress could trigger Rosacea.

Rosacea has 3 stages:

First stage: In this stage the face gets red. The redness often persists. With time, the redness becomes more noticeable as small blood vessels tend to merge. Many patients develop burning sensations and the skin is normally tough. Sometimes this extends to the point that whatever the patient puts on his or her face hurts, burns and irritates.

Second stage: In the second stage the redness spreads out and covers a larger area of the face. Swelling, pimples and boils develop.

Third stage: Most patients do not progress to this stage. This stage is very painful and it is known as rhinophyma. It is characterized by swelling and spreads to the nose and central facial areas. Sometimes the ears may also be involved. The sebaceous glands enlarge causing a swollen and puffy nose and cheeks. Normally, rhinophyma occurs less commonly in women.

In advanced case of Rosacea, nearly 50% people have eye involvement. Some people may experience burning sensation in their eyes - a condition known as conjunctivitis. If this condition is not treated quickly, it could lead to serious complications for the eyes.

Causes: Until now the causes of Rosacea have been unknown. Normally, Rosacea lasts for years. It is advisable not to intake any kind of food or beverage that causes redness and swelling. Spicy food, tea, coffee, soups make the situation even worse. Sunlight should be totally avoided as it could trigger and lead to complications.

Skin care:
"The best prevention step a patient may take is to avoid things that make the face red or flushed."

It is recommended that the patient:

• Should ignore hot drinks, caffeine, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages.
• Should practice good sun protection like wearing hats and using broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF of 15 or higher.
• Should not touch the affected area at all. Massaging, scrubbing or rubbing the face could lead to more discomfort.
• Should exercise in a cool environment. Be sure not to over heat the body. It is advised that the patient should take deep breaths when tense.
• Should avoid cosmetics and facial products. Facial products like sunscreens, soap and moisturizers should be alcohol free. Alcohol based products would sting and cause complications.

Treatment:

• Apply gels and creams as prescribed by a dermatologist. It normally takes time to see an improvement, but slight progress can be noticed in the first 3 weeks.
• antibiotics tend to produce faster results than any other topical medication.
• Dermatologists normally prescribe cortisone creams as they have the ability to reduce the redness and inflammation of Rosacea.
• The redness may be treated by laser surgery to close off the dilated blood vessels.

Continuing:

To read about other forms of Acne, click here.
To read about treating other forms of Acne, click here.

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