Rosacea
Specialty of Dermatology
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes a facial rash, which may include red blotches, telangiectasia (spider veins), pimples or spots, and possibly a burning sensation on the skin of the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It is a long-term pathology that appears more frequently in middle-aged people and can vary in intensity.
What are the symptoms of rosacea?
Rosacea can manifest as several symptoms, including:
- Redness of the face (often giving the appearance of blushing)
- Bumps or pimples on the skin
- Patches of rough, dry skin
- Swelling, particularly around the nose and eyes (a bulbous red nose is a common indicator of severe rosacea)
- A burning or stinging sensation
- Telangiectasia (spider veins – thin and reddish lines form under the skin because the blood vessels under the skin are enlarged.
- Eye problems, including itching, dryness, swelling, light-sensitivity, bloodshot or watery appearance, etc.
Different patients may experience a different selection of symptoms, the most common being the unexplained redness of the face, which often bears a resemblance to acne (although the two are distinct conditions).
Rosacea tends to flare up in cycles, with patients suffering symptoms for a period of weeks or months, before the symptoms disappear for a similar period.
What are the causes of rosacea?
The cause of rosacea is unknown but there are several factors that are thought to contribute to or worsen it. For example excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine or hot and spicy food is thought to trigger episodes, as can intense physical activity. Other factors include:
- Age – rosacea occurs most commonly in people between 30 and 50 years of age.
- Skin type – fair-skinned people seem to be more susceptible (especially those with blond hair and blue eyes).
- Genetics – family history of the condition means you are more likely to suffer from rosacea. It it also more common in people of Celtic and Scandinavian ancestry.
- Hormonal changes (e.g. the menopause)
- Sudden changes in temperature
- Exposure to sun or wind
- Stress
- Some medications
- Certain bacteria, e.g. helicobacter pylori
Can rosacea be prevented?
Rosacea is not a pathology that can be prevented, but you can still avoid severe episodes by starting treatment as soon as possible when symptoms flare up, and keeping your skin hydrated. Other tips include identifying and avoiding the things that a flare-up, avoiding products that irritate the skin, and generally taking care of your skin, by using sun cream, make-up suited to our skin type, and gentle shampoos and gels to avoid further irritation.
What is the treatment for rosacea?
Although there is no cure, the symptoms can be managed. Rosacea can triggered by different things in different patients, so treatment differs accordingly. The doctor may prescribe drugs, such as antibiotics and tetracycline derivatives, topical preparations, or laser or intense pulsed light therapies.
Articles related to Rosacea
Facial redness - is it rosacea?
By Dr Nisith Sheth
2018-12-16
Facial flushing can be embarrassing - a tell-tale sign of anger, stress, anxiety, or indeed embarrassment itself. But for some people, redness in the face can be more than that. Dr Nisith Sheth, leading London dermatologist, explains more about the skin condition rosacea. See more
How are lasers used in dermatology?
By Dr Raj Mallipeddi
2018-12-16
Lasers are now widely used across many medical specialties, to successfully and quickly treat a wide range of medical conditions. Dr Raj Mallipeddi, leading consultant dermatologist and dermatological surgeon, explains how lasers can help dermatologists to treat a variety of problems. See more
Gaining control of your rosacea
By Dr Firas Al-Niaimi
2018-11-27
Rosacea is a very common skin problem where the skin appears very red with visible blood vessles too. Although it is a challenging condition to treat, there are ways to control rosacea. Find out how from an expert dermatologist, Dr Firas Al-Niaimi. See more
Experts in Rosacea
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Dr Gayathri Perera
DermatologyExpert in:
- Skin cancer
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Autoimmune diseases
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Dr Justine Hextall
DermatologyExpert in:
- Skin cancer
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Anti-aging treatments
- Eczema
- Skin cancer on face
-
Dr Gayathri Perera
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Dr Justine Hextall
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Dr Tabi Leslie
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