WHAT IS IT?
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and/or raised, red bumps generally confined to the face. Rosacea is a long-term condition that can get worse over time. Rosacea happens most often in adults ages 30 to 60.
SYMPTOMS:
Rosacea affects the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Blushing
- Raised, red bumps (sometimes look like acne)
- blood vessels on the skin (called “telangiectasias”)
- A burning or gritty feeling in the eyes
- A red, swollen, and rounded nose
Sometimes, people have triggers which make symptoms worsen. Examples:
- Eating hot or spicy foods, or drinking hot drinks
- Drinking alcohol
- Caffeine
- Being too hot or cold
- Sunlight
- Stress and other strong emotions
TREATMENTS:
Step 1- Identify if any triggers & avoid
Lifestyle changes –
- Avoid the common triggers listed above and any other triggers that you know worsen your symptoms
- Use mild, unscented face cleansers to wash your face
- Wear sunscreen every day
- Avoid using products on your face with alcohol, acid, or other ingredients that could bother your skin
MEDICATIONS:
Depending on your type of rosacea, your provider will work with you to prescribe the appropriate medications. These may include: – topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, & laser treatments.
Subtype 1- Facial Redness (Erythematotelangietatic Rosacea)
- Flushing and persistent redness. Visible blood vessels may be present
- important to identify and avoid lifestyle factors that trigger flushing/irritate skin
Subtype 2- Bumps and Pimples (Papulopustular Rosacea)
- Persistent facial redness with acne like bumps/pimples.
- Topical/oral antibiotics work well for this type
Subtype 3- Skin Thickening (Phymatous Rosacea)
- Skin thickening and enlargement, usually around nose
- Oral antibiotics-severe therapy may need surgery
Subtype 4- Eye Irritation (Ocular Rosacea)
- Water/bloodshot eyes, foreign body sensation, burning, stinging, dryness, itching
- Artificial tears, oral antibiotics, eye specialist
