While the term rosacea may be rather unfamiliar to most people, it's highly likely that you have seen people who are afflicted by this disorder. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. It may appear as redness, prominent spider-like blood vessels, swelling, or skin eruptions similar to acne. Its incidence is incredibly high and it is estimated that nearly 45 million people worldwide have fallen prey to this acne-like skin problem. One of the peculiarities of this disorder is that it affects only people with very fair skin. As you may well imagine, it’s mainly Caucasians (Europids) who develop rosacea.
Symptoms of Rosacea
- In its mildest form, rosacea appears as a mere blush across the cheeks. In fact, people who have this mild form of rosacea may not even realize that they have a skin disorder. They normally assume that their skin has flushed due to exposure to the sun or other factors.
- If the symptoms are severe, then the blush may progressively develop into red bumps and cysts. These may ooze and crust. There will also be a burning sensation.
- The blood vessels become more prominent on the face. These will soon develop into a spider web kind of network.
- An attack of rosacea could leave your nose red and bulbous.
- The eyes become bloodshot and watery.
Causes of Rosacea
- The cause for this disorder is still unknown. It is basically caused because your blood vessels swell under your skin. But it’s a mystery as to why this happens.
- The risk factor for contracting rosacea is higher in women in the age group of 30 to 50. Women with very fair skin are in the highest risk category. It is rarely seen in men. But when men do get afflicted, the severity of the outbreak will be very high.
- Rosacea eruptions are sometimes associated with other skin problems. These include acne and dandruff.
Diagnosis of Rosacea
- No specific tests are required for the diagnosis of rosacea. Normally, it is diagnosed by its symptoms which include flushing and blushing. The physician will also check out the family history and medical history of the patient.
- A peculiar feature is that rosacea often remains undiagnosed. Since the skin flush is transient and disappears after some time, most people do not even realize that they have a skin disorder.
- In very rare cases, the dermatologist may order a skin biopsy to exclude other possibilities like skin mite infestation. Normally a non-invasive skin scraping or skin culture will be enough.
Treatment for Rosacea
- Unfortunately there is no cure for rosacea. However, it can be managed and kept under control.
- Treatment normally involves trying to avoid the triggers that may cause an outbreak. The dermatologist may advice you to start a symptom diary. This will help you to identify the triggers that cause the outbreak. These triggers should then be avoided.
- Medication may be prescribed when there is an outbreak of rosacea. This will include antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline. Topical antibiotics like metronidazole help to keep the outbreak in control. If the case is really severe, then stronger medication like isoretinol or accutane may be considered.
- Though there is no cure, the gap between rosacea outbreaks can be considerably prolonged by using laser technology. Pulse light can also be used. The results are good, and patients may remain free of outbreaks for years.
Precautions to Be Taken
- Do not step out of your house without using a sunscreen. Sun exposure can be a trigger for rosacea.
- Some patients have found relief from rosacea by following stress reducing techniques like yoga and meditation.
- Control your diet. Stay off greasy, spicy food. Limit your consumption of alcohol.
- Try not to get hot and sweaty. Keep your skin cool at all times.
Rosacea may be non-curable, but it is definitely controllable. It is not medically dangerous and does not cause any complications. However, rosacea can cause psychological stress. Since it appears on the face, an outbreak may cause mental trauma and loss of self-esteem. Some cases report a permanent change in appearance with the nose retaining its bulbous shape. Therefore, if you do suspect you have contracted rosacea, it makes sense to see a dermatologist so that immediate steps can be taken to control it.
