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Rosacea Causes and Risks:
The cause of rosacea is unknown. The disorder involves enlargement of the blood vessels just under the skin. It occurs most often in fair skinned people, particularly those who blush easily. Women are more commonly affected, but men are usually more severely affected. Symptoms usually begin between ages 30 to 50, and the disorder is most often seen in middle-aged or older people. Rosacea may be associated with a migraine headache , other skin disorders ( acne vulgaris , seborrhea ), or eye disorders ( blepharitis , keratitis ).
Prevention:
There is no known prevention.
Symptoms:
- rashes
- erythema (red areas on the face)
- discrete areas or the entire face
- a tendency to flush, blush easily
- increased vascularity (telangiectasis) of the face
- a red, bulbous nose
- acne-like skin eruptions ( macules , nodules , pustules , may ooze or crust)
- a burning or stinging sensation of the face
Signs and Tests:
Diagnosis is based primarily on the skin's appearance. Rosacea is distinguished from other skin disorders by the vascular component (telangiectasis).
Treatment:
There is no cure known for rosacea. The treatment is aimed at the control of redness, inflammation, and skin eruptions.
Long-term treatment (5 to 8 weeks or more) with oral antibiotics such as tetracycline may control skin eruptions. Alternative medications may include oral medications similar to vitamin A (isoretinol or Accutane) or oral antifungal medications.
The treatment of skin eruptions may also include long-term treatment with topical (applied to a localized area of the skin) antifungals (such as metronidazole), steroids, or antibiotics.
Surgery such as the laser elimination of blood vessels may be needed if other treatment is ineffective. Surgical reduction of the nose hyperplasia may improve the patient's cosmetic appearance.
Avoid conditions that aggravate redness, such as hot or spicy foods, hot beverages, or alcohol.
Prognosis:
Rosacea is not medically dangerous. It is not curable but usually is controllable with treatment. It may be persistent and chronic .
Complications:
- permanent changes in appearance
- psychological damage, loss of self esteem
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if rosacea does not respond to treatment.
Rhinophyma, severe case: Rhinophyma, in this case, is the fourth stage of Rosacea. It results from enlargement (hypertrophy) of the sebaceous glands, which may involve other areas of the face besides the nose. The example seen in this picture is an extreme case. Rhinophyma can be managed with dermabrasion and surgery to prevent such an extreme case.
Rosacea has multiple phases, beginning with flushing of the skin, followed by redness, followed by the development of small blood vessels visible in the skin (telangiectasia). This is the second stage and is exhibited by this individuals' red blisters (erythematous papulopustules) located on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Underlying redness (erythema) and small blood vessels (telangiectasis) are also seen.
Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is the most severe form of acne. Both pustules and hard red bumps are present in the skin. This form of acne is more difficult to treat and often requires taking an oral vitamin A derivative.
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