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Rosacea is a skin disorder that produces flushing and visible blood vessels in the face. Small, pus-filled lumps may also appear. These signs and symptoms may appear for weeks or months and eventually disappear. Rosacea can be confused with acne, other skin conditions, or natural ruddiness.
Rosacea can strike anyone. However, it is more prevalent among middle-aged Caucasian women. Rosacea has no cure, although treatment can regulate and minimize the signs and symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ROSACEA?
Rosacea symptoms and signs include:
- Facial flushing or blushing: Rosacea can cause chronic blushing or flushing in the center of your face. On brown and black skin, this symptom of the illness may be difficult to detect.
- Visible veins: The blood vessels in your nose and cheeks rupture and become apparent (spider veins).
- Swollen bumps: Many people who have rosacea get acne-like blemishes on their faces. These pimples may include pus.
- Burning sensation: The affected area's skin may feel hot and painful.
- Eye problems: Many people who have rosacea have dry, itchy, swollen eyes and eyelids. This is referred to as ocular rosacea. In some cases, the eye symptoms come before the skin signs.
- Nose enlargement: Rosacea can cause the skin on the nose to thicken over time, giving the nose a bulbous appearance (rhinophyma). This is more common in men than in women.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ROSACEA?
Rosacea has no established origin, however it could be caused by an overactive immune system, hereditary, environmental factors, or a combination of these. Rosacea is not communicable and is not caused by improper hygiene.
Flare-ups could be caused by:
- Hot beverages and spicy foods
- Other alcoholic liquids, such as red wine
- Extreme temperatures
- The sun or the wind
- Emotions
- Exercise
- Blood vessel dilation drugs, such as various blood pressure meds
- Some cosmetic, skin, and hair care items
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ROSACEA?
Rosacea can affect everyone. However, you are more prone to develop it if you:
- Are female
- Have easily burned skin in the sun
- Are over the age of 30
- Smoke
- Have rosacea in your family
HOW IS ROSACEA DIAGNOSED?
Rosacea is diagnosed without the need of any special tests. Instead, your doctor will examine your skin and take a history of your symptoms. Other illnesses, such as psoriasis or lupus, may be ruled out using tests. According to studies, rosacea can be ignored or misinterpreted in individuals of color as an allergic reaction or seborrheic dermatitis.
If your symptoms affect your eyes, your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ROSACEA?
Rosacea treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and indications. Most of the time, a mix of good skin care and prescription medications is required.
The length of your treatment is determined by the kind and severity of your indications and symptoms. Recurrence is rather usual.
Medications
In recent years, new rosacea treatments have been discovered. The type of medication prescribed by your doctor is determined by the indications and symptoms you are experiencing. To find a medication that works for you, you may need to try several options or a combination of drugs.
Prescription rosacea medications include:
- Topical medications that decrease flushing: Your doctor may prescribe a cream or gel to apply to the afflicted skin if you have mild to moderate rosacea. By narrowing blood arteries, brimonidine (Mirvaso) and oxymetazoline (Rhofade) minimize flushing. You should see benefits within 12 hours of using it. Because the effect on the blood vessels is only transitory, the medicine must be taken on a daily basis to sustain the benefits.
Other topical treatments aid in the control of moderate rosacea pimples. Azelaic acid (Azelex, Finacea), metronidazole (Metrogel, Noritate, and others) and ivermectin are among these medications (Soolantra). Significant improvements with azelaic acid and metronidazole usually take two to six weeks. Ivermectin may take longer to improve skin than metronidazole, but it results in a longer remission.
- Oral antibiotics: For moderate to severe rosacea with bumps and pimples, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic such as doxycycline (Oracea, among others).
- Oral acne drug: If you have severe rosacea that is not responding to other treatments, your doctor may recommend isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, others). It's a potent oral acne medication that also helps clear up rosacea-like blemishes. This medication should not be used during pregnancy since it can cause major birth abnormalities.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy can reduce the visibility of swollen blood vessels. Because the laser focuses on visible veins, it works best on skin that isn't tanned, dark, or black.
Discuss the risks and advantages of laser therapy with your doctor. Swelling and bruising may occur as a result of laser therapy for rosacea and may remain for many days. During the healing time, icing and moderate skin care will be required. Laser treatment on brown or black skin may result in long-term or permanent discolouration of the treated skin.
The entire effect of the medication may not be apparent for several weeks. Treatments may be required on a regular basis to maintain your skin's enhanced appearance.
Laser treatment for rosacea is frequently considered a cosmetic operation that is not covered by insurance.
HOME REMEDIES FOR ROSACEA
These self-care measures may help you control your rosacea symptoms and prevent flare-ups:
- Recognize and avoid triggers: Pay attention to what triggers your flare-ups and avoid those triggers.
- Face protection: Apply sunblock liberally every day before heading outside. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that blocks both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation. Apply sunscreen after applying any topical medication to your face and before applying cosmetics.
Wear a hat and avoid direct sunlight during the day to further protect your skin. Wear a scarf or ski mask in cold, windy conditions.
- Handle your skin with care: Avoid rubbing or touching your face excessively. Use a non-soap cleansing and moisturize twice a day. Choose fragrance-free products and avoid those with other skin irritants including alcohol, camphor, urea, and menthol.
- Reduce noticeable flushes with makeup: Some cosmetic products and procedures may help to conceal skin flushing.