top of page

Rosacea

What is it?

  • It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the central face in adults aged 30-60 who have fair skin types.   

  • The exact cause is unknown.  Experts think there are genetic, environmental, vascular and inflammatory factors involved.

  • Triggers are typically things that make you flush:  heat, exercise, alcohol, spicy foods, temperature extremes, sunlight, stress, medications, and some cosmetic products

 

What are the symptoms?

  • There are 4 major types of rosacea:

  • Type 1 – Erythematotelangiectatic type (ie blood vessel type) 
    o    Facial flushing and redness
    o    Swelling, burning, stinging, roughness
    o    Visible blood vessels

  • Type 2 – Papulopustular type (ie red bump type)
    o    Persistent redness
    o    Pimplelike bumps and pustules
    o    Swelling burning, stinging, roughness.

  • Type 3 – Phymatous type (ie thick skin type)
    o    Thickened bumpy skin to the nose, forehead, chin, ears, cheeks.

  • Type 4 – Ocular type (ie eye type)
    o    Red, bloodshot eyes
    o    Stinging, dryness, grittiness, blurred vision
    o    Eyelid stye’s and bumps.

 

Do I need to do any tests as part of the diagnosis?

  • In most cases the answer is NO as this tends to be a clinical diagnosis

  • Occasionally your doctor will order blood tests if the diagnosis is in question.

 

What are the treatment options available?

  • Treatment depends on the type of rosacea that you’ve been diagnosed with – there are numerous options for treatment ranging from topical prescriptions, oral medications, Intense Pulsed Light laser treatments, eyedrops and other surgical and laser options.

  • For all types a good skin care regime consisting of:
    o    Products that are non drying, free of alcohol or astringents
    o    Mild soapless cleansers and do not rub or scrub the skin
    o    Make a habit of using sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every day – consider physical blockers such as those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
    o    Moisturize your skin regularly with Dermatologist approved moisturizers – Cetaphil, CeraVe, Aveeno, Glaxal Base, Hydrous emulsifying oint, Avene, Laroche Posay.

bottom of page