Rosacea
What is it?
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It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the central face in adults aged 30-60 who have fair skin types.
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The exact cause is unknown. Experts think there are genetic, environmental, vascular and inflammatory factors involved.
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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?
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There are 4 major types of rosacea:
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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?
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In most cases the answer is NO as this tends to be a clinical diagnosis
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Occasionally your doctor will order blood tests if the diagnosis is in question.
What are the treatment options available?
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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.
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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.