Rosacea
What is it?
Rosacea is a skin disorder, usually around the cheeks,
nose, forehead, and chin, characterized by a flushed
appearance; small, hard pimples; and broken blood vessels.
Who gets it?
Rosacea is usually seen in people between the ages of
30 and 50. It is more common in women and those with light
skin and hair.
What causes it?
The cause of rosacea is currently unknown.
What are the symptoms?
People with rosacea flush easily. Their faces may have
a permanently red appearance, especially around the
cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Additional symptoms
include broken blood vessels, called telangiectasias; hard
pimples, called papules; and pus-filled pimples, called
pustules. The skin may burn or sting in the reddened
areas. In severe cases, the skin thickens around the nose,
giving it an enlarged, bulbous appearance. This condition
is called rhinophyma. While rosacea symptoms are most
common on the face, symptoms may also occur on the back,
arms, legs, and scalp. Some patients have symptoms that
affect the appearance of their eyes. These include broken
blood vessels (telangiectasias) and inflammation around
the eyelids. Oil glands in the eyelids may become blocked
and enlarged, creating swellings called chalazions. In
most cases, vision is not affected.
How is it diagnosed?
A doctor who specializes in the skin, called a
dermatologist, will examine you and look for the telltale
signs of rosacea. Rosacea can have a similar appearance to
acne and certain other skin disorders, so your doctor will
carefully study your symptoms before making a diagnosis.
However, there is no laboratory test for this disease. A
diagnosis is based solely upon symptoms.
What is the treatment?
Rosacea is usually treated with a topical antibiotic
such as metronidazole lotion or gel, which is applied to
the affected areas daily. Rosacea also responds well to
oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline or erythromycin.
These are added if the symptoms do not respond
satisfactorily to the topical treatment. The antibiotics
reduce the inflammation, and are most effective in
controlling the papules and pustules. Retinoids, which are
derivatives of vitamin A, may also be recommended as a
topical or oral treatment. The most commonly prescribed is
called isotretinoin. Severe cases of rhinophyma do not
respond to antibiotic therapy and may need to be treated
with surgery. Severe telangiectasias can be reduced with
an electrocautery device or laser treatment, which destroy
the broken blood vessels. Your doctor will recommend that
you avoid foods and beverages that commonly cause the skin
to flush, such as spicy foods, hot drinks, alcohol, and
caffeinated coffees and sodas. Wear sunscreen and a
wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin from the sun.
Rosacea is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing
treatment. It has no known cure.
Self-care tips
While rosacea may be annoying, it is not life
threatening and can be controlled by following your
doctor’s treatment recommendations.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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