Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which primarily affects the face. It can  presents as facial redness alone, as redness with red pimples and papules,  or associated with bumpy glandular skin changes such as rhinophyma. Rosacea may also affect the eyes and cause conjunctivitis and/or blepharitis.

Rosacea is more common in adults, women and fair skinned people.

Causes

The exact cause is uncertain but rosacea is often triggered by hot or spicy foods, alcoholic drinks, sun exposure, strenuous exercise, stress as well as very hot or cold temperatures.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is frequent blushing or flushing (redness) of the skin that affects the central part of the face –chin, cheeks, nose and central forehead. Small red pimples and pus-filled bumps known as papules or pustules may appear. Small blood vessels across the nose and cheeks are dilated. The area of the skin may be swollen, warm and red. Other symptoms may include burning sensation, fluid under the skin (edema), and dry appearance of the skin.

Diagnosis

Your doctor is able to diagnose the condition by collecting a thorough medical history and by observation of the lesions appearing on the skin.

Treatment

Your doctor will suggest some practices to avoid exposure to triggers and prescribe treatment for the lesions.   There are many prescription creams  used to treat rosacea include antibiotic creams, azelaic acid, topical blood-vessel constrictors, topical ivermectin, and sulfur based topical products.  Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline are also commonly used..  Lasers and intensed-pulse light are successfully used to treat dilated and broken blood vesssels.