Overview Of Acne Rosacea
Acne rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by persistent redness of the face. In addition, it can cause facial swelling and sores of the skin resembling acne.
Commonly Associated With
Rosacea
Causes Of Acne Rosacea
The exact cause of rosacea is currently unknown. The condition is most common in those who are:
- Female
- Generally fair-skinned
- Age 30-50
It is often possible to observe swelling of the blood vessels just under the skin in those with rosacea. Doctors suspect the condition also has a link with other common skin disorders, such as acne vulgaris or seborrhea. There is also a link to eye disorders including keratitis and blepharitis.
Symptoms Of Acne Rosacea
Symptoms can include:
- Facial redness
- Watery, irritated, and bloodshot eyes
- Blushing or flushing of the face that occurs easily
- Sores on the skin resembling acne that can crust over or ooze
- A red nose, often referred to as a bulbous nose
- An abundance of spider-like blood vessels (officially called telangiectasia) on the face
- A burning or stinging sensation in the face
- Rosacea is less common to see in men. However, their symptoms are usually more severe.
Exams & Tests
A health care provider can often diagnose rosacea. In other words, they will take a medical history and perform a simple physical examination on the patient.
Treatment Of Acne Rosacea
Currently there are no known permanent cures for rosacea.
A health care provider can help identify what makes symptoms worse for each individual person on a case by case basis. “Triggers” are the variables that worsen symptoms. Triggers can vary from person to person, and avoiding them can help prevent or reduce the number of flare-ups of rosacea.
Strategies to prevent rosacea symptoms can include:
- Avoiding exposure to the sun as much as possible. In addition, daily sunscreen use when sun avoidance is not possible.
- Avoiding vigorous and long-duration physical activity in hot weather.
- Taking oral antibiotics or applying antibiotics directly to the skin can control acne-like skin problems. Consult with a health care provider.
- Reducing stress, which cis possible to accomplish with yoga, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques.
- It is important to remember that rosacea is not acne, despite surface-level similarities. Over-the-counter acne treatments will not help relieve symptoms.
- Other triggers to avoid can include hot baths, specific skin products, cold weather, exercise, and wind.
- It’s a good idea to limit intake of alcohol, spicy foods, and hot beverages.
- Isotretinoin can be a possibility for those with severe rosacea that hasn’t responded to other medication treatments. However, a health care provider will decide if prescribing this medication is right for the patient.
- For very severe cases, laser treatment can be used to reduce redness of the skin. Furthermore, surgery to remove swollen tissue on the nose can be used to improve the appearance if necessary.
