Rosacea affects more than 14 million people in the United States. It typically begins after age 30 and tends to run in families. It usually appears on the face and can include redness, flushing and visible blood vessels, bumps, pus-filled blemishes, and thickened skin (especially on the nose which may give it an enlarged bulbous appearance called 송도피부과 rhinophyma).
Treatments often begin with topical creams and gels that reduce redness and irritation. Oral antibiotics, laser and light treatments, and surgery may be used as well.
Symptoms
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes redness and a rash. It often affects the nose and cheeks. But it can also cause problems with the eyes. It looks like acne, but it is not caused by poor hygiene or a lack of washing. The redness of rosacea is due to problems with the blood vessels. It can be caused by sun damage, or it may run in the family. It can also be triggered by stress, hot or cold temperatures, or alcohol. It can be difficult to diagnose if the symptoms are mild and come and go.
Symptoms of rosacea include redness, pimples that resemble acne, and pus-filled bumps (pustules). It is most common in people with fair skin. But it can also occur in people with darker skin. People with rosacea are often self-conscious about their appearance and feel embarrassed or frustrated. It can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and depression.
It can sometimes cause the cornea, which is the transparent layer at the front of the eyeball, to become inflamed and damaged. This is called ocular rosacea and can threaten sight. It can be prevented by avoiding known triggers. This includes avoiding foods, drinks, skincare products and activities that could irritate the face. It is important to use a gentle, sensitive cleanser and avoid abrasive scrubs or facial masks. It is also helpful to keep a diary of when the symptoms flare up, and what seems to help or hinder them.
Diagnosis
Rosacea can vary from one person to another, so the condition may not always be easy to identify. The most common type, erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, is characterized by long-lasting redness, caused by small blood vessels under the skin becoming larger and more visible. These symptoms often come and go, but without treatment they can get worse and even cause permanent redness. Another common symptom is the development of pus-filled “whiteheads” and swollen red bumps that look a lot like acne. These blemishes typically appear on the cheeks, chin, and forehead but can also occur on the scalp or chest. Many people with rosacea are also plagued by flushing and facial redness.
If you have a combination of these symptoms, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis. There is no test for rosacea, but doctors can usually diagnose it based on your appearance and medical history. They may order tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as lupus or menopause.
There is no cure for rosacea, but there are many ways to reduce your symptoms and keep them under control. Using a gentle skin care routine, avoiding your triggers, and taking medications can all help. It is important to persevere with treatment, as most people find that their symptoms improve over time. Any long-term condition that affects your appearance can have a negative psychological effect, and many people with rosacea have reported feelings of embarrassment or frustration.
Treatment
There’s no cure for rosacea, but treatments can control symptoms and help your skin look better. You may need to try a few different treatments before you find one that works for you.
You might need to start by keeping a symptom diary, to see what triggers your symptoms. This will help you avoid things that make them worse, such as spicy foods, alcohol and heat. You can also buy over-the-counter rosacea treatments, such as face cleansers and creams that reduce redness and inflammation.
Your doctor might prescribe medicines such as doxycycline (pills or gel) and metronidazole (pills or a gel) to treat bumps and pimples and reduce the number of flare-ups. Other medicines that can be used to minimize the visible blood vessels that cause redness include clottrichloroacetic acid, azelaic acid and ivermectin (Soolantra).
If your symptoms are severe, you may need more intense treatment. This can include laser or light therapy, which can reduce the appearance of the visible blood vessels on your skin. It might also involve surgery, such as nose reconstruction (rhinophyma) to fix a disfigured nose. Other treatments can include sclerotherapy, which uses small injections to remove the blocked blood vessels. There are also a variety of skin moisturizers and sunscreens available to treat rosacea. You can get good protection from the sun by using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Prevention
There is no cure for rosacea, but people can prevent symptoms by following a skincare routine and avoiding things that make them worse. Some common triggers include spicy foods, hot drinks and baths, alcohol, certain cosmetic products, irritants such as menthol or camphor, sunscreen and UV rays, and exercise. Stress may also be a trigger, but everyone is different and it may take time to figure out what causes flare-ups for you.
Some people find that their rosacea is made worse by a particular medicine or vitamin they’re taking. If this is the case, ask your doctor if you can switch to a different medication.
Keeping a diary of your rosacea can help you identify possible triggers and reduce or avoid them. It can also show you when your symptoms are at their worst so you can take steps to prevent a flare-up. A few examples of things to write in your diary include a description of your symptoms, how you felt, what caused them to get worse, and what helped to relieve them.