What is Rosacea?
Actual Patient of Carl W. Soderstrom, M.D.
Telangiectasic Rosacea (Red Blood Vessels)
Rosacea (pronounced “roh-ZAY-sha”) is a common but poorly understood skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. Often referred to as “adult acne,” rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily, and progress to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. It also may involve the ears, chest and back. As the disease progresses, small blood vessels and tiny pimples begin to appear on and around the reddened area; however, unlike acne, there are no blackheads.
Actual Patient of Carl W. Soderstrom, M.D.
Inflammatory Rosacea
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
- Flushing - One of the earlier signs of Rosacea. Many people with rosacea have a history of frequent blushing or flushing.
- Bumps and Pimples - Small, red bumps, some of which may contain pus. While it resembles acne, there are no blackheads and burning or stinging may occur.
- Persistent Redness - Persistent facial redness is the most common sign of the disorder. May resemble a blush or sunburn that does not go away.
- Visible Blood Vessels - Small blood vessels become apparent on the skin.
OTHER POTENTIAL SIGNS
About 50% of the people with rosacea experience eye burning and grittiness. This condition is called conjunctivitis. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to even more serious complications for the eyes.
In more advanced cases of rosacea, a condition called rhinophyma may develop. The oil glands enlarge causing a bulbous, enlarged nose and puffy checks. Thick bumps can develop on the lower half of the nose and nearby cheeks.
WHO’S AT RISK?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, those most likely to develop rosacea are fair-skinned adults, especially women, between the ages of 30-50, although it may affect anyone. For some un-known reason, women develop rosacea more often than men, and in some cases, this disorders has been associated with menopause. Rosacea usually develops over a long period of time. It may first seem like a tendency to blush easily, a ruddy complexion, or an extreme sensitivity to cosmetics. An occasional embarrassment or a tense moment may also trigger flushing.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
There is no cure for rosacea, but it can be controlled. Identifying the disease is the first step to controlling it. Self-diagnosis and treatment are not recommended, as some over-the-counter skin applications may make the problem worse.
Your dermatologist may prescribe gels or creams. Results can be seen in the first three to four weeks of use, with greater improvement after two months of use.
For faster results, your dermatologist may prescribe an oral antibiotic.
Laser surgery may be used to treat persistent redness. The laser surgery will close off the dilated blood vessels.
Cosmetics may offer an alternative to "covering up" the problem areas. Green tinted makeup may mask the redness.
It is important to eliminate factors that cause additional skin irritation. Daily facial products such as soap, moisturizers, and sunscreens should be free of alcohol or other irritating ingredients. Moisturizers used along with topical medication should be applied very gently after the medication has dried. When going outdoors, especially on warm sunny days, sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher are necessary.
The experienced staff and physicians at Soderstrom Dermatology Center, S.C. will put a treatment plan together to fit each individuals’ symptoms. These treatments can stop the progress of rosacea and sometimes reverse it. Rosacea can be treated and controlled if medical advice is sought in the early stages. When left untreated, rosacea may get worse and may be more difficult to treat.
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