Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that makes your face rosy similar to that of blushing severely. It is marked by red colored pus filled blisters or papules that appears on the nose, chin and cheeks. It may cause burning sensation if it develops on the eyes. Many people lose their confidence due to the development of red lesions on the face and hesitate to visit parties and take part in social gatherings. It is necessary to take treatment for rosacea since it will not go on its own. If you are leaving it without treatment the conditions may worsen. For many people there will be flare up for particular season for weeks and then it will automatically disappear from the face. However it may get back to your after some months or years for causing more redness.
Causes :
Exact cause for rosacea is yet to be discovered. It is not caused by infection and the symptoms are really different from regular skin rashes and allergic reactions. Experts believe that rosacea redness and blisters are caused due to hereditary and environmental factors.
Factors that Triggers Rosacea :
There are certain factors that stimulate the formation of rosacea though it does not cause it actually. For instance alcohol consumption will worsen the symptoms of rosacea. Likewise, exposure to sunlight, stressful situations, eating spicy and hot foods and taking hot shower can trigger the symptoms to cause flare ups. Taking corticosteroid medications for long and doing strenuous exercises and taking drugs that cause dilation of blood vessels can worsen the symptoms.
Symptoms :
This skin disorder is characterized by flushing of skin and redness on your face. For dry skinned people it can cause burning sensation. Certain areas of your face are marked by red bumps or papules that are filled with pus. It is largely seen on cheeks, nose and forehead and sometimes on your eyes. The nose will look like bulbous nose. For some people small blood vessels on the cheeks becomes visible due to redness and rosacea bumps. Any stranger who sees you in this position can think that you are blushing adequately.
Stages :
Pre rosacea is the first stage. It starts as flushing episode initially then progresses to redness on the center of your face and nose. The underlying blood vessels will dilate causing redness on the face. Vascular rosacea is the second stage. The symptoms of redness will worsen spreading to nose, cheeks and chin. At this stage, tiny blood vessels are clearly visible on your face and the skin becomes highly sensitive for sunlight.
Inflammatory rosacea is the final stage in which small red colored bumps or papules develop on the face. This appears due to inflammation or swelling of the underlying skin layer. For some people it may spread near the eyes causing burning sensation which is described as ocular rosacea.
Who Are At Risk ?
Rosacea lesions may develop on the individual of any age group. But people who are fair complexioned, having blond hair and light eye color and who are of middle age are prone to get this skin problem. Women who are in the menopause stage will have increased chance for developing rosacea.
If any of your family members or parents had rosacea then you are likely to get this skin rash. In rare cases, the sebaceous glands present in the skin gets enlarged forming big lumps on the nose which is known as rhinophyma.
Tests :
The symptoms are clearly evident to detect rosacea and hence no separate tests are needed.
Rosacea Treatment :
So far there is no cure for rosacea and doctors can only reduce the symptoms. And even if the signs got reduced it can come back anytime. Over experience you will understand that combination of certain treatments/therapies along with lifestyle changes can prove to reduce much of the symptoms. Medications are given for reducing the redness and flare ups. Topical creams that contain antibiotics of low dosage are given for reducing redness. You can use skin lotion that contains doxycycline or azelaic acid or metronidazole or tretinoin for effective result.
Oral antibiotic treatment includes minocycline, tetracycline pills which are effective in reducing swelling of skin. However it can cause side effects like sensation of vomiting, stomach discomfort and sore mouth. For treating severe case of inflammation isotretinoin is given which would block secretion of excess of oil production from sebaceous glands.
For people who have developed ocular rosacea (redness and burning sensation in their eyes) steroid eye-drops are prescribed. Laser therapy is suggested for reducing the exposure of tiny blood vessels and some experts believe in using intense pulse light therapy. Elecrosurgery is also done for severe cases for removing the tissue buildup across the nose.
Pictures of Rosacea :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Rosacea
Prevention :
There is no way you can prevent or avoid getting rosacea. You need to find out what factors triggers the symptoms and avoid them in future. Avoid going out in hot sun and in case you wish to go cover your face with protective mask and use sunscreen lotion. For people with dry skin, you can use moisturizing lotion along with sunscreen for getting good results. Do not change your cosmetics often and use only branded products. Avoid rubbing your skin and do not use products that cause irritation to your skin.
Always use hat and cover your face with a mask while going out. Many alternative therapies are available for curing rosacea but none of them have been proved effective. And the same product that gives the best result for one person may not suit the other.