Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that causes blushing, flushing, and/or visible blood vessels on the face that can sometimes be mistaken for acne. Oftentimes, it occurs in flare ups that can last for several weeks or months and then disappear for a period. Rosacea can affect anyone however it is more prevalent in middle-aged fair skin women and tends to worsen over time if left untreated.  

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Symptoms of rosacea include:

• Redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the face
• Bumps, pimples, and swelling of the face
• In severe cases, rosacea can lead to thickening of the skin, particularly around the nose 
• Some may experience eye irritation and redness, which is known as ocular rosacea

Rosacea can be categorized into four types, based on these different symptoms:

• Pre-rosacea - Frequent flare ups of blushing and flushing of the face and neck that last longer than normal and can sometimes sting
• Vascular rosacea – This type is more common in women and consists of swelling of blood vessels under the facial skin causing swollen, warm skin 
• Inflammatory rosacea - Pimples and enlarged blood vessels on the face
• Rhinophyma – Mostly seen in men, rhinophyma is when enlarged oil glands in the nose and cheeks cause an enlarged, swollen red nose 
• Eye Symptoms of Rosacea (Ocular Rosacea) symptoms may include:
  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Tearing
  • Inflamed eyelids
  • Feeling of a foreign object in your eye

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is not known, but there are several factors that may contribute to the condition, including genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers. 

Some common triggers of rosacea include:

• Sunlight
• Stress
• Hot weather
• Exercise
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Certain medications

How do you treat rosacea?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for rosacea however there are treatment options available to help mitigate symptoms. Treatment for rosacea involves a combination of lifestyle changes, topical medications, and oral medications. You should identify and avoid triggers that worsen your symptoms and protect your skin from sunlight by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing such as a hat. Topical treatments can help to reduce redness and inflammation while oral antibiotics may be prescribed in more severe cases.

In addition to medication, patients with rosacea may benefit from laser or light therapy. This treatment can reduce visible blood vessels and redness. Laser therapy can also help to reduce the thickening of the skin around the nose. 

You should work closely with your dermatologist to determine the best rosacea treatment plan for your individual needs. Contact The Iowa Clinic Dermatology to schedule an appointment at 515.875.9766.