Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face. It causes redness and often produces small, red, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may flare up for a period of weeks to months and then diminish for a while. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, other skin problems, or natural ruddiness.

The cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but it could be due to a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. It is most frequently diagnosed in middle-aged women with fair skin, but it can affect individuals of any age and any skin type.

Common triggers for rosacea include:

• Hot foods or beverages
• Spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Temperature extremes
• Sun or wind
• Emotions
• Exercise
• Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
• Various cosmetic products

The symptoms of rosacea include:

Facial redness: Rosacea usually causes a persistent redness in the central part of the face. Small blood vessels on the nose and cheeks often swell and become visible.

Swollen red bumps: Many people with rosacea also develop pimples on their face that resemble acne. These bumps sometimes contain pus.

Eye problems: Many people with rosacea also experience dry, irritated, swollen eyes and red, swollen eyelids. This is known as ocular rosacea.

Enlarged nose: In some cases, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, making it appear bulbous (rhinophyma). This occurs more often in men than in women.

There is no cure for rosacea, but treatments can control and reduce the signs and symptoms. Here are some common treatment methods:

• Topical treatments that reduce redness and can be applied to the affected skin
• Oral antibiotics to reduce inflammation and redness
• Oral acne drugs that are more severe or persistent
• Laser therapy to reduce redness from enlarged blood vessels