Rosacea

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Written by: Rebecca Marroquin, L.E

 

Rosacea is a long-lasting (chronic) skin disease that affects the face, primarily the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. The signs and symptoms of rosacea vary, and they may come and go or change over time.

There are three main types of rosacea, categorized by their primary signs and symptoms. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea causes skin redness and warmth (flushing) and visible clusters of blood vessels (telangiectasia). Papulopustular rosacea causes skin redness, swelling, and pus-filled bumps called pustules. Phymatous rosacea is characterized by thickened skin on the face and an enlarged, bulbous nose (rhinophyma). People with rosacea may feel itching, stinging, or burning sensations in affected areas. Often, the disorder affects the eyes, causing abnormal inflammation of the eyelids and eyes (ocular rosacea). This inflammation can cause dryness, redness, and irritation of the eyes and may affect vision.

Rosacea triggers:

Some factors can aggravate rosacea or make it worse by increasing blood flow to the surface of the skin; these include:

    • extremes of temperature
    • sunlight, humidity, or wind
    • stress, anxiety
    • vigorous exercise
    • hot baths or saunas
    • some medications, such as corticosteroids and drugs for treating high blood pressure
    • some chronic medical conditions – such as hypertension (high blood pressure)

Foods and drinks that may trigger rosacea include:

    • hot foods and beverages
    • caffeine
    • dairy products
    • spices and seasonings that contain capsaicin, for example, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and red pepper
    • alcohol, including wines and hard liquors
    • foods containing cinnamaldehyde, such as tomatoes, chocolate, and citrus fruits
Treatments:
 

The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms associated with rosacea with:

  • Diet modifications, avoiding food that will dilate the skin’s blood vessels, such as caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol
  • Topical and oral antibiotics
 
  • Chemical Peels/Retinol
 
  • IPL
 
  • Dermabrasions
 
  • Electrosurgery
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