Rosacea

Rosacea is also called as the “adult acne” as it can cause outbreaks that look like acne and has a peak age of onset between 30 and 60. It is a persistent, inflammatory skin condition that affects adults which causes redness and pimples on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Rosacea is commonly mistaken as just blushing because the redness may come and go, however many notice that the “blushing” or redness can last for days.

Wikipedia says that rosacea is typically a harmless cosmetic condition unless it affects the eyes. On the other hand, having rosacea can be embarrassing.

Experts say that if left untreated, rosacea can get worse, though in most people it is just cyclic which means its signs and symptoms may flare up for a period of weeks to months and then lessen for a while before flaring up again.

Redness or flare ups of rosacea are often caused when something causes the blood vessels in the face to expand. Common triggers are things that cause a flare-up which may include: exercise, sun and wind exposure, hot weather, stress, spicy foods, alcohol, and hot baths.  Temperature swings from hot to cold or cold to hot can also cause a flare-up of rosacea.

There is no known cure for rosacea but there are available treatments that can control and reduce the signs and symptoms which may include:

•  Red areas on or around the cheeks, nose, mouth, and forehead. Sometimes the redness can last for days.
• Tendency to flush or blush easily
• Visible small blood vessels on the nose and cheeks that may look like spider webs (telangiectasia)
• Burning or stinging facial skin, especially when lotions or medicines are applied. The face may feel increasingly dry, sensitive, or sunburned
• Burning or gritty sensation in the eyes. Eyelids may look red and swollen, and vision may be blurry. Serious eye problems may result from untreated ocular rosacea.
• Knobby bumps on the nose and cheeks that can multiply and over time can give the nose a swollen, waxy look. (rhinophyma)

Even if there is no known cure, effective treatment can relieve rosacea’s signs and symptoms.

•  Antibiotic creams or pills may be used to treat redness and pimples.
• Stronger medicines may be tried if antibiotics can not control rosacea. Examples include isotretinoin (Accutane) or tretinoin cream (Retin-A).
• Other treatments like dermabrasion, cryosurgery, or laser surgery may help the skin look better if a person has an advanced rosacea. 

There are some things that can be done to reduce symptoms and keep rosacea from getting worse.

• Find out what triggers the flare-ups, and avoid them.
• Use sunscreen with SPF15 or higher. Use a moisturizer to prevent dryness caused by cold and wind during winter.
• Use skin care products for sensitive skin, and avoid any products that scratch or irritate the skin.
• Gently wash the eyelids with a product made for the eyes.

For diagnosis and proper treatment of rosacea, it is best to consult a doctor.