Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin disease which begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people.

The redness can slowly spread beyond the nose and cheeks, forehead, ears and chin.

Rosacea has four subtypes:

1. Erythemato-telangiectatic rosacea: Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels.
2. Papulopustular rosacea: Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts.
3. Phymatous rosacea: Such as Rhinophyma where the skin thickens and has a bumpy texture.
4. Ocular rosacea: Eyes red and irritated, eyelids can be swollen.

With time, people who have rosacea often see permanent redness in the center of their face.

How do dermatologists treat rosacea?

Diagnosis is important as other, more serious conditions can mimic this condition.

Treatment includes:

• Medicine that is applied to the skin (topical agents).
• Sunscreen (Wearing it every day can help prevent flare-ups).
• Lasers and other light treatments.
• Antibiotics (applied to the skin and taken by mouth).

Dermatologists can remove the rhinophymatous (thickened) skin that appears on the nose and other parts of the face with:

• Lasers
• Electrosurgery

When rosacea affects the eyes, a dermatologist may give you instructions for washing the eyelids several times a day and a prescription for eye medicine.

Outcome

There is no cure for rosacea and sufferers often have rosacea for years.  Some people have rosacea flare-ups for life. Treatment can prevent the rosacea from getting worse. Treatment also can reduce the acne-like breakouts, redness, and the number of flare-ups.

To get the best results, people with rosacea also should learn what triggers their rosacea, try to avoid these triggers, and follow a rosacea skin-care plan