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OVERVIEW

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a condition that occurs on the face.  It causes redness and small bumps that are similar to acne.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

The first sign of rosacea often is redness. It may appear like a blush across the nose, cheeks, chin or forehead. Other symptoms include red or pus-filled bumps small blood vessels. For some people, the skin of the nose may become red, thick, and swollen.  This is caused by excess tissue and called rhinophyma. Rosacea can also affect the eyes. It may irritate and inflame the eyelids and the white part of the eye. This is called conjunctivitis.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes rosacea and who gets it?

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. Possible causes include defects in the immune, nervous, or vascular systems. It tends to run in families. People who are fair-skinned and blush easily are more likely to have it. Symptoms often begin in adults between 30 and 60 years of age. Women get rosacea more on the cheeks and chin, while men are more likely to have rhinophyma. The condition tends to be more severe in men.

DIAGNOSIS

Contact your healthcare provider if you have signs of rosacea. They may refer you to a dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions.

PREVENTION

Can rosacea be prevented or avoided?

Since the cause of rosacea is unknown, you cannot prevent it. However, there are things you can do to avoid flare-ups. These include changes to your lifestyle and environment. Triggers vary by person and may take time to identify. Common triggers include:

• Direct or indirect heat, such as the sun or hot baths
• Weather, such as hot or freezing temperatures and strong winds
• Harsh skin care products
• Exercise or sweating
• Stress or anxiety
• Alcohol
• Certain foods
• Menopause
• Other skin or health conditions

TREATMENT

Medicine is the most common form of treatment for rosacea.  The type of medicine your healthcare provider recommends will depend on your symptoms. Medicines used to treat rosacea may include special antibiotics, in the form of pills, gel, or cream.  These work well at improving pimples and bumps. Skin redness is harder to treat.

It may take up to 2 months or more of treatment to work. As your skin appearance improves, the amount of oral antibiotic you take can often be cut down or stopped. It is hard to know how long you will need treatment. Each person’s skin is different, and your healthcare provider may want to adjust your treatment.

For severe cases, surgery may be an option.  It is most often done to treat rhinophyma. Enlarged blood vessels on your face can sometimes be removed by using a fine electric needle or with laser surgery.

Living with rosacea

Rosacea cannot be cured, but treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve skin appearance. Remember to always wear sunscreen. Avoid known triggers to prevent flare-ups. If left untreated, this condition can get worse over time. This can have emotional and social effects. Some people lose self-esteem and don’t like to be seen in public because of the way they look. It is important to work with your healthcare provider to treat symptoms and improve your quality of life.