Rosacea and Its Treatment

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that most often affects the central part of the face. It can show up as constant or recurring redness, enlarged blood vessels, inflammatory bumps and eye symptoms. At this point there is no method that cures rosacea completely, but with properly chosen treatment and good skincare the condition can be controlled effectively.

What you should know:

• Rosacea is chronic, so the main goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and keep the process under control;
• Sun exposure, heat, stress, alcohol and spicy food make the condition worse, although triggers are still individual;
• Early diagnosis and correct treatment matter. They help you avoid serious complications such as rhinophyma (thickening of the skin) and damage to the eyes.
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What is rosacea and who develops it?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects the central part of the face: the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. The disease can flare up from time to time and then partly settle down.

Rosacea can develop in anyone, but it is more common in middle aged and older adults. It is worth noting that redness is easier to see on lighter skin.

Rosacea is sometimes called "acne rosacea", because red or pus filled bumps that look like acne can appear on the face. Still, this is not acne, and the treatment approach is different.

 

Symptoms of rosacea

The disease develops in stages and the symptoms may change over time. At the beginning it often shows up as occasional facial redness.

Common symptoms are:

• Constant or recurring redness of the face;
• A stinging or burning sensation on the skin;
• Small visible blood vessels;
• Red or pus filled bumps;
• Sensitive skin that gets irritated easily;
• Swelling of the skin;
• Thickening of the skin on the nose or other parts of the face;
• Dryness, redness, burning or a feeling of a foreign body in the eyes.

The combination and intensity of symptoms is individual. For example, one patient may mostly have persistent redness, another may have bumps, and a third may struggle with visible blood vessels. The course of treatment is prescribed accordingly.

 

Rosacea on the face: how is it different from acne and couperose?

Rosacea on the face is often confused with acne, because in both cases red, pimple like bumps can appear on the skin. There is an important difference between them, though. With rosacea you often see constant or recurring facial redness. Acne, on the other hand, is marked by comedones, the blackheads and whiteheads that as a rule do not appear with rosacea.

Couperose is a condition in which fine, widened blood vessels are clearly visible on the face and the skin is prone to redness. Couperose and rosacea are not the same condition. With rosacea, visible blood vessels can be one of the signs, but the disease often comes with other symptoms as well, for example persistent redness and inflammatory bumps.

This is why redness on its own is not enough to make a diagnosis. The dermatologist assesses the condition of the skin, the accompanying symptoms and the factors that make the redness stronger.

 

What causes rosacea: the main triggers

Rosacea does not have one specific cause. Its development is linked to immune and vascular reactions in the skin, to the particular features of the skin barrier and to other factors. An increased number of Demodex mites may also add to the inflammatory process, although their presence is not considered the only cause of the disease.

Symptoms are often made worse by:

• Sun exposure;
• Heat and sharp changes in temperature;
• Hot baths or showers;
• Spicy food;
• Very hot drinks;
• Alcohol, especially red wine;
• Emotional stress;
• Certain cosmetic or hair care products;
• Strong wind and cold.

It is important to remember that any chronic skin problem needs attention, so that serious conditions such as skin cancer can be ruled out.

 

Rosacea and its treatment: creams, ointments, medication and laser

A course of treatment for rosacea is chosen individually. The method depends on which signs are leading and how pronounced they are.

In mild and moderate forms the doctor may prescribe topical products that reduce inflammation or acne like bumps. In certain cases oral medication is used as well.

It is important to remember that there is no single universal product, for example one rosacea ointment or one rosacea cream. The specific product should be chosen by a dermatologist according to the symptoms and the condition of the skin.

Rosacea can also be treated with antibiotics. Keep in mind that using them without a doctor's prescription is not recommended. In some cases an antibiotic is used mainly to reduce inflammation.

When there are visible blood vessels and persistent redness, laser or IPL therapy may be considered. Such procedures are used to reduce vascular changes.

When the skin has thickened noticeably, surgical or laser methods may be needed to reduce the excess tissue.

Daily care matters too, including protecting the skin from the sun. It is recommended that you use a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and a sunscreen.

Avoiding self treatment is especially important. Using hormonal ointments on your own can make the course of rosacea worse.

Rosacea cannot be cured, but with properly chosen treatment it can be controlled.

 

Rosacea and diet: what should you limit?

Certain foods can widen the blood vessels and provoke inflammation. That is why rosacea and diet are connected. Even so, there is no single universal eating plan that every patient should follow.

For some people symptoms are made worse by spicy food, very hot drinks, alcohol, especially red wine, or other specific products.

This is why it is better to observe your own condition before you start strict restrictions. For a few weeks you can write down what you eat and when the redness or another symptom gets worse.

Notes like these also help the doctor identify your individual triggers.

 

Rosacea in children

Rosacea is very rare in children and adolescents. At this age the disease can affect not only the skin but the eyes as well.

In children, facial redness and rashes can have many other causes. This is why self diagnosis is not recommended.

If a child has recurring facial redness, a rash, red or dry eyes or a burning sensation, the condition should be assessed by a dermatologist. When eye complaints are pronounced, an ophthalmologist may need to be involved as well.

 

When should you see a dermatologist?

Do not postpone a visit to a specialist if you notice the following signs:

• Eye pain;
• Increased sensitivity to light;
• Blurred vision or another change in eyesight;
• Facial redness that no longer goes away and becomes permanent.

At the first visit the doctor will perform dermatoscopy, rule out other diseases with similar symptoms and put together an individual treatment plan.

It is worth noting that there is no special blood test to confirm rosacea. The diagnosis is made mainly by assessing the condition of the skin and the eyes.

If you have a dermatological problem, come to Todua Clinic. All three of our branches serve patients. You will find a dermatologist in Dighomi, as well as at the Vera and central branches. Consultations are also held by Natia Todua, Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology.

Remember that rosacea symptoms can be brought under control. The more accurately the type of the disease and the factors behind it are identified, the easier it is to choose the right routine and treatment. A consultation with a dermatologist will help you with this.

 

Is facial redness or sensitive skin bothering you? Do not turn to self treatment. Call 032 2 57 57 57 and book an appointment with a dermatologist at Todua Clinic.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Is it possible to cure rosacea completely?

Rosacea is a chronic disease and it is not always possible to make it disappear for good. With appropriate treatment, though, you can reduce the symptoms, control flare ups and improve the condition of the skin.

 

How can you tell rosacea apart from acne?

With rosacea, red or pus filled bumps that look like acne can appear, but ordinary comedones are not typical of it. Constant or recurring facial redness is often present as well. The exact condition should be assessed by a dermatologist.

 

Can you wear makeup if you have rosacea?

Yes, makeup is allowed, but the cosmetics should be non comedogenic, hypoallergenic and made for sensitive skin. Foundations with a green pigment are a good choice, since they visually balance out the red tone.