What exactly is Rosacea?

Rosacea is more common than you might think. It is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, thought to be simple acne, or confused with other skin conditions. Because it’s not always identified for what it is, it’s often misunderstood just how common it is. Rosacea usually occurs in white people north western European descent. The condition begins in the form of erythema, which is a flushing and redness along the face and neck, though it can also affect the chest. Over the course of rosacea’s progression, it may develop into semi permanent erythema, dilation of facial blood vessels, small red bumps, and even red gritty eyes, and a burning or stinging sensation.

Rosacea is often confused with seborrhoeic dermatitis as well as vulgar acne, and can, in fact, co-exist with these conditions. Rosacea affects about 45 million people worldwide, it is three times as common in women as it is in men, and generally has a peak onset age between 30 and 60 years of age. It should be noted that the presence of a rash or reddish coloring on the scalp or ears is a sign of a different condition than rosacea, or another condition in addition to rosacea, as rosacea primarily affects the face.

There are a number of subtypes of rosacea, with the most common being…

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea

This form shows itself as a permanent redness, blushing easily, and oftentimes, easily irritated, burning, or itching skin.

Papulopustular rosacea

Papulopustular rosacea is associated with red bumps, or papules, with some being pus filled, or pustules. These bumps usually last between one and four days. This subtype of rosacea is the type most often confused with acne.

Phymatous rosacea

Associated with rhinophyma, phymatous rosacea is identified as thickening skin, irregular skin surface and enlargements. Phymatous rosacea usually affects the chin, the forehead, the cheeks, the eyelids, ears, or nose.

Ocular rosacea

Ocular rosacea is identified as dry, red, irritated eyes and lids.

Cause

Rosacea has a hereditary component, tending to affect fair skinned European and Celt descended people. The condition may be linked with high levels of peptide cathelicidin, and stratum corneum tryptic enzymes. The earliest signs of rosacea are usually excessive redness after exercise or physical exertion, or due to changes in temperature, etc.

It is interesting to note that rosacea may be triggered by normal flushing of the face. Things that may trigger rosacea through face reddening may include alcohol, spicy foods, coffee and hot tea, cold wind, severe sunburn, or moving directly from a cold environment into a warm one and vice versa. As mentioned above, 45 million people are estimated to have rosacea, including former president Bill Clinton, Princess Diana of Wales, W.C. Fields, and the painter, Rembrandt.

Treatment for rosacea

Rosacea treatment may vary from patient to patient. It all depends on the particular subtypes and the severity of the symptoms. Dermatologists are usually recommended against taking a subtype-directed approach, however. Avoiding triggering rosacea can help to prevent the onset, but is usually only helpful for milder cases. Zinc oxide and sunscreen are recommended, and there are topical ointments available. People who have rosacea are recommended to keep a journal of outbreaks and causes to help determine and avoid triggering.

People who develop rosacea on the eyelids must practice hygienic measures frequently to prevent the condition from worsening. They are recommended to scrub their eyelids gently, and daily, with diluted baby shampoo, or eyelid cleaner. Phymatous rosacea has been treated with CO2 lasers, emitting wavelengths absorbed by the skin. CO2 lasers can also be formed into a beam and used as a scalpel to vaporize unwanted facial tissue.