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Rosacea
14 Million Americans Have Rosacea and Most of Them Don\'t Know It.
Rosacea (pronounced roh-ZAY-sha) is a common but little-known disorder of the facial skin that affects an estimated 14 million Americans -- and most of them don\'t know it. In fact, while rosacea is becoming increasingly widespread as the populous baby boom generation enters the most susceptible ages, a Gallup survey found that 78 percent of Americans have no knowledge of this disease, including how to recognize it and what to do about it.
Because of its red-faced, acne-like effects on personal appearance, however, it can cause significant psychological, social and occupational problems if left untreated.
While the cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure, today medical help is available that can control the signs and symptoms of this potentially life-disruptive disorder. Any one of the following warning signs is a signal to see a dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment before the signs and symptoms become increasingly severe:
- Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead.
- Small visible blood vessels on the face.
- Bumps or pimples on the face.
- Watery or irritated eyes.
Many people believe their facial redness is purely a cosmetic problem and do not seek advice about it. However, it is important to treat this condition early to prevent long term side effects which include: telangiectasia; rhinophyma (enlargement of the nose); persistent oedema of the face (swelling) or eye problems. Treatment should start with identifying possible trigger factors. It could be helpful to keep a diary over a few weeks to help to identify foods which might make the flushing worse. In mild rosacea, topical antibiotics are commonly used. In general, metronidazole is used and needs to be applied sparingly to the whole affected area. In those who fail to respond to topical antibiotics, or those with a more severe disease, systemic antibiotics can be used. Systemic antibiotics tend to have their major impact on the inflammatory lesions, with the flushing tending to respond less quickly. Roaccutane, a hospital-only drug, can also be prescribed to some people, but there are many reported side effects of this treatment, so it should be considered carefully before using. If flushing is a major problem, Clonidine can help to reduce flushing attacks.
Rosacea can be confused with acne or seborrhoeic dermatitis, although some people have both rosacea and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Therefore it is important that the condition is diagnosed correctly, so that the most appropriate treatment is administered.
It is considered that rosacea is often self-limiting, but it is impossible to predict how long it may last. Many people affected by this skin condition can feel embarrassed and ashamed by their appearance. There are some excellent camouflage creams available from the British Red Cross Skin Camouflage Service, which can help to tone down facial redness and are suitable for both men and women.
The key to managing rosacea is to be the one in control of the skin condition, and not the other way around.
Glycolic acid may also be used to gain faster control over rosacea. The following is often used in combination with oral antibiotics:
- Glycolic acid peels - Given every two to four weeks, these peels are applied to the face for up to five minutes. Following treatment, the skin is red for a few hours, and patients should avoid sun exposure until their skin returns to its normal color.
- Glycolic acid washes and creams – Dermatologists may use these in low concentrations to further enhance the peel’s effect
Those most likely to develop rosacea are fair-skinned adults, especially women, between the ages of 30 and 50, although it may affect men or women of any age and even children. For some unknown reason, women get rosacea more often than men, and some cases of this disorder have been associated with menopause. Rosacea usually develops over a long period of time. It may first seem like a tendency to blush easily, a ruddy complexion, or an extreme sensitivity to cosmetics. An occasional embarrassment or a tense moment may also trigger flushing.
The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown. The best prevention may be to avoid things that make the face red or flushed.
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Avoid hot drinks, spicy foods, caffeine and alcoholic beverages. It\'s important to note that although alcohol may worsen a case of rosacea, symptoms may be just as severe in someone who doesn\'t drink at all. This condition has been unfairly linked to alcoholism.
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Practice good sun protection. This includes limiting exposure to sunlight, wearing hats and using broad spectrum sunscreens with SPF of 15 or higher and avoiding extreme hot and cold temperatures, which may exacerbate the symptoms of rosacea.
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Keep a diary of flushing episodes and note associated foods, products, activities, medications or other triggering factors.
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