Rosacea |
OverviewRosacea is a chronic disease that affects the facial skin and sometimes the eyes. The disorder is characterized by redness pimples and in advanced stages thickened skin. Some 14 million North Americans have rosacea. It most often affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60. Rosacea is more common in women (particularly during menopause) than men. Although rosacea can develop in people of any skin color it tends to occur most frequently and is most apparent in people with fair skin. SymptomsThere are a number of symptoms associated with rosacea. These include frequent flushing vascular rosacea inflammatory rosacea and several other conditions involving the skin eyes and nose: Frequent flushing of the centre of the face--which may include the forehead nose cheeks and chin--occurs in the earliest stage of rosacea. The flushing often is accompanied by a burning sensation particularly when creams or cosmetics are applied to the face. Sometimes the face is swollen slightly. A condition called vascular rosacea causes persistent flushing and redness. Blood vessels under the skin of the face may enlarge showing through the skin as small red lines. The affected skin especially on the nose may be swollen slightly and feel warm. A condition called inflammatory rosacea causes persistent redness and pink bumps and bumps containing pus on the skin. These look like acne or small pimples. Eye inflammation and sensitivity also may occur. In the most advanced stage of rosacea the skin becomes a deep shade of red and inflammation of the eye is more apparent. Numerous bumps are often present and nodules in the skin may become painful. A condition called rhinophyma also may develop in some men; it is rare in women. Rhinophyma is characterized by an enlarged bulbous and red nose resulting from enlargement of oil-producing glands beneath the surface of the skin on the nose. People who have rosacea also may develop a thickening of the skin on the forehead chin cheeks or other areas. In addition to skin problems up to 50 percent of people who have rosacea also have eye problems. Typical symptoms include redness dryness itching burning tearing and the sensation of having sand in the eye. The eyelids may become inflamed and swollen. Some people say their eyes are sensitive to light and their vision is blurred or otherwise impaired. CausesNobody knows the exact cause of rosacea but researchers believe that some people may inherit a tendency to develop the disorder. People who blush frequently may be more likely to develop rosacea. Some researchers believe that rosacea is a disorder where blood vessels dilate too easily resulting in flushing and redness. Factors that cause rosacea to flare up in one person may have no effect on another. Although the following factors have not been well-researched some people claim that one or more of them have aggravated their rosacea:
Researchers have not established a link between rosacea and bacteria or other organisms on the skin in the hair follicles or elsewhere in the body. TreatmentThere is no cure for rosacea. The goals of treatment are to control the condition and improve the appearance of the patient's skin. It may take several weeks or months of treatment before a person notices an improvement of the skin. Some doctors may prescribe a topical antibiotic such as metronidazole which is applied directly to the affected skin. For people with more severe cases doctors often prescribe an oral antibiotic as well. Some people who have rosacea become depressed by the changes in the appearance of their skin. A doctor should be consulted if a person feels unusually sad or has other symptoms of depression such as loss of appetite or trouble concentrating. Doctors usually treat the eye problems of rosacea with oral antibiotics particularly tetracycline or doxycycline. Steroid eye drops are prescribed in severe cases. Electrosurgery and laser surgery are treatment options if red lines caused by dilated blood vessels appear in the skin. Self-care includes: In addition to following your doctor's prescribed treatment plan there are many things you can do to help yourself. It's important to know what triggers your rosacea and then avoid it as best you can. Experts suggest preventing flare-ups by:
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