Rosacea
Patients with rosacea can develop redness, roughness, bumpiness, pimples, and pustules on the face.
Rosacea is more common in fair-skinned patients between the ages of 30 and 60. It is also more common in women, although men can have it too.
This condition can be easily mistaken for acne, so an accurate diagnosis by a board-certified dermatologist is imperative in getting better.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea on the skin comes in 3 forms:
Erythrotelangiectatic rosacea: in this type, patients develop redness, broken vessels, and flushing on the cheeks, nose, chin, and central forehead.
Papulopustular rosacea: pimple-like bumps, pustules, and cysts are also seen on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead, often with a background of redness. Unlike acne, rosacea does not cause comedones (clogged pores).
Phymatous rosacea: more often seen on the nose, this type leads to thickened, bumpy skin.
What causes rosacea?
As in most skin conditions, rosacea is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Patients with rosacea can also have an overgrowth of Demodex mites, which are part of the normal flora of the skin, in addition to an immune system that may be too hyperactive against the mites. Furthermore, the vessels on the face of patients with rosacea are likely hyperactive, and vasodilate too easily. Common triggers for patients with rosacea include:
Sun exposure
Alcohol
Spicy foods
Stress
Heat, including warm drinks
Anything that overly dries or irritates the skin
Corticosteroids
How is rosacea treated?
You will be screened for symptoms of ocular rosacea, and referred to an ophthalmologist if needed. Other treatments include:
Gentle skincare products and sun protection
Avoidance of triggers
Topical medications: ivermectin, metronidazole, azelaic acid, tacrolimus
Topical vasoconstrictors to help with redness: brimonidine or oxymetazoline
Oral medications: doxycycline, minocycline, isotretinoin, spironolactone
Laser therapy to help with redness and broken capillaries