Rosacea

General Information on Rosacea

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition in which there is redness of the skin and tiny pimples that occur in localized areas. In most cases of rosacea the pimples and redness occur on the faces. Although, rosacea can appear on the stomach, back, arms, and legs. The cause of rosacea is unknown. Most people affected by rosacea are fair skinned and middle aged. Untreated, rosacea can be a progressive condition; worsening over time. However, most affected by rosacea experience their symptoms in cycles. For a period of weeks to months the symptoms appear followed by periods where the symptoms subside. Alcoholics seem to be commonly affected by rosacea.

Symptoms of Rosacea

Some of the symptoms of rosacea may be:

Localized redness
Small bumps, pustules, or pimples
Visible small red blood vessels in the localized areas
Red bulbous nose (the skin of the nose appears thicker)
Skin appears thinner in localized areas
Tendency to blush easily

Treatments For Rosacea

The treatment for rosacea is aimed at relieving the symptoms of rosacea. There is no cure for the skin condition. A doctor may prescribe topical or oral medications to help reduce inflammation and redness. Tetracyclines are typically the most effective medications for rosacea. Should medications for rosacea prove ineffective, a doctor may prescribe isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a medication that is used in the treatment of severe acne conditions that stops the production of oils from the skin. Isotretinoin is only given as a last resort due to the fact that there can be some very serious side effects. A doctor may also recommend laser surgery or electrosurgery to reduce the appearance of blood vessels and to reduce the thickness of the skin around the nose. People with rosacea should avoid certain foods that can cause the blood vessels to enlarge, such as spicy food, caffeine, and alcohol. Topical corticosteroids also have a tendency to make rosacea worse.

Personal Experience

Rosacea - personal experiences