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About Rosacea

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About Rosacea

WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that causes redness of the face. It often presents as a mild redness or blushing that, over time, lasts for longer durations and becomes more pronounced. Rosacea can also produce enlarged, visible blood vessels and small red bumps on the facial skin. Before diagnosis, it can be mistaken for acne, an allergic reaction, or other skin conditions.1,2,3


SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF ROSACEA

Redness, including red bumps that can resemble acne, and swollen, pronounced blood vessels. All of these usually affect the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.1

Up to half of rosacea sufferers also exhibit symptoms in their eyes, or ocular rosacea, including bloodshot, watery eyes, sties, and an irritated, dry, or gritty sensation.2,5

In rare cases, rhinophyma, or a thickening and swelling of the skin tissue of the nose, might develop. It is characterized by thick, red bumps on and around the nose which progress when the oil-producing glands and the surrounding connective tissues become enlarged. This part of the condition most often develops in men.2

Symptoms may also advance beyond the face, most commonly to the skin on the ears, scalp, neck, or chest.4

Rosacea can be categorized into four main subtypes:1

  1. Mild (Erythematotelangiectatic) – Main symptoms are facial flushing and redness, which may come and go. There might also be some swelling, burning, stinging, roughness, and visible red blood vessels.
  2. Moderate (Papulopustular) – A more serious form of rosacea, it is manifested with persistent redness and bumps (often mistaken for acne), as well as burning and stinging.
  3. Severe (Phymatous) – In some instances, rosacea can affect the nose; this advanced form is called rhinophyma. It can cause the tissue on and around the nose to thicken, leading to a bumpy or enlarged appearance.
  4. Ocular rosacea – Rosacea can also affect the eyes and eyelids. It may cause redness to the surrounding skin tissue, but also burning or stinging, dryness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or watery, bloodshot eyes.


WHY DO PEOPLE GET ROSACEA?

Why people get rosacea is unknown, and while there is no cure, medical therapy is available to control or reverse its signs and symptoms.2

Doctors do not know the exact cause of rosacea but believe that a tendency to develop the disorder may be genetic.6,7

People who blush frequently might 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.6

The immune system may play a role. Researchers found that most people with acne-like rosacea react to a bacterium called bacillus oleronius. The reaction causes their immune system to overreact. However, further study is still needed.7

The demodex mite that lives on everyone’s skin, particularly on the nose and cheeks, might play a role. Studies have found that people with rosacea have large numbers of the mite on their skin, but it is important to note that individuals who do not suffer from rosacea can also exhibit large populations of the mite.7

Factors that cause rosacea to flare up in one person may not affect another person. People have identified the following items as triggers that aggravate their rosacea: heat (including hot baths), intense exercise, sun or wind exposure, extremely cold or hot temperatures, hot or spicy food and drink.1,6

Alcohol consumption, menopause, stress, certain medications (vasodilators and topical steroids), and bacteria are additional factors that may cause rosacea to flare up.1,6

WHO GETS ROSACEA?

Women especially over age 305

Individuals with fair skin, particularly if it has been damaged by the sun5 and people of Celtic or Northern European descent with fair skin4

Individuals with a family history of rosacea5

Individuals who smoke5

WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT MY ROSACEA?

  • You may need to see a dermatologist who is a doctor who works with patients who are having problems with their skin and who can help you bring your rosacea under control.12
  • Do you have noticeable areas of redness on your face that do not go away?
  • Do you feel embarrassed, socially anxious, frustrated, or low about deep flushing or redness on your face or neck?
  • Does your skin burn, sting, or swell during periods of flushing?
  • Do you have pimples, red bumps, and persistent red areas on your face?
  • Are your eyes frequently bloodshot, watery, and irritated?
  • If your family doctor suspects rosacea, he or she may refer you to a dermatologist for treatment.


WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS?

  • Rosacea is a chronic disorder that can be managed; dermatologists work with their patients to reduce swelling and improve the appearance of the skin.6
  • There is often a psychological impact on people who suffer from rosacea. Individuals have reported feeling anxious, depressed, frustrated, embarrassed, having low self-esteem, and experiencing problems in their marriages or at work.1,8

ARE THERE TREATMENTS FOR ROSACEA?

On the horizon

  • Researchers continue to search for new insight into rosacea and are producing new studies on the role of cathelicidins, the immune response, and skin barriers.6
  • Researchers are also investigating potential probiotic therapies that could be applied directly to the skin.6

REFERENCES

  1. Rosacea. Canadian Dermatology Association. http://www.dermatology.ca/skin-hair-nails/skin/rosacea/. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  2. About Rosacea: What is rosacea? Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. http://www.rosaceahelp.ca/about-rosacea/what-is-rosacea/. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  3. Rosacea Overview. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rosacea/home/ovc-20235169. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  4. All About Rosacea. National Rosacea Society. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/allaboutrosacea.php. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  5. Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rosacea/symptoms-causes/dxc-20235172. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  6. Rosacea. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rosacea/default.asp#1. Published April 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  7. Rosacea: Who Gets and Causes. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea#causes. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  8. Rosacea: Signs and Symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea#causes. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
Related Terms: Dermatology, Acne Vulgaris, acne, rosacea, dermatology