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Frequently Asked Questions about Rosacea

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Frequently Asked Questions about Rosacea

WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects the skin on the face (cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead).1

Symptoms may also spread beyond the face to the skin on the ears, scalp, neck, or chest.2

Rosacea causes redness, visible blood vessels, and small, red, pus-filled bumps on the facial skin.3

These signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks or even months, and then go dormant for a while.3

Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, an allergic reaction, or other skin problems.3

WHAT CAUSES ROSACEA?

Doctors do not know the exact cause of rosacea but believe that a tendency to develop the disorder may be genetic.4,5

    HOW LONG DOES ROSACEA LAST?

    Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that typically presents in middle- and older-aged adults, and is more common in women and people with fair, sensitive skin.4

    In one small study, 52% of participants reported rosacea that came and went. This group experienced rosacea flare-ups for an average of 13 years. 48% of people who participated in the study had their rosacea clear up after an average of 9 years.6 There is no cure for rosacea, but it can be treated and controlled.4

      ARE THERE CERTAIN FOODS I SHOULD AVOID?

      • Everyone has different triggers that cause rosacea flare-ups, but some have found it helpful to avoid:
        • spicy and thermally hot foods;
        • foods high in histamines;
        • liver, yogurt, sour cream, cheese (except cottage cheese), chocolate, vanilla, soy sauce, yeast extract (bread is okay), vinegar, eggplant, avocados, spinach, broad-leaf beans and pods (including lima, navy, or pea), citrus fruits, tomatoes, bananas, red plums, raisins, figs.8
      • Some have also found it helpful to avoid consuming certain beverages, especially:
        • Alcohol, particularly red wine, beer, bourbon, gin, vodka, or champagne;
        • Hot drinks, including hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea.8
      • It can be helpful to keep a rosacea journal so that you can track all of the things that trigger a flare-up.9

      IS DRY, FLAKY SKIN TYPICAL WITH ROSACEA?

      • About half of all rosacea sufferers appear to experience dry skin. With treatment, this dryness often heals, and redness and pustules disappear.9
      • To combat dry, flaky skin, use a moisturizer each time after you cleanse your skin and apply medication.9
      • You also may wish to check with your dermatologist to see which medication works best for your skin type. Some dry skin out while others can help to moisturize.9

      IS OILY SKIN COMMON WITH ROSACEA?

      • There is no standard skin type for rosacea patients. Many sufferers experience dry, flaky skin, while others may have normal or oily skin.9
      • The most important thing is to work with your dermatologist to identify your skin type and then use medication and skin-care products that are suitable.9

      CAN YOU GET ROSACEA ON OTHER PARTS OF YOUR BODY?

      • It is not a common, but some individuals report symptoms that move to the ears, scalp, neck, and chest9

      WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT MY ROSACEA?

      • You should see you doctor if any of the following symptoms persist:10
        • Areas of redness on your face;
        • Embarrassment, anxiety, or frustration caused by deep blushing or redness on your face or neck;
        • Your skin burns, stings, or swells during periods of flushing;
        • Pimples, red bumps, and persistent red areas on your facial skin;
        • Your eyes are frequently bloodshot, watery, and irritated.

      WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS?

      Sticking with the treatment recommended by your doctor will improve symptoms within a few weeks.1

      Compliance with therapy – using your medication exactly as your doctor prescribes it – is an important key to success.11

      Apply any topical medication and allow it to absorb completely before you apply moisturizer or makeup.12

      Rosacea is characterized by flare-ups and remissions. It is best to keep using your medications in between flare-ups in order to prevent them.9

      IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET RID OF ROSACEA SCARS?

      Scarring can be minimized. Ask your dermatologist about the best approach for you.

      Rosacea can last for many years and does not go away on its own. If left untreated, the condition may get worse. There may be permanent skin and eye damage in the long term, so the best cure for scarring is prevention; be sure to treat rosacea symptoms early.10

      For severe scars, treatment options include: surgery using lasers (electrocautery or excision).13

      REFERENCES

      1. Rosacea. Canadian Dermatology Association. http://www.dermatology.ca/skin-hair-nails/skin/rosacea/. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
      2. All About Rosacea. National Rosacea Society. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/allaboutrosacea.php. 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. 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.
      5. 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.
      6. Rosacea: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea#treatment. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
      7. Factors That May Trigger Rosacea Flare-Ups. National Rosacea Society. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/materials/triggers.php. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
      8. Rosacea: Tips for Managing. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea#tips. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
      9. Frequently Asked Questions. National Rosacea Society. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/faq.php#effectiveness. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
      10. When to see a Doctor. Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. http://www.rosaceahelp.ca/about-rosacea/when-to-see-a-doctor/. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
      11. Medical Therapy for Rosacea. National Rosacea Society. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/managementoptions/medicaltherapy.php. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
      12. Make-up and Concealers. Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. http://www.rosaceahelp.ca/take-action/action-article-7/. Published December 12, 2014. Accessed August 19, 2016.
      13. How Do I Treat Skin Thickening? Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. http://www.rosaceahelp.ca/take-action/action-article-8/. Published December 10, 2014. Accessed August 19, 2016.
      Related Terms: Dermatology, acne