While we all love a rosy glow, it’s not pleasant when it goes overboard. Such is the case for people suffering from rosacea. The name of this chronic condition gives us a clue to what it does to the skin’s appearance, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
What is rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that typically affects 30-60 year old females. Males also experience rosacea, some quite severely. Among these, those with fair skin and Celtic origins are most likely to be affected.
While rosacea is not life-threatening, it has a significant negative impact on one’s quality of life. In terms of physical sensation, this condition is not pleasant at all. The affected areas are very sensitive and often feel like they are burning or stinging.
But perhaps the most dire consequence of rosacea is the toll it takes on one’s psychosocial wellbeing. There is stigma against people who suffer from skin conditions, and this is no exception. Rosacea has been associated with poor self-esteem, depression, and social anxiety. These issues affect relationships, career progression, and many more aspects of their lives.
What does rosacea look like
Rosacea is characterized by a red flush across the center of the face that does not fade away, but may grow worse when the person is exposed to certain triggers such as spicy food, extreme temperatures, or alcohol. Often, the blood vessels on the face are prominent and easily distinguishable, which in medical terms is referred to as “telangiectasia”. There may also be papules and pustules that may be mistaken for acne.
There are several subtypes of rosacea. Unfortunately, it is possible for a patient to have more than one subtype. The symptoms listed above represent the most common ones: erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular.
The phymatous subtype manifests as skin thickening, enlargement, and nodule formation on the face, particularly in the nose (in layman’s terms, “bulbous nose”), chin, cheeks, and forehead. This is one subtype that appears to be more frequently associated with male patients.
The ocular subtype may present as sensitivity, irritation, and dryness of the eyes. The blood vessels in the eye balls may be prominent, and the skin around it may be swollen. In severe cases, it may impair vision.
What causes rosacea
The root of this skin condition is not yet fully understood, but it is generally accepted to be multifactorial in nature. It appears to be connected to genetics, immune reactions, vascular mechanisms, and environmental factors.
What we do know is that it appears later in life. Some people have a sudden and short bout of rosacea that eventually goes away. Others have flare-ups every so often. Yet others have to deal with it continuously.
How is rosacea treated
Rosacea treatment will depend on the individual patient’s current presentation and medical history.
Generally, topical medicated creams containing metronidazole, azelaic acid, brimonidine, and ivermectin are given for mild to moderate cases. Laser therapy is used to minimize prominent blood vessels.
For more severe cases, oral antimicrobials may be prescribed. Note that these are used primarily for their anti-inflammatory properties, as there is no evidence that rosacea is associated with bacterial infection. Surgery may be done to correct phymatous rosacea.
Regardless of the severity, all rosacea patients are advised to use gentle, non-irritating and moisturizing skincare products, avoid triggers that worsen their condition, and prioritize sun protection.
Conclusion
Rosacea is a skin condition that should be taken seriously on account of its impact on a person’s quality of life. Though the mechanism behind it is not yet fully understood, medical professionals and researchers have made progress in controlling this condition. With the proper guidance, rosacea can be effectively managed.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Resources:
Heisig, M., & Reich, A. (2018). Psychosocial aspects of rosacea with a focus on anxiety and depression. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 11, 103–107. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S126850
Oge, Linda & Muncie, Herbert & Phillips-Savoy, Amanda. (2015). Rosacea: Diagnosis and Treatment. American family physician. 92. 187-96.
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/rosacea/
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