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Facing up to the skin condition called rosacea
- Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can result in sensitivity, flushing, redness, broken capillaries, and flare-ups. It's a visible facial illness that affects, for example, more than 16 million Americans, according to the National Rosacea Society. There's no cure for this often distressing disorder, but it can be treated. So, what are the symptoms of this common complaint, and how does it affect those living with it? Click through and get under the skin of rosacea.
© Shutterstock
0 / 34 Fotos
What is rosacea?
- Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects the face.
© Shutterstock
1 / 34 Fotos
Who is affected?
- A common complaint, rosacea is more likely seen in women over 30 years old and people with lighter skin.
© Shutterstock
2 / 34 Fotos
Men with rosacea
- Men are less likely to suffer from rosacea, but symptoms can be more severe.
© Shutterstock
3 / 34 Fotos
People of color
- People of color can also develop the disorder, though symptoms may be harder to notice on brown or black skin.
© Shutterstock
4 / 34 Fotos
Primary signs and symptoms
- The first signs of rosacea include persistent facial blushing or flushing across the central part of the face.
© Shutterstock
5 / 34 Fotos
"Spider veins"
- This redness is accentuated by prominent and visible small dilated or broken blood vessels called telangiectasias, or "spider veins."
© Shutterstock
6 / 34 Fotos
Bumps and pimples
- Rosacea is also characterized by small, red solid bumps on the skin. These pimples sometimes contain pus.
© Shutterstock
7 / 34 Fotos
Ocular rosacea
- Many people with rosacea also experience dry, irritated swollen eyes and eyelids. This is a condition commonly known as ocular rosacea.
© Shutterstock
8 / 34 Fotos
Secondary signs and symptoms
- Burning or stinging sensations on the face are not uncommon. The skin can feel hot, with itching or a feeling of tightness also developing.
© Shutterstock
9 / 34 Fotos
Rhinophyma
- As it worsens, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing it to appear bulbous, a nasal deformity known as rhinophyma. This condition occurs more often in men than in women.
© Shutterstock
10 / 34 Fotos
Swelling
- Swelling of the face, especially around the eyes, is another sign of rosacea. Known as edema, this is often accompanied by raised red patches, known as plaques, which may develop without changes in the surrounding skin.
© Shutterstock
11 / 34 Fotos
Dry skin
- Dry, scaly skin is associated with rosacea. Confusingly, the central facial skin may be rough despite some patients complaining of oily skin.
© Shutterstock
12 / 34 Fotos
Skin discoloration
- Skin discoloration that appears on the neck and chest in the form of yellow-orange patches is a rare symptom of rosacea.
© Shutterstock
13 / 34 Fotos
What causes rosacea?
- The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it is not contagious. Research into the condition suggests it could be due to an overactive immune system. Another theory is that rosacea is heredity. Various environmental factors have also been considered.
© Shutterstock
14 / 34 Fotos
Demodex folliculorum
- Theories as to the cause of rosacea also blame the presence of a microscopic mite called Demodex folliculorum. This bug is a normal inhabitant of human skin, but has been found to be substantially more abundant in the facial skin of rosacea patients.
© Shutterstock
15 / 34 Fotos
What can trigger the complaint?
- There are known triggers that cause flare-ups of rosacea. These include excessive heat and overexposure to sun or wind.
© Shutterstock
16 / 34 Fotos
Alcohol
- Alcoholic drinks, in particular red wine, can trigger rosacea.
© Shutterstock
17 / 34 Fotos
Spicy food
- Similarly, hot spicy food, chili con carne or curry for example, is known to aggravate the condition.
© Shutterstock
18 / 34 Fotos
Stress
- Psychological stress is known to take a toll on the body, increasing the risk for hypertension, heart attack, or stroke. It also serves as a trigger for all sorts of secondary ailments, in some cases including rosacea.
© Shutterstock
19 / 34 Fotos
Exercise
- Exercise, while essential for physical and mental well-being, can unfortunately trigger rosacea in some people prone to the condition.
© Shutterstock
20 / 34 Fotos
Skin conditions mistaken for rosacea
- Rosacea resembles a number of other skin disorders in signs and symptoms. One of these is acne.
© Shutterstock
21 / 34 Fotos
Lupus
- Rosacea can also look like lupus. This is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of the body.
© Shutterstock
22 / 34 Fotos
Keratosis pilaris
- Keratosis pilaris is a very common but harmless condition where small bumps appear on your skin. These can be similar in appearance to redness and pimples associated with rosacea.
© Shutterstock
23 / 34 Fotos
Treatment options
- There is no cure for rosacea, but treatment can control and reduce the signs and symptoms.
© Shutterstock
24 / 34 Fotos
Skin-care procedure
- If rosacea has been diagnosed, you should first check that your skincare routine is not to blame. Flare-ups can be triggered by certain cosmetic, skin, or hair care products. Choose non-irritating skincare products and use a mild and non-abrasive cleanser.
© Shutterstock
25 / 34 Fotos
Antibiotic creams
- Failing this, your physician may suggest prescriptions for topical and antibiotic creams and ointments.
© Shutterstock
26 / 34 Fotos
Oral medication
- Alternatively, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the various signs and symptoms associated with the disorder.
© Shutterstock
27 / 34 Fotos
When to see a dermatologist
- If topical and antibiotic treatments fail to address the condition, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for a more thorough examination of the skin.
© Shutterstock
28 / 34 Fotos
Lifestyle management
- Otherwise, the onus is on the individual to avoid triggers that worsen the condition. Applying sunscreen of at least sun protection factor 30 every day, for example, can help reduce the onset of rosacea.
© Shutterstock
29 / 34 Fotos
Keep cool
- Regular cold water face baths help check the onset of flare-ups. Practice frequent eyelid hygiene if you're prone to ocular rosacea.
© Shutterstock
30 / 34 Fotos
Keep a journal - Use a journal to record flare-ups of rosacea. Note things like environmental factors and any daily events or activities, anything in fact that could contribute towards the outbreak.
© Shutterstock
31 / 34 Fotos
Living with rosacea
- The highly visible nature of rosacea symptoms are often psychologically challenging for anyone affected. Those living with the condition can experience issues with self-esteem, socializing, and changes to their thoughts, feelings, and coping mechanisms.
© Shutterstock
32 / 34 Fotos
Outlook
- Fortunately, there are a number of organizations that provide advice and support to those living with the condition. Sources: (NHS)(Healthline) (National Rosacea Society) (Changing Faces)
© Shutterstock
33 / 34 Fotos
Facing up to the skin condition called rosacea
- Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can result in sensitivity, flushing, redness, broken capillaries, and flare-ups. It's a visible facial illness that affects, for example, more than 16 million Americans, according to the National Rosacea Society. There's no cure for this often distressing disorder, but it can be treated. So, what are the symptoms of this common complaint, and how does it affect those living with it? Click through and get under the skin of rosacea.
© Shutterstock
0 / 34 Fotos
What is rosacea?
- Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects the face.
© Shutterstock
1 / 34 Fotos
Who is affected?
- A common complaint, rosacea is more likely seen in women over 30 years old and people with lighter skin.
© Shutterstock
2 / 34 Fotos
Men with rosacea
- Men are less likely to suffer from rosacea, but symptoms can be more severe.
© Shutterstock
3 / 34 Fotos
People of color
- People of color can also develop the disorder, though symptoms may be harder to notice on brown or black skin.
© Shutterstock
4 / 34 Fotos
Primary signs and symptoms
- The first signs of rosacea include persistent facial blushing or flushing across the central part of the face.
© Shutterstock
5 / 34 Fotos
"Spider veins"
- This redness is accentuated by prominent and visible small dilated or broken blood vessels called telangiectasias, or "spider veins."
© Shutterstock
6 / 34 Fotos
Bumps and pimples
- Rosacea is also characterized by small, red solid bumps on the skin. These pimples sometimes contain pus.
© Shutterstock
7 / 34 Fotos
Ocular rosacea
- Many people with rosacea also experience dry, irritated swollen eyes and eyelids. This is a condition commonly known as ocular rosacea.
© Shutterstock
8 / 34 Fotos
Secondary signs and symptoms
- Burning or stinging sensations on the face are not uncommon. The skin can feel hot, with itching or a feeling of tightness also developing.
© Shutterstock
9 / 34 Fotos
Rhinophyma
- As it worsens, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing it to appear bulbous, a nasal deformity known as rhinophyma. This condition occurs more often in men than in women.
© Shutterstock
10 / 34 Fotos
Swelling
- Swelling of the face, especially around the eyes, is another sign of rosacea. Known as edema, this is often accompanied by raised red patches, known as plaques, which may develop without changes in the surrounding skin.
© Shutterstock
11 / 34 Fotos
Dry skin
- Dry, scaly skin is associated with rosacea. Confusingly, the central facial skin may be rough despite some patients complaining of oily skin.
© Shutterstock
12 / 34 Fotos
Skin discoloration
- Skin discoloration that appears on the neck and chest in the form of yellow-orange patches is a rare symptom of rosacea.
© Shutterstock
13 / 34 Fotos
What causes rosacea?
- The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it is not contagious. Research into the condition suggests it could be due to an overactive immune system. Another theory is that rosacea is heredity. Various environmental factors have also been considered.
© Shutterstock
14 / 34 Fotos
Demodex folliculorum
- Theories as to the cause of rosacea also blame the presence of a microscopic mite called Demodex folliculorum. This bug is a normal inhabitant of human skin, but has been found to be substantially more abundant in the facial skin of rosacea patients.
© Shutterstock
15 / 34 Fotos
What can trigger the complaint?
- There are known triggers that cause flare-ups of rosacea. These include excessive heat and overexposure to sun or wind.
© Shutterstock
16 / 34 Fotos
Alcohol
- Alcoholic drinks, in particular red wine, can trigger rosacea.
© Shutterstock
17 / 34 Fotos
Spicy food
- Similarly, hot spicy food, chili con carne or curry for example, is known to aggravate the condition.
© Shutterstock
18 / 34 Fotos
Stress
- Psychological stress is known to take a toll on the body, increasing the risk for hypertension, heart attack, or stroke. It also serves as a trigger for all sorts of secondary ailments, in some cases including rosacea.
© Shutterstock
19 / 34 Fotos
Exercise
- Exercise, while essential for physical and mental well-being, can unfortunately trigger rosacea in some people prone to the condition.
© Shutterstock
20 / 34 Fotos
Skin conditions mistaken for rosacea
- Rosacea resembles a number of other skin disorders in signs and symptoms. One of these is acne.
© Shutterstock
21 / 34 Fotos
Lupus
- Rosacea can also look like lupus. This is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of the body.
© Shutterstock
22 / 34 Fotos
Keratosis pilaris
- Keratosis pilaris is a very common but harmless condition where small bumps appear on your skin. These can be similar in appearance to redness and pimples associated with rosacea.
© Shutterstock
23 / 34 Fotos
Treatment options
- There is no cure for rosacea, but treatment can control and reduce the signs and symptoms.
© Shutterstock
24 / 34 Fotos
Skin-care procedure
- If rosacea has been diagnosed, you should first check that your skincare routine is not to blame. Flare-ups can be triggered by certain cosmetic, skin, or hair care products. Choose non-irritating skincare products and use a mild and non-abrasive cleanser.
© Shutterstock
25 / 34 Fotos
Antibiotic creams
- Failing this, your physician may suggest prescriptions for topical and antibiotic creams and ointments.
© Shutterstock
26 / 34 Fotos
Oral medication
- Alternatively, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the various signs and symptoms associated with the disorder.
© Shutterstock
27 / 34 Fotos
When to see a dermatologist
- If topical and antibiotic treatments fail to address the condition, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for a more thorough examination of the skin.
© Shutterstock
28 / 34 Fotos
Lifestyle management
- Otherwise, the onus is on the individual to avoid triggers that worsen the condition. Applying sunscreen of at least sun protection factor 30 every day, for example, can help reduce the onset of rosacea.
© Shutterstock
29 / 34 Fotos
Keep cool
- Regular cold water face baths help check the onset of flare-ups. Practice frequent eyelid hygiene if you're prone to ocular rosacea.
© Shutterstock
30 / 34 Fotos
Keep a journal - Use a journal to record flare-ups of rosacea. Note things like environmental factors and any daily events or activities, anything in fact that could contribute towards the outbreak.
© Shutterstock
31 / 34 Fotos
Living with rosacea
- The highly visible nature of rosacea symptoms are often psychologically challenging for anyone affected. Those living with the condition can experience issues with self-esteem, socializing, and changes to their thoughts, feelings, and coping mechanisms.
© Shutterstock
32 / 34 Fotos
Outlook
- Fortunately, there are a number of organizations that provide advice and support to those living with the condition. Sources: (NHS)(Healthline) (National Rosacea Society) (Changing Faces)
© Shutterstock
33 / 34 Fotos
Facing up to the skin condition called rosacea
© Shutterstock
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