Rosacea – Overview, types, symptoms, causes and treatments

Overview

Rosacea is a very common, chronic and incurable skin condition that usually affects the face and causes redness and visible blood vessels on your face. But in some cases it may also appear on chest, back or neck. This disease may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. The signs and symptoms of this disorder may flare up in the initial phase and then go away after few weeks for a while. This process repeats in a cycle. Rosacea can cause bulbous and swollen appearance of nose which is called rhinophyma.

It affects around 1-20 % of the total population. Certain foods and beverages such as spicy foods, dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol can worsen the symptoms. Sun exposure is another aspect which may also worsen the symptoms.

Rosacea usually develops after the age of 30 and it is more common in women than men. Women with light skin colour are more prone to it.

Rosacea has four sub-types and each types has different signs and symptoms. It is possible that you can get one or more than one type of rosacea at one time.

Types of rosacea

There are four types rosacea, which are following:

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR): This subtype is associated with the facial redness, visible blood cells and flushing.
Papulopustular rosacea: This is also known as acne rosacea and is associated with acne-like breakouts and it often affects middle-aged women.
Rhinophyma rosacea: This form is a rare form which is associated with thickening of the skin on and around your nose. This subtype often affects men.
Ocular rosacea: This sub type affects are centered on the eye area.

Symptoms of rosacea according to the subtypes

Signs of ETR rosacea:-

Redness or flushing may be there in the center of the face
Swollen skin
Visible broken blood vessels
Dry, rough and scaly skin
Sensitive skin
Stinging and burning skin

Signs of acne rosacea:-

Oily skin
Sensitive skin
Acne-like breakouts and very red skin
Raised patches of skin
Broken blood vessels that are visible

Signs of Rhinophyma rosacea:-

Bumpy skin texture
Thick skin on nose
Large pores
Visible broken blood vessels
Thick skin may appear on chin, forehead, cheeks and ears

Signs of ocular rosacea:-

Watery eyes or bloodshot
Dry and itchy eyes
Eyes that feel gritty
Stinging and burning sensation in the eyes may arise
Cysts on eyes
Diminishes vision
Broken blood vessels on eyelids
Eyes which becomes sensitive to light

Causes of rosacea

Exact cause of rosacea has not been determined yet but it can be a combination of hereditary and environmental factors both. These includes:-

Eating spicy foods
Having hot coffee or tea
Intestinal bacteria, helicobacter pylori
Items that contain compound cinnamaldehyde, such as cinnamon, chocolates, citrus or tomatoes
Skin mite called demodex as well as the bacterium it carries bacillus oleronius
Presence of cathelicidin in body
Too much of exercise
Various cosmetic products
Sunlight exposure or wind
Emotions
Red wine or other alcoholic beverages

Possible treatments of rosacea

Left and untreated rosacea can get worsen over time. Treatment helps to relieve the symptoms of rosacea. Treatment with the combination of healthy changes in life style is considered the best option for rosacea. Possible treatments of rosacea:-

Skin creams

It can help you to reduce the inflammation and skin discoloration. The cream can be advised to use once or twice in a day by your doctor. Example of such creams – tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid. Use these only when it is prescribed by doctor. Buy prescribed drugs online at 3MEDS and get 23% discount on health and care products

Eye drops

This is used to relieve the eye symptoms which is common in ocular rosacea. Doctor may recommend you steroid type eye drop called blephamide.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are given in oral form and can have anti-inflammatory effects. They give very faster results compared to topical ones. Examples- tetracycline, minocycline and erythromycin

Laser treatment

To reduce the effect of visible blood vessels, dermatologist use laser treatment. Intense pulsed light is reflected in this treatment which shrinks the vessels. The procedure may give you some pain but it is effective. Excess skin can also be removed by this treatment.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is a medication which is given in oral form and is usually used in severe cases of rosacea. This prevents the skin from making excessive oil. This medication is not useful for people with ETR.

Buy the medication from the best online pharmacy store in Delhi and get your medicines on your door step without exposing yourself to sun.

Outlook

Though there is no cure for rosacea but the treatments are there for managing the symptoms. Change in healthy lifestyle can work better for you. Consult your doctor at regular interval. Try to avoid the risk factors. Be positive be healthy.