About Rosacea

Rosacea (rose-ay-sha) is a chronic and potentially life disruptive skin condition which causes redness and small red bumps primarily on the facial skin often characterised by flare ups and remissions.

Causes:

• Increased size of blood vessel and stagnation of blood

• Altered immune system

• Role of a mite called Demodex which is present on everyone’s skin

• Genetic tendency

Triggering/aggravating factors :

• Sun exposure

• Stress

• Red wine

• Spicy food

• Hot drinks

• Emotions

• Cosmetics

Presentation:

• More common in females than males

• Most common age - after 30 years

• Initial symptoms: redness over the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead fading on its own after few minutes.

• Later stage: Over time, the redness tends to become ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear. Left untreated, bumps and pimples often develop mainly face.

• Eye involvement can happen in terms of dry, itchy, red eyelids. In rare cases eye problems can precede skin symptoms

• Advanced stage: Red, swollen, hard nose.

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ROSACEA: Tips for Managing

• Keeping a journal and other lifestyle tips can help reduce rosacea flares.

• Learn what triggers your rosacea.

• Follow a rosacea skin-care plan. Skin care plays an important role in keeping rosacea under control. Many skin care products are too harsh. This can make rosacea worse.

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Myths v/s reality

• Rosacea can be easily confused with acne/pimples or allergic reaction; hence it is mandatory to get treated from a trained and qualified dermatologist

• Rosacea can be controlled to minimum level if treated promptly at earliest. Otherwise it results in persistent redness and hard,swollen nose