Rosacea: What Is, Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment, and Prevention

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition sometimes mistaken for acne, allergic reactions, eczema, and other skin conditions. Its characteristic symptoms include facial redness, pimples, bumps, and visible blood vessels on the skin.

There is no cure for rosacea, but it is not a harmful or dangerous condition. It can be controlled with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes that encompass changing diet and avoiding triggers that cause symptoms to worsen.

How Common is Rosacea?

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that rosacea affects 14 million Americans, or 1 in 10 Americans. However, according to the National Rosacea Society (NRS), that number increased to 16 million.

Anyone can develop rosacea, but women, people assigned female at birth, and those with fair skin are most likely to be affected. Although it can affect children and adolescents, it does not occur commonly. To learn more about who is more likely to develop rosacea, see the ‘Risk Factors’ paragraph.

How Dangerous is Rosacea?

Rosacea is considered a serious medical condition that may significantly impact your daily life. It is not dangerous, as it is not commonly associated with life-threatening conditions. Still, symptoms it causes may diminish one’s social life, resulting in poor mental health and worse quality of life.

Types of Rosacea

The four types of rosacea include erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), papulopustular (or acne) rosacea, phymatous rosacea, and ocular rosacea.

Phymatous Rosacea

Phymatous rosacea is a rare form that causes thick and swollen skin and larger pores, especially on the nose. It is also linked to the following symptoms:

Skin sensitivity
Skin redness
Skin flushing
Burning or stinging sensation
Broken blood vessels
Scaly, dry skin

Papulopustular Rosacea

Papulopustular rosacea is also known as inflammatory rosacea. Its characteristic symptoms are skin swelling and pimples filled with pus or fluid that form on the skin. Because of that, it can sometimes be mistaken for an acne.

Ocular Rosacea

Rosacea that affects the eyes is called ocular rosacea. It may cause your eyes to feel watery, bloodshot, or irritated. It can also result in styes – painful bumps that form on the eyelids – and light sensitivity.

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is a type linked to chronic symptoms such as facial redness and visible blood vessels. It is more likely to cause flares – a sudden worsening of symptoms.

Causes

Scientists don’t fully understand what causes rosacea. It’s not possible to catch it from others or develop it because of poor personal hygiene. Instead, studies suggest that infections, genetics, and specific health conditions play a role in the development of rosacea.

Here are all the potential causes that have been linked to rosacea:

Bacteria: A bacteria called H. pylori has been linked to rosacea by some studies. It is a common type of bacteria that attacks the stomach lining but is usually harmless. However, it is believed that H. pylori may increase the amount of gastrin, a peptide digestive hormone that stimulates the release of gastric acid (HCl), which can result in rosacea.
Mites: Mites are tiny insects, also known as Demodex folliculorum, that live on human skin. They are typically unharmful, but some people are more sensitive to them than others. Being sensitive or having more mites than usual may irritate the skin and result in rosacea.
Protein malfunctioning: Rosacea may develop if the protein that protects the skin from infections – the cathelicidin protein – stops working correctly.
Genes: Having a close family member with rosacea increases the risk of developing this condition.
Other medical conditions: Conditions that affect the immune system and blood vessels have also been linked to rosacea.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of developing rosacea include:

Being between 30 and 50 years old
Smoking
Having light skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes
Being prone to sunburns
Having severe acne in the past

Where Rosacea Can Appear?

Rosacea may develop in many ways and does not affect the same body parts for everyone. Typically, it may appear on:

Scalp
Eyes
Nose
Ears
Cheeks
Forehead
Chin
Neck
Chest

Signs And Symptoms

Symptoms and their severity are not the same for everyone. Typically, one of the primary symptoms of rosacea appears in all affected people, but secondary symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.

One or more of the following symptoms tend to develop in all people affected by rosacea:

Thicker skin, usually on the nose
Skin discoloration
Frequent blushing (flushing)
Facial redness that doesn’t go away
Tiny blood vessels that are visible on the skin
Bumps and pimples filled with pus or fluid

The secondary rosacea symptoms that may develop include:

Dry and rough facial skin
Stinging or burning sensation on the skin
Irritated, watery, or bloodshot eyes
Facial swelling (edema)
Red patches (plaques) that resemble a rash

Triggers

Each person affected by rosacea has triggers that suddenly cause their symptoms to worsen. In many cases, these include food and beverages such as:

Caffeine
Alcohol
Seasonings containing capsaicin (cayenne pepper, red pepper)
Hot sauces
Dairy products
Foods containing cinnamaldehyde (tomatoes, citrus fruits, chocolate)

If you have rosacea, you may need to avoid drinking and eating one or more of the above examples. It will help manage your case better and reduce the risk of flares.

Other triggers that are linked to rosacea flares include:

Hormonal changes
Hot or cold temperatures
Saunas
Hot baths
Medications used to treat high blood pressure
Intense physical activity
Certain skin and hair products
Fever
Hypertension
Exposure to sun rays
Humidity and wind
Stress and anxiety

Diagnosis And Tests

There are no tests dedicated to diagnosing rosacea. Doctors usually determine if a person has this condition based on the visible symptoms and whether certain things cause flares. Usually, the presence of visible blood vessels on a patient’s skin can differentiate rosacea from other skin conditions.

After noticing the first symptoms, it is vital to receive a diagnosis as soon as possible. Early treatment reduces the risk of progression to more severe forms of rosacea.

Treatment

For mild cases of rosacea, gels and creams are the most commonly recommended treatment strategy. These forms of medicine are usually effective in relieving the symptoms and preventing flares from happening.

For more severe rosacea, there are several treatment options to consider. You may be recommended prescription medicine or laser treatment to reduce enlarged blood vessels that develop on the face.

Here are the medicines your doctor may prescribe to you to alleviate your symptoms:

Gels and creams: Medicated gels and creams work best for mild to moderate rosacea. Applying them to the affected skin area can reduce facial redness within 12 hours. However, overusing gels and creams may worsen your symptoms, so it is vital to use them in moderation, or only before important events.
Oral antibiotics: If you have severe rosacea, your healthcare provider may recommend oral antibiotics in the form of pills to help reduce pimples and bumps on your face.
Oral acne medicine: People with severe rosacea can also benefit from oral acne medicine. These are usually prescribed if other treatment options are not effective. Oral acne medicines are usually powerful pills that are used to get rid of bumps on your face. However, this treatment method can’t be used by pregnant women as it can cause birth defects.

The type of medicine you must take depends on your symptoms, their severity, and the type of rosacea. Your doctor will review your symptoms and decide which medicine will work best for your case. You may be recommended several medicines to determine which is the most effective for your specific needs.

Management at Home

Managing rosacea at home involves a gentle skincare routine, lifestyle changes, and avoiding triggers that can worsen symptoms. While home management can help reduce symptoms, consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice is still vital. Here are some general tips for managing rosacea you can try at home:

Choose skincare products labeled as suitable for sensitive skin.
Apply a cool compress or use cold packs to soothe flushing and inflammation.
Identify and avoid triggers that worsen your symptoms, such as spicy foods, hot beverages, alcohol, and extreme temperatures.
Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
Avoid harsh scrubs, exfoliants, and abrasive cleansers, as they can worsen redness and irritation.
Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.
Be cautious with skincare products, avoiding those containing alcohol, menthol, or fragrances.
If over-the-counter products are insufficient, consult with a dermatologist. They may prescribe topical or oral medications to manage symptoms.

It’s important to note that what works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to tailor your approach based on your triggers and skin sensitivities. Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist can help monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

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When Should You Seek Emergency?

You don’t need an urgent appointment if you have rosacea. However, a more serious condition called keratitis can sometimes mimic rosacea symptoms. If it is not treated early, it may lead to severe health issues and complications.

Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible after you notice the following symptoms of keratitis:

Pain in the eye
Blurry vision
Eye redness
Light sensitivity
Problems opening an eyelid
Irritated eyes
Feeling that there is something in your eye

Prognosis for Rosacea Patients

Rosacea is a chronic health condition that comes and goes, depending on your lifestyle and treatment. If you identify your triggers and strive to avoid them, you can prevent flares of symptoms and manage your condition better. Following your doctor’s advice and adhering to a treatment plan are also crucial to improving your quality of life while having rosacea.

How to Prevent Rosacea?

As long as the causes of rosacea are unknown, preventing this condition from developing is difficult. What you can do, however, is reduce the symptoms after you get rosacea. It can be achieved by avoiding things that make your symptoms worse.

A trigger that typically causes rosacea flares is exposure to sun rays, so wearing sunscreen or UV-protective clothing while being outside is vital. Skin damaged by sun can take longer to heal if you have rosacea, so it is important to always remember about sun protection before going outside.

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Rosacea – Key Facts You Should Know

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by facial redness, pimples, bumps, and visible blood vessels. Although no cure exists, it can be managed through treatment and lifestyle changes. Rosacea affects around 16 million Americans, primarily women and those with fair skin. While not dangerous, it can impact daily life and diminish mental health.

Rosacea symptoms vary but commonly include facial redness, visible blood vessels, and pus-filled bumps. Examples of triggers include certain foods, beverages, temperature changes, and stress.

Treatment options range from topical gels and creams for mild cases to oral antibiotics or laser treatment for severe forms. Home management involves a gentle skincare routine, avoiding triggers, and lifestyle changes.

Overall, understanding and addressing individual triggers play a crucial role in successfully managing rosacea and improving quality of life.