The rosacea information advice that you find here is written for the benefit of non-medical laypersons by an rosacea specialist who is part of a team of 100 practising UK consultants and GPs. The content is in keeping with UK guidelines and based on current best practice for the management and treatment of rosacea.
Rosacea: Definition
Rosacea is a non-infectious inflammatory condition of the facial skin.
Rosacea: Incidence, Age and Sex
Up to 10% of the population may be affected by rosacea at some stage in their life. It is an under diagnosed condition. The commonest age of onset is in the fourth and fifth decade. Any adult however may develop this condition at any age. It affects males and females with equal incidence.
Rosacea: Causes and Prevention
Rosacea appears more commonly in those with Celtic skin types. It can be hereditary. The red flushing which is one of the characteristics of the condition may be triggered by a number of different factors. Often these trigger factors will vary considerably from individual to individual. Some of the common trigger factors are:
These factors are potential aggravating factors but are not the cause of the condition.
Rosacea: Symptoms
After a period of intermittent facial flushing, the skin becomes persistently red with the development of tiny broken thread veins (telangiectasia) over the affected area. These flushing attacks can be extremely uncomfortable for some individuals with sensations ranging from burning to intense pain. Where the condition starts it tends to stay. The commonest area of involvement is on the cheeks. Other areas which may be involved include the nose, chin and central forehead.
Some rosacea sufferers may only experience facial flushing and redness, but the majority will also experience small outbreaks of acne-like spots within the affected area. These are often described as being small pimples although occasionally some individuals may develop larger pus-like spots.
Rosacea: Complications of the Disorder
Many people believe that their facial redness is purely a cosmetic problem and do not seek advice about it. However, it is important to treat this condition early to prevent long term side effects which include permanent thread veins (telangiectasia); rhinophyma (enlargement of the nose); persistent swelling (oedema) of the face or eye discomfort.
Rosacea: Tests
There are no specific tests for rosacea. The diagnosis is usually made clinically. Rosacea however can be confused with acne or seborrhoeic eczema (dermatitis). Some people however do have both rosacea and seborrhoeic eczema co-existing.
Rosacea: Treatment
Mild rosacea may benefit from reducing exposure to the trigger factors described above. However in practice avoidance of these trigger factors has very little benefit for the majority of sufferers.
In mild rosacea antibiotics applied to the skin (topical antibiotics) are commonly used. In general Metronidazole is used and needs to be applied sparingly to the whole affected area.
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