All of us have probably felt flushed with red cheeks at some point or added blush to our cheeks to give that rosy hue. However, for others, a more permanent condition can be frustrating and, in some cases, disfiguring. In fact, it is estimated that more than 14 million Americans have it, with many not understanding much about it or realizing there may be a treatment for it.
What is rosacea?
John Hopkins Medicine defines rosacea as:
“Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that usually only affects the face and eyes. Occasionally, the neck, chest, or other areas may be involved. Characterized by redness, pimples, and broken blood vessels, rosacea tends to begin after middle age (between the ages of 30 and 60). It is more common in fair-skinned people and women in menopause.”
Even though its cause is unknown, some commonalities run true in rosacea patients. The Mayo Clinic says that “it could be due to an overactive immune system, heredity, environmental factors or a combination of these. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene and it’s not contagious.
Flare-ups might be triggered by:
- Hot drinks and spicy foods
- Red wine and other alcoholic beverages
- Temperature extremes
- Sun or wind
- Emotions
- Exercise
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
- Some cosmetic, skin or hair care products”
It may even be related to other diseases or conditions that already exist in a patient.
What are the common symptoms of rosacea?
Aside from the flushing and blushing, other manifestations can present themselves. It may appear as a facial sunburn that doesn’t go away, appear swollen, or even be accompanied by a thickening of the skin in the affected area. The Mayo Clinic also lists frequent symptoms as:
- “Facial blushing or flushing.Rosacea can cause a persistent blushing or flushing in the central part of your face. This sign of the condition may be difficult to see on brown and Black skin.
- Visible veins.Small blood vessels of your nose and cheeks break and become visible (spider veins).
- Swollen bumps.Many people with rosacea also develop pimples on their face that resemble acne. These bumps sometimes contain pus.
- Burning sensation.The skin of the affected area may feel hot and tender.
- Eye problems.Many people with rosacea also experience dry, irritated, swollen eyes and eyelids. This is known as ocular rosacea. In some people, the eye symptoms precede the skin symptoms.
- Enlarged nose.Over time, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing the nose to appear bulbous (rhinophyma). This occurs more often in men than in women.”
Are there different types of rosacea?
Yes, including one type which affects the eyes. John Hopkins Medicine breaks them down into five categories. It is classified into the following four types based on these different symptoms:
- “Prerosacea – Frequent episodes of blushing and flushing of the face and neck
- Vascular rosacea – Swelling of blood vessels under the facial skin, leading to swollen, warm skin (common in women)
- Inflammatory rosacea – Formation of pimples and enlarged blood vessels on the face
- Rhinophyma – Enlarged oil glands in the nose and cheeks that cause an enlarged, bulbous red nose (almost only seen in men)
- Eye Symptoms of Rosacea – In addition, rosacea often affects the eye and eyelid. Eye symptoms may include:
- Redness
- Burning
- Tearing
- Inflamed eyelids
- Sensation of a foreign object in the eye”
How is it treated?
The first step is to see your primary doctor. The doctor will make a physical examination and look at the medical history. The provider may then formulate a treatment or even refer you to a dermatologist and an eye professional if the eyes are affected.
Oral and topical medications are generally prescribed, but in more severe cases, laser or light therapy may be suggested as well. Changes to one’s lifestyle and environment may be advised if there is a correlation to flare-ups. Most often, a change in diet, especially for those items like spicy foods or alcohol, that triggers outbreaks.
Avoiding sun exposure and ensuring you are well protected with hats, SPF-based lotions, and cosmetics are also highly recommended.
Many rosacea patients use cover-up cosmetics to hide redness but should ensure that there are no chemicals in the products that may exacerbate the situation.
Learn more about rosacea at the National Rosacea Society.
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