Introduction to Rosacea

Many people are unaware of the condition known as Rosacea.  Approximately 16 million people are affected by this disease but only a few actually know that they have it (National Rosacea Society, 2015).  Rosacea causes people to feel insecure and sometimes prevents them from being social. Unfortunately, the cause of this disease is unknown and it has no cure (Mayo clinic staff, 2013). However, treatments are available for those suffering from Rosacea to help keep it under control. You may now be asking, what is Rosacea?

Rosacea is better known as adult acne.  Rosacea may present itself as four different subtypes. Subtype 1 is erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, subtype 2 is papulopustular rosacea, subtype 3 is phymatous rosacea, and subtype 4 is ocular rosacea.  These symptoms are prominently seen on the face but can also occur on the scalp, ears, neck, or even the chest (AAD, 2015).  It is hard to describe Rosacea just through words so I have provided pictures of the condition below.

(Image found here: http://www.rosacea.org/patients/allaboutrosacea.php)

Here is what you may expect from the different subtypes of Rosacea:

Subtype 1: Spider veins; swollen or sensitive skin; dry, rough, or scaling skin; flushing and redness in the face

Subtype 2: Sensitive, burning, or stinging skin; breakouts similar to acne (may come and go); spider veins; plaques (raised skin)

Subtype 3: Bumpy or thickened skin; broken blood vessels that are visible; oily skin; large pores

Subtype 4: Watery or bloodshot eyes; eyes feel like they have sand in them; dry, burning, stinging, or itchy eyes; blurry vision; sensitivity to light; broken blood vessels or cyst on eyelid (AAD, 2015)

Example of spider veins: 

(Image found here: http://www.mavesmedical.com/spider-vein-removal/)

Example of plaques:

(Image found here: http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/dermatologic-look-alikes/facial-plaques-in-aging-men/article/151550/)

Rosacea can affect anyone.  However, it is more common in people over 30, especially women who have fair skin.  Although the cause of Rosacea is unknown, there are certain things one can avoid to prevent the trigger of blood flow to the face (National Rosacea Society, 2015).  These things include but are not limited to, strenuous exercise, sunlight, alcohol, and hot foods, beverages, baths, or saunas (Mayo clinic staff, 2013).

More next time on the treatments of Rosacea.  

References:

American Academy of Dermatology.  (2015).  Rosacea: Signs and Symptoms.  Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q---t/rosacea.

Maves Medical Associates.  (2015).  Spider Vein Removal.  Retrieved from http://www.mavesmedical.com/spider-vein-removal/.

Mayo clinic staff.  (2013, Aug 17). Causes.  Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rosacea/basics/causes/con-20014478.

National Rosacea Society. (2015).  All About Rosacea.  Retrieved from http://www.rosacea.org/patients/allaboutrosacea.php.

National Rosacea Society. (2015).  If You Have Rosacea, You're Not Alone.  Retrieved from http://www.rosacea.org/patients/index.php.

Scheinfeld, Noah S.  (2009, Oct 5).  Facial Plaques in Aging Men.  Retrieved from http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/dermatologic-look-alikes/facial-plaques-in-aging-men/article/151550/.