Rosacea Definition

Welcome to Rosacea Derm

Believe it or not, many people do not even know what rosacea is. Knowing the symptoms of rosacea is very important in diagnosing the problem. Rosacea is a bit of a mystery. Rosacea is often mistaken for other skin diseases. When treating rosacea, one can see a rosacea-like eruption around the mouth area. This condition is known as peri-oral dermatitis, which is the facial area locate close to the mouth while dermatitis pertains to inflammation, redness or irritation of the skin. In addition, there are usually small red bumps or even pus bumps and mild peeling as the skin is extremely aggravated. This condition is sometimes confused with acne, while other scientist believe it to be a condition closely related to rosacea. Peri-oral dermatitis is often aggravated by fluoridate or tartar-control toothpaste, chap stick, the ingredients in lipstick, and mouth wash. Peri-oral dermatitis is a common skin problem that mostly affects young women, however, occasionally men and children are affected by it.

Another skin condition that is commonly found to exist or co-exist with rosacea is seborrheic dermatitis which has a redness and inflammation of the skin but most often has flaking of the skin. and redness of the skin.

Rosacea is easily overlooked by physicians at times because the symptoms can be so mild. However, at other times, rosacea flare-ups can be very, very apparent causing physical and even psychological damage.

The classic symptoms of rosacea are flushing or redness and inflammation. Papules and pustules can often be present. Rosacea is referred to by some as adult acne because it effects many people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Rosacea occurs when tiny little blood vessels near the surface of the skin become dilated. This causes the common flushing that occurs during a rosacea flare-up. Pustules and papules also very commonly occur. Papules are elevated, red skin lesions without pus. Pustules contain pus.

Rosacea is a hereditary skin disorder. It is passed down from generation to generation, although more women have it than men. And, like many other diseases, rosacea doesn’t just cure itself. If left unchecked and untreated, rosacea with become more and more apparent.

Flushing occurs more frequently.While rosacea is referred to as adult acne, it is very different from acne vulgaris – adolescent acne.Often times, acne medications can even make rosacea flare-ups worse.

As rosacea worsens, the skin thickens and swells , dilated blood vessels appear on the face, cysts form, and pustules and papules grow all over the face but especially around the cheeks and nose.

No one really knows or understands the cause of rosacea.What we do know is that there are certain things that one can do to limit rosacea.Rosacea effects people of fair skin more than darker skinned people.Rosacea flare-ups are triggered by many factors ranging from what we eat, the sunlight we get, allergies that we have, and extremes in temperature.All of these factors, and more, contribute to rosacea flare-ups.It’s important to know, however, that one person’s rosacea can be effected by a factor that doesn’t effect another persons rosacea in the least.Here are a list of the different factors that cause rosacea flushing.

Stress and anxiety contribute to rosacea flare-ups.

-Heavy meals contribute to rosacea flare-ups.Three small, square meals and limited snacking helps your body to control its blood flow. Heavier meals mean more blood going to your stomach, and FACE!

-Sugar consumption contributes to rosacea flare-ups.Eating sugars and other simple carbs will open your blood vessels up in no time. Sugars are vasodilators.

-Steroids contribute to rosacea flare-ups. Steroids are used as a topical treatment for rosacea. Wile positive results are received from steroid treatment at first, prolonged treatment can result in steroid rosacea… ending in a very negative experience. Get off those steroids if they have been prescribed to you for rosacea.

-Hot showers can cause rosacea flare-ups.Showering and bathing in cooler water will prevent some flare-ups.

-Alcohol contributes to rosacea flare-ups. The best thing is not to drink any, but if you must, limit yourself to a glass of wine a day. Alcohol dehydrates you, and dilates your blood vessels.

- Food allergies contribute to rosacea flare-ups. Rosacea is a potential warning that you have an allergy to a food. Red nose and cheeks could be a sure sign that something you are eating is not agreeing with you.

Antibiotics from the tetracycline family such as Doxycycline and Minocycline are often prescribed to bring symptoms of ocular rosacea under control. Studies of the use of Doxycycline by patients with ocular rosacea showed significant improvement with a variety of signs/symptoms including dryness, itching, blurred vision and photosensitivity, scales, erythema and telangiectasia (Quarterman 1997)

Those with ocular rosacea are frequently under the care of a dermatologist and are referred for treatment when the patient develops related eye conditions. However, the ophthalmologist may also make the initial diagnosis with a routine eye exam and evaluation of the skin.

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