Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes blushing or redness in the face spreading from the nose out towards the cheeks. The redness can also spread to the forehead, chin, ears, chest, and back and cause constant redness that doesn’t go away.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Permanent redness in the center of the face is the primary symptom of rosacea. Since rosacea can cause other symptoms, it’s divided into four categories based on symptom types. These categories include:

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea

This type of rosacea causes redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on your face, especially around your nose and cheeks.

Papulopustular rosacea

This type of rosacea causes redness along with swelling and acne-like breakouts. This type of rosacea can be confused with adult acne but should be evaluated for proper treatment.

Phymatous rosacea

This type of rosacea causes skin to thicken and have a bumpy texture. While it may be tempting to exfoliate your skin to remove the thickened, bumpy texture, that can further aggravate redness.

Ocular rosacea

This type of rosacea causes symptoms around the eyes, including redness and irritation, swelling of the eyelids, and bumps near the eyelids that resemble stys.

Based on your symptoms, the team can determine what type of rosacea you have and which treatments are most appropriate.

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, though doctors have identified triggers related to neurovascular dysregulation and the immune system. Neurovascular dysregulation means abnormalities in the function of nerves and blood vessels, which lead to permanent redness in the center of the face.

Immune system abnormalities also contribute to rosacea, including immune cells called mast cells and cathelicidins. These cells normally help to fight off infections, though they may attack healthy cells in cases of rosacea.  

Finally, microscopic skin mites called Demodex folliculorum — which are normally present on the skin — are found in significantly higher numbers in the skin of people with rosacea, so they may be a contributing factor to the development of the condition.

How is rosacea treated?

Rosacea treatment often involves a gentle skin care regimen, oral and topical medications to control redness, and minor surgical procedures uses lasers or light therapy to reduce the appearance of blood vessels in cases of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.

The team works with you to determine exactly which skin care products and medications are right for your condition and category of rosacea. In some cases, it may take some time to find the right combination of treatments to reduce your symptoms.

Improve the appearance of your skin by reducing the redness and side effects of rosacea. To visit Brookside Dermatology Associates, simply call or click to book an appointment online now.