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Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. It can present in various ways, including facial flushing, acne-like bumps, broken blood vessels, dry eyes, and textural nose changes. Rosacea is a prevalent skin condition affecting more than 14 million people in the U.S. Patients are often bothered by the cosmetic appearance, which can negatively impact self-esteem and quality of life. While there is no cure for rosacea, various treatments and lifestyle modifications can help manage its symptoms and help patients achieve clearer, calmer skin and improved confidence.

The exact cause of rosacea remains unknown, but it is not believed to be caused by a single factor. Rather, multiple factors likely contribute to its development in someone genetically predisposed. These factors include a dysregulation of blood vessels on the face, ultraviolet (solar) radiation, an immune response to microorganisms that live on our skin (bacteria and Demodex mites), and a skin barrier disruption. Many known environmental triggers play a role in exacerbating rosacea.

For most patients, rosacea waxes and wanes are severe, with varying duration of remission between flares. Some of the triggers that are known to cause flare-ups of rosacea include:

  • Sun exposure
  • Spicy foods
  • Hot foods and drinks
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations
  • Alcohol
  • Stress
  • Intense physical exercise

Both men and women are affected by rosacea. However, rosacea predominantly affects women with lighter skin, particularly those of Caucasian descent, aged 30 to 60. A family history of rosacea further increases the likelihood of developing the condition.

Rosacea varies in presentation from one patient to the next. Common symptoms of rosacea include:

  • Facial flushing
  • Persistent redness
  • Dilated blood vessels
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Swollen, red bumps, sometimes pimple-like
  • Dry or gritty sensation in the eyes (ocular rosacea)
  • Enlarged, irregularly shaped nose

A diagnosis of rosacea is based on the patient’s history and symptoms as well as the clinical signs noted on the exam; there is no laboratory test for rosacea. An evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist is important to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, including acne, seborrheic dermatitis, cutaneous lupus, and contact dermatitis. A thorough physical examination and medical history review are critical to distinguishing rosacea from these other conditions. If left untreated, rosacea can become more severe over time.

Rosacea treatment depends on the severity of the condition. A combination of therapies can help reduce rosacea symptoms. Key treatments include:

  • Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding factors that trigger rosacea can help manage symptoms.
  • Sun protection: Daily sunscreen or protective measures against UV light are important to reduce skin irritation.
  • Topical medications: Medications like metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin can reduce skin inflammation, while alpha-adrenergic receptor agonists such as oxymetazoline can temporarily decrease redness by constricting blood vessels.
  • Oral Medications: In moderate to severe cases, oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, can decrease inflammation. When other treatments have failed to improve symptoms, isotretinoin (approved for treating acne) can be considered.
  • Laser therapy: Laser treatments effectively target and reduce permanent redness and visible blood vessels in the skin.

Schedule a dermatology appointment at Vue Dermatology & Laser

If you believe you are experiencing rosacea symptoms, schedule a consultation with Vue Dermatology & Laser in Norwood, MA. Dr. Eliades specializes in diagnosing and treating rosacea with personalized care and advanced treatment options. Contact us today to begin your journey towards clearer, healthier skin.

Sources

  1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/rosacea
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10092295/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5134688/
At a Glance

Philip Eliades, MD, FAAD

  • Board-Certified Dermatologist
  • Served as Chief Resident at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  • Author of numerous peer-reviewed research articles in leading Dermatology journals
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