Skin care advice: what is acne rosacea?

Acne rosacea, or more commonly, rosacea is a disorder affecting the skin and eyes. It is a common but often overlooked skin condition with classic symptoms of flushing and inflammation on the cheeks, forehead, nose and mouth. It appears to be hereditary. Because it often resembles sunburn when first appearing, treatment can be delayed. The most common ages it appears are between 30 and 50 although it can show as early as the teen years. It seems to affect more women than men and is not alcohol-related, as some people believe but alcohol can be a trigger. Some studies suggest that as many as 1 in 20 persons are affected but many people do not seek treatment.

Latest research leaves doctors believing it is a vascular disorder that relates to flushing. It has three stages. The first stage usually involves redness and stinging or burning sensations on the facial area. Dry or tight feeling skin is another symptom. Groups of vessels close to the skin become dilated, which results in patchy red areas with small papules and pustules. Eventually the redness will become permanent and the skin tissue can be become damaged with swelling and thickening. Ocular or eye problems occur in at least half of patients with rosacea. Itchy, burning or gritty feelings are common symptoms along with conjunctivitis. These changes can worsen and become permanent as well as causing corneal scarring.

There is a large amount of emotional and social scarring with rosacea. It can severely affect your self-esteem because of the various symptoms. The symptoms leave many people reclusive, as they do not wish to be seen in social situations. Some people become so anxious about the papules, pustules and redness that it can lead to an actual panic attack.

Rosacea episodes occur randomly or are set off by triggers that are unique to the individual. The most common triggers are sun, emotional stress, spicy foods, exercise and weather extremes. Each person should keep a journal and note down what they ate, felt or the weather was doing when an outbreak occurs to identify triggers.

Treatment is usually a lifelong control situation, as rosacea never leaves on its own. Antibiotics are usually used first. Oral antibiotics are given to help bring the condition under control at first. Later, once the condition is stabilized, topical metronidazole creams or gels are used twice a day. There are other treatments that are available if there are problems with the metronidazole creams. Every year or two brings another new treatment option such as Elidel and Ovace creams. For severe cases of scarring or skin thickening, there are various laser treatments. These need to be carefully researched with an experienced doctor to determine which type is correct for your conditions.

It is important to find a dermatologist who is familiar with rosacea and its treatments. Several rosacea organizations keep lists of doctors who regularly treat patients. Many of these doctors can help with creating skin care routines using non-prescription cleaners and lotions to help minimize the redness and ease the dryness and stinging sensations that sometimes accompanies rosacea.