It is Rosacea Awareness Month so I thought this would be a good opportunity for rosacea education. Rosacea or acne rosacea is a condition where you develop pimples as well as redness and broken blood vessels mainly on the face. This condition is similar to acne but is different in that you do not develop blackheads or whiteheads. Additionally, it is most common after the age of 30, whereas typical acne is more common in teenagers.
What causes rosacea?
There are many theories about what triggers rosacea including sun damage which breaks down collagen and blood vessels as well as the skin’s blood vessels being highly sensitive. Others have argued that demodex, a mite found on the skin’s surface, is the trigger. Rosacea is very common and ranges from very minor to severe.
What triggers rosacea?
Rosacea is often worsened by sun exposure, spicy foods, stress, alcohol, heat, or exercise. It is therefore important to wear sunscreen daily and avoid those triggers that you are most susceptible to as each individual will have unique triggers.
Types of rosacea and treatments
Erythemotelangiectatic rosacea – this type of rosacea is very common and causes redness and broken vessels on the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. It does not typically have any pimples associated. The treatment is primarily lasers targeting the blood vessels. This type does not respond particularly well to topical treatment but can benefit from green tinted products as well as products with niacinamide. Additionally, some products constrict the vessels of the skin and this can help with lessening of redness though can come with rebound and worsening of redness if stopped.
Papulopustular rosacea – this form of rosacea is most similar to acne with pimples predominating. This is treated very similar to acne and there are a number of topical and oral therapies that can help this form of rosacea.
Glandular rosacea – the most severe form causing rhinophyma. This results from increase in size of the glands of the nose primarily, and can result in significant deformity of the nose. This form can be treated with oral medicines but very commonly requires more aggressive laser and surgical measures.
Ocular rosacea – some patients develop eye symptoms including scratchy eyes, red eyes, or other eye issues. This type of rosacea is best treated in conjunction with an ophthalmologist as there are a range of treatments that are useful in this condition.
If you suffer from any form of rosacea, you should seek the guidance of a board certified dermatologists. At California Dermatology Specialists in Brentwood, Los Angeles we would love to see you and help you with this common and troublesome condition.
