Rosacea

Published: 30 Jun 2024, 08:00 am IST

Medically Reviewed by

Dr Rinky Kapoor

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that affects your face and causes redness, visible blood vessels, bumps, and sometimes eye irritation. This skin condition is often mistaken as acne, eczema, or an allergic reaction as it is caused by an inflammation in the blood vessels. The main symptoms of rosacea include irritated skin, facial flushing and pimples. It is believed to affect around 1-20 percent of the population, with around 415 million may suffering from rosacea around the globe, according to the 2018 data by the National Rosacea Society.

It is typically believed to develop after the age of 30 and is more prevalent in fair-skinned people. A study published in the journal Dermato Endocrinology found that the occurrence of rosacea in fair-skinned populations ranges from 2 to 22 percent. While the exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, factors such as genetics, the immune system, and environmental triggers like sunlight, stress, and certain foods contribute to the development of this condition.

While there are several treatments available for rosacea, there is no cure for the condition yet. The best way to manage the disease is through early diagnosis and appropriate treatments that can significantly reduce the impact of rosacea in your daily life and prevent complications.

rosacea

It is typically believed to develop after the age of 30 and is more prevalent in fair-skinned people. A study published in the journal Dermato Endocrinology found that rosacea in fair-skinned populations ranges from 2 to 22 percent. While the exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, factors such as genetics, the immune system, and environmental triggers like sunlight, stress, and certain foods contribute to the development of this condition.

Causes of Rosacea

While the exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, several factors are believed to contribute to its development. These include:

Hot drinks or spicy foods
Alcohol
Extreme weather conditions
Exercise
Emotional stress
Genetics
Abnormalities in blood vessels
Immune system response

Key Facts of Rosacea

Major Symptoms

Facial redness that resembles a blush or sunburn
Telangiectasia or visible blood vessels on the nose and cheeks
Swollen red bumps and pus-filled lesions, like acne on the face
Burning or stinging of the skin
Skin sensitivity and a feeling of tightness or discomfort, particularly in response to skin care products or cosmetics
Dry, irritated, and watery eyes
Vision problems
Bumps on your eyelids

Treatment

Use a mild, nonabrasive cleanser, and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Avoid triggers such as alcohol, stress, spicy food, heat, and sunlight.
Medicines
Laser or light therapy
Surgical procedures such as laser surgery, dermabrasion, or electrosurgery.

Symptoms of Rosacea

Signs and symptoms of rosacea begin to show on your face, but they may vary from one individual to another. Common symptoms of rosacea include:

Facial redness that resembles a blush or sunburn
Telangiectasia or visible blood vessels on the nose and cheeks
Swollen red bumps and pus-filled lesions, like acne on the face
Burning or stinging of the skin
Skin sensitivity and a feeling of tightness or discomfort, particularly in response to skin care products or cosmetics
Dry, irritated, and watery eyes
Vision problems
Bumps on your eyelids

If you notice any symptoms, it is important to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and management of the skin condition.

Diagnosis of Rosacea

While there is no particular test for rosacea, your doctor may do a series of different examinations to determine the condition. They may examine your skin and the symptoms that show up on your skin to determine whether you have the condition or not. Your doctor may ask about your symptoms when they started, and if they progressed. Signs of rosacea usually show up on your face so they may rule out symptoms that may resemble other skin conditions.

Treatment of Rosacea

There are some treatments available to manage the symptoms of rosacea, but there isn’t a cure for it yet. Also, the treatment available for rosacea is about

Skincare changes and lifestyle changes: Use a mild, nonabrasive cleanser, and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and avoid triggers such as alcohol, stress, spicy food, heat, and sunlight.
Medicines: Your doctor may offer you some oral or topical medicines that would help reduce inflammation. It would help manage your symptoms and reduce pimples from flaring up.
Laser treatment: Your doctor may suggest the use of lasers or light therapy to target blood vessels and reduce the redness.
Surgical procedures: Treatments such as laser surgery, dermabrasion, or electrosurgery may be considered for rhinophyma or thickened skin on the nose.

Rosacea Related FAQs

How soon after treatment will symptoms subside?

It depends on the condition but it could take several weeks to a few months before your symptoms reduce. You should monitor your symptoms once you start the treatment to avoid complications.

Can rosacea be cured?

There is no cure for rosacea. It can be managed, but it is not possible to make it go away completely. It is best to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and find out ways that would help you manage your condition.

Is rosacea contagious?

No, rosacea is not a contagious disease. So, you do not have to worry about getting it from someone.

Are people with oily skin more likely to have rosacea?

Rosacea can happen to people of any skin type. However, there are some triggers like certain skincare products or medication or the kind of foods you eat that may lead to the problem.