More Rosacea Facts
Rosacea is a chronic and often progressive skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face.
Rosacea is a chronic and often progressive skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. Most people affected by the condition are fair-skinned between the ages of 30 and 50. Rosacea often runs in families, with women being affected more than men. Men, however, often get more severe forms of rosacea. For an estimated 16 million North Americans, rosacea most often goes untreated due to lack of awareness about this common skin disorder. "Because it is so noticeable on a person’s face, rosacea can be socially and emotionally distressing," said Dr. Pelle, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology, University of California. "While the cause of rosacea is unknown, the good news is that this condition can be controlled if people know and look for the symptoms, as well as follow a supervised treatment plan.” Often incorrectly referred to as "adult acne," rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily. Rosacea progresses to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. As rosacea progresses, tiny blood vessels and pimples without blackheads begin to appear on and around the reddened area. In more advanced cases, a condition called rhinophyma may develop. Less common in women, rhinophyma is characterized by a bulbous, enlarged red nose and puffy cheeks. Thick bumps also can develop on the lower half of the nose and cheeks. "There is no cure for rosacea and it can become significantly worse without treatment," advised Dr. Pelle. "The key is to identify the condition early. When the skin doesn’t return to its normal color and when other symptoms such as tiny blood vessels and pimples become visible, it’s time to see a dermatologist for professional treatment."The best prevention for rosacea may be to avoid "triggers," or things that make the face red or flushed. Triggers can vary from person to person, however common ones include hot or spicy foods, alcohol, sun exposure, physical exertion, extremes of emotion, rubbing the face and using irritating topical products and cosmetics. Menopause also has been known to be a trigger for rosacea. In addition, it is important for rosacea patients to care for their skin by using gentle facial products that do not cause excessive dryness or contain additives such as glycolic acid or alcohol that may further irritate the skin.
Rosacea flare-ups also can be minimized by protecting skin from the sun. Dermatologists strongly recommend the daily use of a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protective) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, seeking shade when possible and wearing protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and wide-brimmed hat.
Standard medical therapies for rosacea include topical and oral anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications. Treatment regimens for rosacea are specific to each patient depending upon the severity of his or her condition. The three main topical rosacea medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for rosacea include topical metronidazole, the newer topical azelaic acid, and sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur formulations that include cleansers and lotions for the skin. If rosacea symptoms persist, dermatologists may prescribe oral medications in combination with topical therapies to bring rosacea symptoms under control. Dr. Pelle advises her rosacea patients to apply an emollient cream in combination with a topical retinoid cream before bedtime to achieve the best outcome.
Rosacea is a chronic and often progressive skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. Most people affected by the condition are fair-skinned between the ages of 30 and 50. Rosacea often runs in families, with women being affected more than men. Men, however, often get more severe forms of rosacea. For an estimated 16 million North Americans, rosacea most often goes untreated due to lack of awareness about this common skin disorder. "Because it is so noticeable on a person’s face, rosacea can be socially and emotionally distressing," said Dr. Pelle, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology, University of California. "While the cause of rosacea is unknown, the good news is that this condition can be controlled if people know and look for the symptoms, as well as follow a supervised treatment plan.” Often incorrectly referred to as "adult acne," rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily. Rosacea progresses to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. As rosacea progresses, tiny blood vessels and pimples without blackheads begin to appear on and around the reddened area. In more advanced cases, a condition called rhinophyma may develop. Less common in women, rhinophyma is characterized by a bulbous, enlarged red nose and puffy cheeks. Thick bumps also can develop on the lower half of the nose and cheeks. "There is no cure for rosacea and it can become significantly worse without treatment," advised Dr. Pelle. "The key is to identify the condition early. When the skin doesn’t return to its normal color and when other symptoms such as tiny blood vessels and pimples become visible, it’s time to see a dermatologist for professional treatment."The best prevention for rosacea may be to avoid "triggers," or things that make the face red or flushed. Triggers can vary from person to person, however common ones include hot or spicy foods, alcohol, sun exposure, physical exertion, extremes of emotion, rubbing the face and using irritating topical products and cosmetics. Menopause also has been known to be a trigger for rosacea. In addition, it is important for rosacea patients to care for their skin by using gentle facial products that do not cause excessive dryness or contain additives such as glycolic acid or alcohol that may further irritate the skin.
Rosacea flare-ups also can be minimized by protecting skin from the sun. Dermatologists strongly recommend the daily use of a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protective) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, seeking shade when possible and wearing protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and wide-brimmed hat.
Standard medical therapies for rosacea include topical and oral anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications. Treatment regimens for rosacea are specific to each patient depending upon the severity of his or her condition. The three main topical rosacea medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for rosacea include topical metronidazole, the newer topical azelaic acid, and sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur formulations that include cleansers and lotions for the skin. If rosacea symptoms persist, dermatologists may prescribe oral medications in combination with topical therapies to bring rosacea symptoms under control. Dr. Pelle advises her rosacea patients to apply an emollient cream in combination with a topical retinoid cream before bedtime to achieve the best outcome.
posted by Madison at 11:34 AM
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