Picture Of Rosacea

A rosacea picture is very useful in helping one to understand a patient's skin problem. The chronic progressive skin disorder of rosacea can be tracked by a picture taken at various intervals of life. View a picture of a man with rosacea.

Rosacea Causes Facial Discomfort In Some

Beyond the effects of rosacea on facial appearance, the disorder is also frequently associated with facial discomfort, according to a new survey by the National Rosacea Society.In the first comprehensive survey of rosacea and facial discomfort, 78 percent of 2,150 rosacea sufferers reported that they had experienced sensory effects as well as physical symptoms. The most common form of discomfort was burning, listed by 66 percent of the respondents, while 58 percent reported facial itching and 55 percent said they had experienced stinging. Less common types of discomfort included tingling (27 percent), prickling (23 percent), pressure sensitivity (19 percent) and aching (10 percent).The majority of patients -- 59 percent -- reported that their facial discomfort occurred at the same time as their physical symptoms, and more than 33 percent said they sometimes occurred at the same time.Although various forms of discomfort were associated with virtually all physical symptoms in various individuals, certain symptoms were more likely to trigger specific types of sensory reactions. Facial redness appeared to herald a full range of reactions, especially burning (67 percent), itching (59 percent) and stinging (57 percent). Visible blood vessels were associated with increased burning (70 percent) and stinging (62 percent), while bumps and pimples reportedly resulted in increased itching (63 percent) and pressure sensitivity (22 percent).Facial swelling was associated with increased pressure sensitivity (34 percent) and aching (21 percent), and ocular rosacea was linked with high rates of burning (70 percent), stinging (64 percent), itching (64 percent) and pressure sensitivity (23 percent).The good news is that 91 percent of the patients reported that medical therapy had improved their facial discomfort, and 89 percent also said that treatment had improved their physical symptoms.

Early Indicators Of Rosacea

What at first may seem like an innocent blush or sunburn may ultimately foreshadow rosacea. April was designated Rosacea Awareness Month by the National Rosacea Society (NRS) to alert the public to the warning signs of this red-faced, acne-like condition that affects an estimated 14 million Americans.
"Rosacea is frustrating and baffling for so many people because its conspicuous signs and symptoms may not only come and go unexpectedly, but they can affect various individuals in ways few might imagine," said Dr. Richard Odom, professor of dermatology at the University of California - San Francisco. "Unfortunately, without treatment rosacea tends to become progressively worse -- and can have a substantial impact both physically and on people's emotional, social and professional lives."
In surveys by the National Rosacea Society, nearly 70 percent of rosacea patients said this condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41 percent reported it had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. Among rosacea patients with severe symptoms, nearly 70 percent said the disorder had adversely affected their professional interactions, and nearly 30 percent said they had even missed work because of their condition.
Rosacea usually first strikes between the ages of 30 and 60.1 For many people, it starts innocently enough, resembling a sunburn or an inexplicable blush. Suddenly, without warning, a flush comes to their cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Then just when they start to feel concerned, the redness disappears.
Unfortunately, it happens again and again, becoming ruddier and lasting longer each time -- and eventually, visible blood vessels may appear. Without treatment, bumps and pimples often develop, growing more extensive over time, and burning, itching and stinging are common. In severe cases, especially in men, the nose may become enlarged from the development of excess tissue. This is the condition that gave comedian W.C. Fields his trademark red, bulbous nose.
In some rosacea sufferers, the eyes may also be affected, a condition known as ocular rosacea. An eye affected by rosacea may appear watery or bloodshot, and patients may experience eye irritation, burning, stinging, itching, dryness or even light sensitivity.
"The good news is that, while rosacea cannot be cured, it can be effectively controlled with medical therapy and lifestyle changes," Dr. Odom said. Individuals with any of the following warning signs of rosacea are urged to see a dermatologist or other physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment:
Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead
Small visible blood vessels on the face
Bumps or pimples on the face
Watery or irritated eyes

Associated Reference
Powell FC. Rosacea. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;352:793-803.