What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that manifests itself with symptoms such as redness, swelling, pimple-like lesions on the face and often burning or itching. It usually affects middle-aged adults, but can occur at any age. Rosacea is characterized by a reddish face color, marked vasodilation (telangiectasia) and acne-like lesions, especially in areas such as the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin.
What Causes Rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but many factors are thought to combine to contribute to the disease. Some possible triggers include:
- Dilated blood vessels: Abnormal dilation of the blood vessels and their prominence on the surface may play a role in rosacea.
- Inflammation Inflammation on the face can lead to redness and pimple-like lesions.
- Demodex mites An increase in the number of normal demodex mites found on the face can trigger symptoms of rosacea.
- Genetic factors: Family history may increase the risk of rosacea.
- Sunlight, heat and wind: These factors can trigger or worsen the symptoms of rosacea.
Treatment of rosacea aims to control symptoms and reduce complaints. It is usually managed by dermatologists and treatment methods may include
- Topical medicines: Creams, gels or lotions used to control redness, inflammation and acne-like lesions on the skin.
- Oral medicines: In severe forms of rosacea, the doctor may prescribe
- Laser or light therapy: Can be used to narrow blood vessels and reduce redness.
- Skin care: Using sensitive skin care products and sunscreens can alleviate symptoms.
- Avoiding triggers: It is important to avoid triggers such as temperature changes, sunlight, spicy foods and alcohol.
Starting treatment early can help control the symptoms of rosacea.