Rosacea / Acne rosacea

  • Rosacea, also known as acne rosacea
  • Abnormal innnervation of blood vessels of the face, thus flushing, burning, redness and small red bumps.
  • Age 30-50, more common in whites
  • Commonly co-exists with seborrheic eczema

What triggers Rosacea?

  • Drug allergy: applying steroid skin medications
  • Changing seasons, hot and humid environment, prolonged sun exposure leading to an increase in skin temperature
  • Stress
  • Immunity fluctuations
  • Family history 25%
  • UV light
  • Seasonal changes
  • Stuffy environment
  • Intense sun exposure leading to rise in temperature of body surface
  • Alcoholic or food bouts
  • Dermodex

Symptoms

  • Burning, swollen and slight stinging sensations on the face
  • In severe cases, the affected skin develops inflammation, red bumps and pus-filled swellings (pustules).

What are the complications without treatment?

  • increased cardiac diseases
  • migraine, seborrheic eczema
  • The sufferers have chronic redness and dilated blood vessels on the face, causing thickened and rough skin surface.
  • Nose appears bulbous, lumpy and very red.
  • Visible blood vessels appear on the cheeks and eyes, which develop redness and burning.
  • Skin may be left with marks but no scars due to inflammation.

Treatment

  • Topical – Oxymetazoline cream, azelaic acid, metronidazole, ivermectin
  • Oral-         Brimondine

β blockers

low dose antibiotics-minocycline, tetracycline, azithromycin,                                       clarithromycin

low dose isotretinoin

  • Physical- IPL, Laser: PPL, PTP,
  • Surgical – Dermabrasion, electrocautery, scalpel excision