Rosacea

Frequently mistaken for Acne, Rosacea  is often referred to as "adult acne," an is a common skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face and is found during the older ages. The symptoms include skin redness and swelling in the areas that typically flush when we’re excited or embarrassed; telangiectases (the appearance of broken blood vessels), and, occasionally, acne-like papules and pustules. Though the exact causes of Rosacea is unknown  as per the research rosacea is a condition that involves both the skin and the blood vessels.

Rosacea usually develops over a long period of time. In many cases rosacea begins as a tendency to flush or blush easily. It then progresses to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. Rosacea also may involve the ears, chest and back. As the disease progresses, small blood vessels and tiny pimples begin to appear on and around the reddened area. Blackheads are not characteristics of rosacea.

More often than not rosacea is often misdiagnosed as acne and treated with acne medications. While these courses of treatment may have some success, there are treatments that target rosacea specifically that may have better results.

Some of the most common symptoms of early stages of rosacea are:

• 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
  

Symptoms for advanced stages include: enlarged red nose, puffy cheeks and thick bumps on the lower half of the nose and nearby cheeks.

On the preventive front, it’s important for sufferers of this condition to be aware of diet, habits and surroundings. If you think a particular food, skin product or lifestyle issue may be triggering your flushes, try discontinuing it for a few weeks; if your flushing subsides, it’s a good idea to eschew it altogether.

The acne-like lesions can be treated with topical and oral antibiotics, which stem the profusion of the bacteria p. acnes as well as demodex mites, which are five times more prevalent in patients with rosacea as in those who don’t have the condition. Topical antifungal agents, such as metronidazole, are also quite helpful. There are also a wide variety of pulsed dye lasers that can reduce the redness of telangiectases, or broken blood vessels. Most importantly, just be kind to your skin; use a gentle cleanser without alcohol or exfoliating grains.

If you think you may have rosacea, see a dermatologist right away. While there is no known cure for this condition, it is treatable – and early treatment will help prevent permanent damage to your skin.