 |
|
|||||||||
Jul 29, 2006
Rosacea: Symptoms & treatment
by SirGan
 Rosacea is a chronic skin disease characterized by redness and swelling which is localized primarily on the face. Other areas that can be affected are the scalp, neck, ears, chest and back. Studies show that those afflicted with rosacea may first notice a tendency to flush or blush easily. Big problem is that the condition can occur over a long period of time. Not only that, when this happens- it often progresses to a persistent redness, pimples and visible blood vessels in the center of the face that can eventually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. There is also a big diagnostic problem with rosacea because it causes facial swelling and redness and therefore- it is easily confused with other skin conditions, such as acne and sunburn or seborrheic dermatitis. Rosacea sufferers often report periods of depression stemming from cosmetic disfigurement, painful burning sensations, and decreases in quality of life.Incidence of the conditionApproximately 14 million people in the United States have rosacea. It most often affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60. According to some most recent studies- more than 2,000 rosacea sufferers, 44 percent reported that their symptoms had first appeared in their 30s and 40s, and 43 percent first experienced rosacea after age 50. Some other researches have came to the data that only 27 percent of Americans had heard of rosacea. Because of its alarming, acne-like effect on personal appearance, however, it can cause devastating psychological and social problems in addition to its physical effects.
Types of rosaceaThere are four identified rosacea subtypes and patients may have more than one subtype present.
This type of rosacea is characterized by permanent redness with a tendency to flush and blush easily. Not only that- some experts are saying that it is also common to have small blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin and possibly burning or itching sensations.
Unlike the previous type- Papulopustular rosacea is characterized by some permanent redness with red bumps with some pus filled. These skin changes last typically 1-4 days. Big problem is that this subtype can be easily confused with acne. Rosacea may also be accompanied by oily skin and dandruff.
Important thing to know about this subtype is that it is most commonly associated with rhinophyma, an enlargement of the nose. Symptoms are typical and include thickening skin, irregular surface nodules, and enlargement. Phymatous rosacea on appear on the nose, chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears.
Most common symptoms of ocular rosacea are red, dry and irritated eyes and eyelids. Some other symptoms include foreign body sensations, itching and burning. Rosacea may cause the inner skin of the eyelids to become inflamed or appear scaly, a condition known as conjunctivitis.
CausesThe fact that everyone should know is that the precise pathogenesis of rosacea still remains unknown.
The fact is also that most experts believe that rosacea is a disorder where the blood vessels become damaged when repeatedly dilated. It is easy to understand- the damage causes the vessels to dilate too easily and stay dilated for longer periods of time. Some say that these vessels can even remain permanently dilated, resulting in flushing and redness.
Several researches done in the past have came to the conclusion that rosacea also has a hereditary component. Experts are saying that those that are fair-skinned have a higher genetic predisposition to developing it. Women are more commonly affected but when men develop rosacea it tends to be more severe. The first signs of rosacea are said to be persisting redness due to exercise, changes in temperature, and cleansing.
Some experts are saying that the cause of rosacea could be a chronic bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal system caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection. Not only that. Some other claim that it has something to do with infection with tiny mites (Demodex folliculorum) living in human hair follicles. Supposedly - may play a role by clogging up sebaceous gland openings. None of these theories have been conclusively proved, however.
It is important to remember that alcohol is not causing rosacea, although it may worsen a case of rosacea!!!
Triggers of rosaceaThere are several possible triggers of rosacea and some of the most common are:
Psychological EffectsExperts believe the social and emotional effects of rosacea are worse than the physical symptoms. In fact, one controlled study has been conducted on this subject and the results are:
Prognosis if left untreatedPatients should know that, if left untreated, rosacea tends to be progressive, which means it gets worse over time. However, in most people rosacea is cyclic, which means it may flare up for a period of weeks to months and then signs and symptoms lessen for a while before rosacea flares up again. When it first develops, rosacea may come and go on its own. Great danger is that rosacea may advance to a third stage, in which the spread of excess facial tissue called fibroplasia may develop. It may also distort facial features enough to cause what lionization.
In some cases, the eyes may also be affected by rosacea, resulting in a gritty feeling and bloodshot appearance. Even vision can be affected!
Treatment of rosaceaUnfortunately, there is still no way to eliminate rosacea altogether. However, several treatments are available for relieving signs and symptoms of rosacea. In most cases, when we talk about treatment- it most often this requires a combination of prescription medications and certain self-care measures. The key to successful management of rosacea is early diagnosis and treatment.
MedicationsEvery patient should know that doctors often prescribe topical antibiotics to treat rosacea. Although this could be confusing because no bacteria are involved- these antibiotics are being used more for their anti-inflammatory properties than to kill bacteria. The most common topical antibiotic prescribed is Metronidazole. It could be also combines with another prescription medication such as azelaic acid.
Oral antibiotics also are prescribed because they tend to work faster than topical ones.
Some of the most common prescription oral antibiotics include
Surgical solutionsMost of the experts will tell you that enlarged blood vessels, some redness and changes due to rhinophyma often become permanent. In these cases, surgical methods, such as laser surgery and electro-surgery, may reduce the symptoms. Dermatological vascular laser or Intense Pulsed Light machines offer one of the best treatments for rosacea. How do they work? Well, it is simple- they use light to penetrate the epidermis to target the capillaries in the dermis layer of the skin.
CO2 lasers can be used to remove excess tissue caused by Phymatous rosacea.
They reduce visibility of blood vessels, remove tissue buildup around nose and generally improve appearance.
Self-careOne of the most important things a patient can do if has rosacea is to minimize your exposure to anything that causes a flare-up.
Suggestions for preventing flare-ups:
|
|
|||||
|
Article sources
|
