Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects mainly the face.  The most common areas for rosacea symptoms are the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.  The neck, chest, and eyes can also be involved.  Flushing, redness and blushing are early signs of the condition.  More symptoms can be bumps and tiny pimples.  More severely, thickness, swelling, and bumpiness of the nose can occur (mostly in men with severe cases).

Rosacea affects over two million Canadians. It usually develops between ages 30-50 and women are affected more frequently than men.  Fairer skinned people are affected more commonly, although it can develop in any skin colour.  It is a chronic condition that does not go away but can be controlled.  Commonly misdiagnosed as acne in adults.

There are many lifestyle factors that can cause rosacea flare-ups to be triggered.  Not every person has the same triggers.  Being able to control the triggers that affect each person can be very beneficial to the control of the condition.

• Food and Drinks such as hot foods, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages, especially red wine.
• Irritating cosmetic products with fragrance, alcohols, or abrasive ingredients.
• Intense exercise can trigger flushing and overheating, so staying cool is beneficial.
• Certain medications can cause flushing and flare-ups.  Some blood pressure medications and cholesterol-lowering agents can trigger rosacea as can chronic usage of topical steroids on the face (cortisone creams/ointments).
• Temperature extremes from weather, wind, or even hot baths and showers can trigger rosacea.  UV exposure can also be a trigger so the daily usage of appropriate sun protection (broadband UVA/B SPF≥30) is key.

Intermittent facial flushing and redness that can occur with some swelling, burning, roughness, and visible red blood vessels.

A more advanced form marked by persistent redness and pimple-like bumps accompanied by burning and stinging.

Rhynophyma, a condition causing the skin tissue of the nose to redden, thicken and become bumpy.

Rosacea can affect the eyes and eyelids causing redness of the surrounding skin and also burning, dryness, light sensitivity, blurred vision and watery, bloodshot eyes.

Rosacea will not improve or resolve on its own and can worsen over time.  Over-the-counter acne products may not help and could worsen the condition.  Early treatment from a medical professional can help control symptoms and prevent worsening of the condition.

Rosacea is an inflammatory condition.  Most effective oral and topical treatments produce an anti-inflammatory effect to reduce the redness and other symptoms.  Oral and topical antibiotics are used for their anti-inflammatory benefits and are not anti-infective.  Cortisone creams can be used occasionally and sparingly for flares but can worsen rosacea over time.  Vitamin A derivatives such as retinols can help but can be irritating.

Laser therapy (such as the ExcelV+®)can treat visible redness and inflammation, while other cosmetic interventions can treat more severe forms of the condition with dermabrasion, resurfacing or surgery.