Rosacea

Causes

• Genetic predisposition - Rosacea often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary component.
• Immune system abnormalities - An abnormal immune response may lead to increased inflammation when triggered.
• Blood vessel abnormalities - Dysfunction in facial blood vessels can cause them to dilate too easily, leading to persistent redness.
• Microscopic mites (Demodex folliculorum) - These mites live on everyone's skin, but people with rosacea may have a higher concentration, which might trigger an immune response.
• Bacteria - Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes gut infection, has been implicated in some cases of rosacea.
• Environmental factors - Sunlight, extreme temperatures, wind, and humidity can trigger or worsen symptoms.
• Certain foods and beverages - Spicy foods, hot drinks, alcohol (especially red wine), and dairy products may trigger flare-ups in some individuals.
• Medications - Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications, can worsen rosacea.
• Emotional stress - Stress can trigger flare-ups by increasing body temperature and blood flow to the skin.
• Hormonal changes - Rosacea may flare during menopause or with hormonal medications, suggesting hormonal influences.

Signs and Symptoms

• Persistent facial redness (erythema) - Looks like a blush or sunburn that doesn't go away, primarily on the central face
• Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) - Small blood vessels become visible on the nose, cheeks, and sometimes forehead
• Swollen red bumps (papules and pustules) - Can resemble acne but without blackheads, sometimes containing pus
• Burning or stinging sensations - The face may feel hot and tender
• Skin thickening (phymatous rosacea) - Excess tissue causes the skin, especially on the nose, to become bulbous (rhinophyma)
• Eye problems (ocular rosacea) - Including dryness, irritation, redness, burning, stinging, and occasionally blurred vision
• Sensitive skin - Increased sensitivity to skincare products, triggering burning or stinging sensations
• Facial swelling (edema) - Fluid buildup and inflammation cause facial swelling
• Plaques - Raised red patches without changes in the surrounding skin
• Skin dryness - The central facial skin may become rough and scaly
• Flushing episodes - Triggered by various factors and lasting longer than normal blushing
• Symptoms worsening with triggers - Including heat, sun exposure, spicy foods, alcohol, emotional stress, or certain skincare products

Diagnosis

Treatment Options

Home Remedies

Preventive Care

• Identify and avoid personal triggers that cause rosacea flare-ups, such as spicy foods, alcohol, extreme temperatures, or stress.
• Protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing and hats.
• Use gentle skincare products formulated for sensitive skin, avoiding harsh ingredients, fragrances, and exfoliants.
• Cleanse your face with lukewarm water (never hot or cold) and pat dry gently rather than rubbing.
• Apply a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer daily to maintain your skin barrier function.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and other methods that work for you.
• Use rosacea medications consistently as prescribed, even when symptoms improve, to maintain control.
• Consider using a humidifier in dry environments to prevent skin dryness, which can worsen rosacea.
• Protect your face from cold and wind with scarves or other coverings in harsh weather.
• Have regular eye exams if you have ocular symptoms, as ocular rosacea can potentially affect vision if left untreated.
• Avoid waterproof cosmetics and heavy foundations that require oil-based makeup removers or rubbing to remove.

Surgical Options