ACNE ROSACEA

Jun 17, 2022 | Blog

INTRODUCTION

Acne Rosacea is a condition in which the skin becomes red, develops rashes and flushing i.e. the skin feels hot.

Most common area affected – Face

Other areas in the Scalp, Chest, Hands etc. can also be affected.

The symptoms of skin redness and itching usually intensify, when exposed to the sun.

SYMPTOMS

On the basis of symptoms, Acne Rosacea can be classified into 4 types:-

  1. TYPE I {Telangiectactic rosacea}: Most common type. It is associated with telangiectasis i.e. appearance of large dilated veins on the skin.

 

  1. TYPE II {Papulo–pustular rosacea}: It is associated with pus filled tiny white/red bumps over the skin. It can be commonly mistaken for acne.

 

  1. TYPE III {Rhinophyma rosacea}: It affects the Nose of the individual. It is a chronic long standing condition, in which the skin of nose appears rough and swollen like a potato, and its structure gets distorted; a condition called ‘Bulbous nose’. It’s the most severe form of rosacea.

 

  1. TYPE IV {Ocular rosacea}: The conjunctiva of the eye is affected. It’s associated with Red eyes, Gritty feeling in the eyes, pain and itching of the eyes. The patient may have difficulty seeing.

 

WHO CAN DEVELOP?

Rosacea normally appears after the age of 30, but rarely children are affected.

 

CAUSES

The exact mechanism behind this condition is not known yet.

However, there are multiple risk factors which are seen to be associated with this condition:-

  • Genetic: It is seen in those persons, whose family members have been previously affected by it.
  • UV Radiation: People who are exposed to the sunlight for long durations have been seen to be affected.
  • Side effects of cosmetics OR use of strong steroid creams (clobetasol, halobetasol etc.)
  • Skin infections such as Demodex follicularum (parasite), Staphylococcus epidermidis (bacteria)
  • Alcohol
  • Spicy foods

 

DIAGNOSIS

Acne rosacea can be diagnosed by clinical examination of the symptoms. And in some cases, Skin biopsy may be required.

One should look out for:-

  • Red bumps
  • Pustules (pus filled tiny bumps)
  • Redness of skin
  • Flushing (burning of skin)

Other diseases with similar looking symptoms are:-

  1. Acne
  2. Perioral dermatitis
  3. Gram negative folliculitis

Therefore, for proper diagnosis & treatment one must consult a dermatologist.

 

TREATMENT

  1. General measures
    1. Avoid heavy makeup, cosmetics.
    2. Avoid using strong steroid cream over the face.
    3. Use plenty of physical sunscreen, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
    4. Avoid hot and spicy food, alcohol.
  2. Medicines used? Creams like:-
    1. Azeleic acid cream
    2. Pimecrolimus cream
    3. Tacrolimus cream
    4. Metronidazole cream
    5. Sulphur cream
  • Oral medicines:-
    1. Doxycycline
    2. Minocyclin
    3. Isotretinoin
    4. Ivermectine – Used in parasite induced rosacea
  1. Brimonidine gel; Xylometaxoline & Oxymetazoline cream can be used to treat skin redness.
  2. Laser treatment is useful in treating Telangiectactic rosacea & Rhinophyma (CO2 laser resurfacing)
  3. Surgery can be done in cases of Rhinophyma

Rosacea is a chronic disease. Its duration of treatment can be long. And recurrence has been seen in some cases, but it gets better by treatment. It’s important to have patience and carefully follow the doctor’s advice.