CONDITIONS
ROSACEA
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which often affects the face. It causes redness and visible blood vessels, and may also produce small red, pus-filled bumps on your face. Left untreated, rosacea worsens with time. It is often mistaken for acne, eczema, skin sensitivity of certain products or natural ruddiness. Rosacea may affect anyone, but it is most common in middle-aged women who are light-skinned.
What causes rosacea?
The cause of rosacea has not been confirmed. It may be caused or worsened by the following:
- Spicy food
- Drinking hot beverages such as tea and coffee
- Temperature extremes
- Sunlight or wind
- Emotions
- Drugs such as blood pressure medication
- Various cosmetic products
- Exercise
- Family history. If you have a close relative that has rosacea, then you are more likely to be diagnosed with it.
What are the related symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of rosacea vary from person to person. The symptoms include:
- Facial redness caused by the inflammation of small blood vessels on your nose and cheeks, which may also become visible.
- Swollen, red bumps on your face which may resemble acne. Your skin may feel hot and tender.
- Dry, irritated, swollen and red eyes accompanied by swollen eyelids, also known as ocular rosacea.
- Enlarged nose. Over time, rosacea may thicken your skin on the nose, causing your nose to appear bulbous and enlarged.
If you experience persistent redness of your face, you must see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
What are the possible treatment options for rosacea?
Rosacea treatment depends on how severe and persistent your condition is. You must visit Dr Ndongeni for treatment to prevent your skin from scarring. Dr Ndongeni may prescribe oral medication such as oral antibiotics to reduce inflammation and oral acne drugs if you have severe rosacea.
The dermatologist may also recommend that you undergo therapy such as:
- Laser therapy or light-based therapies where powerful light beams are used to reduce redness of enlarged blood vessels. You may need to repeat this treatment to maintain the improved appearance of your skin.
- Micro-needling treatment may involve the rolling of many tiny needles over the skin to stimulate new skin growth and healing.
While there’s no cure for a chronic skin disorder like rosacea, there are treatments available to alleviate its symptoms, including oral medications and topical treatments.
Yes, rosacea can cause burning, itching, and stinging, as well as other painful symptoms.
Flare-ups of rosacea can range anywhere from one day to one month, but they usually last one week.
Treatments can help regulate and lessen the symptoms of rosacea, but there is no cure for the condition.
