What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic red rash of adults that affects the midface. It is most common in patients with fair skin and blue or green eyes. There is often a red appearance of the cheeks and nose with dilated vessels and can extend onto the forehead and chin. Sometimes these red vessels turn white with direct pressure. In other cases there may be bumps in these areas or the nose may become porous and enlarged (rhinophyma).
What causes Rosacea?
The exact cause is unknown but is likely multifactorial, including a genetic and environmental factors. Your skin’s genetic makeup and natural immune response is important and has been shown to be directly related in recent studies. Inflammation and dilated vessels predominate the lesions and chronic sun damage from ultraviolet radiation plays a part as well.
How is Rosacea treated?
The treatment of Rosacea starts by reducing the factors that cause facial flushing, such as reducing alcohol and long hot showers. Protecting yourself from the sun is important too. We recommend sun avoidance and oil free facial sunscreens. Keep your face cool. Avoid steam rooms and saunas and maintain a cool temperature in your work and home environments. Sometimes, topical gels, creams or lotions are sufficient but at times systemic antibiotics are required.
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