Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin disease. It causes facial redness, usually starting in the nose and cheek area. Rosacea can spread to the forehead and chin, and also beyond the face. 

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

While facial redness is the main sign of rosacea, there are four different subtypes, each with its own symptoms. 

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea causes skin redness and warmth along with prominent blood vessels around the nose and cheeks.

Papulopustular rosacea

Papulopustular rosacea causes redness with pus-filled bumps, appearing similar to acne breakouts. 

Phymatous rosacea

Phymatous rosacea causes redness with significantly bumpy skin. Some people with phymatous rosacea develop rhinophyma, a condition in which the nose thickens, reddens, and takes on a bulbous appearance. 

Ocular rosacea

Ocular rosacea causes red eyes, often alongside eyelid swelling that may appear like a sty. 

Sometimes one type of rosacea precedes another, for example, erythematotelangiectatic rosacea can eventually worsen into phymatous rosacea.

What causes rosacea?

The cause of rosacea isn’t known, however, research indicates that some factors that might contribute are:

• Genetics
• Immune system reactions
• Intestinal infection (H. pylori bacteria)
• Demodex skin mites
• Cathelicidin, a protein that fights infections

Regardless of what causes rosacea, you can often identify certain triggers that cause rosacea flare-ups. Some of the most common rosacea triggers include:

• Sun 
• Wind exposure
• Exercise
• Spicy foods
• Hot (temperature) beverages
• Some hair or cosmetic products, like hair spray
• Intense emotions

A complex combination of root causes and environmental triggers may be the reason for your rosacea flare-ups. 

How is rosacea treated?

Rosacea treatment depends on the type of the disease, your symptoms, and other individual aspects of your situation. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your life when you have rosacea. 

Based on your triggers and symptoms, the Central Utah Dermatology team recommends methods of trigger avoidance and symptom management. Wearing sunscreen, changing to a non-soap facial cleanser, and using fragrance-free products are a few examples of things that may help. 

Some of the most effective prescription treatments for rosacea symptoms include topical creams, light-based therapy, and oral medications. Your treatment plan might change over time if your rosacea type or symptoms change. 

Central Utah Dermatology has the dermatology expertise to treat rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin diseases with the most effective solutions. Call the nearest office or book a visit online today.