Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea is a chronic disease which affects over 16 million North Americans. Rosacea is most commonly found in adults between the ages of 30 and 65 but Rosacea has been known to affect even children.

The people who are the most prone to acquiring Rosacea are fair skinned adults; especially women.

What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a hereditary, chronic (meaning long term) skin disorder that most often affects the nose, forehead, cheekbones, and chin. In its beginning stages this common skin disease, which causes subtle redness in the center of the face, may come and go on its own. But, if left untreated, Rosacea may develop inflammation, accompanied by skin eruptions, and may gradually become chronic and even permanent. Furthermore, the skin tissue can swell and thicken and may be tender and sensitive to the touch. About half of Rosacea sufferers also complain of symptoms with their eyes, also known as Ocular Rosacea.

The Medical Breakdown of Rosacea
Rosacea is caused by the dilation of tiny blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. This causes the skin to break out with blotchy red areas called papules. A papule is a red solid elevated inflammatory skin lesion without pus (unless the papule is severe). These papules have three classifications: minor, moderate and severe. A minor Rosacea papule is the size of a small measles lesion. A moderate Rosacea papule is the size of a pencil eraser. A severe papule is the size of a coin and also contains pustules (pus-filled inflammatory bumps).

What are the symptoms or Rosacea?

There are four identified Rosacea types and patients may have more than one subtype present.

1. Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: Permanent redness with a tendency to flush and blush easily. It is also common to have small blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin as well as burning or itching sensations.
   
   
2. Papulopustular Rosacea: Some permanent redness with red bumps some of which may be pus filled, making it easily mistaken for acne.
   
   
3. Phymatous Rosacea: This is most commonly associated with bulbous appearance of the nose. Symptoms can include thickening skin, irregular surface nodularities, and enlargement. Phymatous rosacea can also affect the chin, forehead, cheeks, eyelids, and ears. Small blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin may be present.
   
   
4. Ocular Rosacea: Red, dry and irritated eyes and eyelids. Some other symptoms include foreign body sensations, itching and burning