Rosacea

Flushed, chronic redness on the face of people between the ages of 30-60 can be classified as Rosacea. Common in those fair skin, blue eyes and Celtic origins this recurrent rash is characterised by sensitive skin, prominent blood vessels and pimples.

Rosacea Causes

While there is no verified cause for Rosacea, chronic UV radiation, family history and environmental and inflammatory factors are all contributors. The inflammation is cased when small blood vessels dilate and become visible as telangiectasia (broken blood vessels).

What does it look like?

According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists there are a number of different types of rosacea which have their own distinctive features.

1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea

Frequent blushing and flushing
Temporary or persistent facial redness in the central portion of the face
Telangiectasias (broken blood vessels) on the nose, cheeks and chin.

2. Papulopustular rosacea

Papules and pustules (swollen bumps) on the face that resemble acne.
Sensitive skin: This is common to all forms of rosacea. Some skincare products may cause stinging, redness and irritation. This can also occur with make-up.

3. Swollen rosacea

Lymphoedema (hot and swollen facial skin)
Thickening ‘orange peel’ skin over the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin
Rhinophyma (enlarged bulbous nose with dilated pores which in severe cases can result in a deformed nose). Rhinophyma is more common in men.

4. Ocular rosacea

Occurs in more than 50% of people with rosacea
25% of people with eye disease have skin related rosacea
Presents with red, sore or gritty eyelid margins or eyes. This can result in inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis), conjunctivitis and inflammation of the white part of the eye (episcleritis).

Rosacea Treatments

Possible Rosacea treatments include:

Reducing Risk Factors
Topical Therapy
Vasular Laser
Oral Antibiotics

To read more about Rosacea, its causes and treatment options, ACD or DermNetNZ.