April is Rosacea Awareness Month
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation of sebaceous gland-rich, redness, facial erythema, severe skin dryness, transepidermal water loss on the face. Normally it starts with redness on cheeks and nose, It can appear on forehead and chin well.
It’s common to affect adults between 30 to 50 who have a history of blushing easily, more often developed by women.
Stages
There are four stages or variants of Rosacea described by the National Rosacea Society Ethics Committee (NRSEC)
Erythematous-telangiectatic — Flushing and intermittent facial redness. It may be some swelling, burning and stinging, roughness and visible red blood vessels.
Papulopustular — Persistent and pimple-like bumps (often mistaken for acne), more visible redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead.
Phymatous —Affecting oil glands and connective tissue, causing the skin to thicken the nose, giving skin a rough, uneven appearance. It commonly affects nose (rhinophyma) and rarely forehead and chin
Ocular — It may affect the eyes and eyelids, symptoms as bloodshot eyes that feel gritty, burning or stinging, dryness, light sensitivity, blurred vision and watery eyes
By seeking medical help early and adhering to medical treatments, you can improve your skin condition and perhaps stop, or reverse, the progress of this condition.
Treatment
There is no known cure, however, you can manage with treatment and lifestyle changes.
Topical
Azelaic Acid - It is a gel naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with antibacterial activity. and is used for the inflammatory pimples of mild to moderate rosacea.
Brimonidine Tartrate - It is a cream that constricts blood vessels and may work best for the facial redness. Used once daily.
Metronidazole - Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, considered a gold-standard treatment for rosacea. Used long-term, available in gel, cream or lotion.
Tretinoin Cream - Prescribed for mild rosacea, however, it can irritate the skin, used with caution.
Oral
Antibiotics - Either a topical formulation or orally as a pill. Oral antibiotics include tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline. Improvement is usually noticeable within the first two months after beginning treatment.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatment is recommended by light energy therapy to treat visible red blood vessels and redness. Laser resurfacing, dermabrasion can be used to reduce the overgrowth surface.
Additional Information:
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