Rosacea

What is Rosacea

Rosacea is a long-term (chronic) condition that affects the skin of the face, including the cheeks, nose, brow, and chin.

This condition can also affect the eyes. Rosacea causes blood vessels near the surface of the skin to enlarge, which results in redness.

What are the causes?

The cause of this condition is not known. Certain triggers can make rosacea worse, including:

  • Hot baths.
  • Exercise.
  • Sunlight.
  • Very hot or cold temperatures.
  • Hot or spicy foods and drinks.
  • Drinking alcohol.
  • Stress.
  • Taking blood pressure medicine.
  • Long-term use of topical steroids on the face.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

  • People who are older than 30 years of age.
  • Women.
  • People who have light-colored skin (light complexion).
  • People who have a family history of rosacea.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Redness of the face.
  • Red bumps or pimples on the face.
  • A red, enlarged nose.
  • Blushing easily.
  • Red lines on the skin.
  • Irritated or burning feeling in the eyes.
  • Swollen eyelids.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam.

How is this treated?

There is no cure for this condition, but treatment can help to control your symptoms. Your health care provider may recommend that you see a skin specialist (dermatologist). Treatment may include:

  • Antibiotic medicines that are applied to the skin or taken as a pill.
  • Laser treatment to improve the appearance of the skin.
  • Surgery. This is rare.

Your health care provider will also recommend the best way to take care of your skin. Even after your skin improves, you will likely need to continue treatment to prevent your rosacea from coming back.

Follow these instructions at home:

Skin Care

Take care of your skin as told by your health care provider. You may be told to do these things:

  • Wash your skin gently two or more times each day.
  • Use mild soap.
  • Use a sunscreen or sunblock with SPF 30 or greater.
  • Use gentle cosmetics that are meant for sensitive skin.
  • Shave with an electric shaver instead of a blade.

Lifestyle

  • Try to keep track of what foods trigger this condition. Avoid any triggers. These may include:
    • Spicy foods.
    • Seafood.
    • Cheese.
    • Hot liquids.
    • Nuts.
    • Chocolate.
    • Iodized salt.
  • Do not drink alcohol.
  • Avoid extremely cold or hot temperatures.
  • Try to reduce your stress. If you need help, talk with your health care provider.
  • When you exercise, do these things to stay cool:
    • Limit your sun exposure.
    • Use a fan.
    • Do shorter and more frequent intervals of exercise.

General instructions

  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • If your eyelids are affected, apply warm compresses to them. Do this as told by your health care provider.
  • If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, apply or take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition improves.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your symptoms get worse.
  • Your symptoms do not improve after two months of treatment.
  • You have new symptoms.
  • You have any changes in vision or you have problems with your eyes, such as redness or itching.
  • You feel depressed.
  • You lose your appetite.
  • You have trouble concentrating.
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