Rosacea

Redness, visible small blood vessels, and pustules on the face: these are typical signs of rosacea, a common inflammatory condition of the facial skin that often comes and goes.

Those affected often do not know that their facial redness is caused by a disease. Like other visible skin diseases, rosacea can affect a person's well-being and confidence. However, it is possible to alleviate symptoms and prevent rosacea flare-ups.

The degree of severity can vary and rosacea can appear on the cheeks, chin, forehead, and nose.

There are four types of rosacea with different symptoms:

• Type 1 includes facial redness sometimes with visible small blood vessels.
• Type 2 includes facial redness as well as papules and pustules.
• Type 3 includes thickening of the skin and inflammatory nodules, primarily on the nose.
• Type 4 includes inflammation of the eyes and eyelids, sometimes without any noticeable dermatological symptoms.

Rosacea can also cause the skin to be dry and susceptible to swelling and to peel, burn, or itch. The skin of those with rosacea is more sensitive than healthy skin.

The disease can manifest differently and there are many combination forms. The skin of the neck, chest, and scalp can sometimes also become inflamed.

The causes of rosacea are not yet fully understood. The disease involves inflammatory reactions and changes in the blood vessels in the skin. Various triggers are suspected, including sunlight, extreme heat or cold, a certain type of hair mite (hair follicle mites or demodex), and bacteria. Impaired protective function of the skin, congenital factors, and stress also play a role.

Long-term use of cortisone products can also cause symptoms similar to rosacea. However, the risk of steroid rosacea is very low when used properly.

Rosacea typically only develops after the age of 30. The disease affects approximately two to five percent of all adults in Germany. It is more common in women than in men, and people with fair skin are more susceptible. Many people with chronic facial redness do not realize that they have a skin disease.

Rosacea often comes and goes, i.e., phases with significant skin changes are followed by phases in which the skin recovers or the inflammation disappears.

This is most commonly seen in type 1 rosacea. The disease can continue to develop over time and new symptoms can arise. However, in many cases, symptoms remain the same for a long time.

Particularly in men with type 3 rosacea, the nose can become bulbous over time resulting in a condition known as rhinophyma.

Type 4 rosacea, which involves inflammation of the eyelids and eyes, can be particularly aggravating. The degree of severity can vary and both mild and severe symptoms can occur.

Rosacea can affect the eyes in various ways. They can be red and itchy, can water, and can be sensitive to light. If the sebaceous glands in the eyelids become blocked, the eyes can also become dry. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, edge of the eyelid, and the cornea is also possible. This can be painful and feel like there is a foreign object in the eye.

Many people with rosacea notice over time that certain triggers cause new flare-ups. In general, anything that causes facial redness can also intensify rosacea. Typical triggers include:

• alcohol 
• hot drinks
• cosmetics and irritating soaps
• skin lesions
• certain medications like vasodilators
• spicy seasonings and foods
• sunlight
• extreme heat or cold

A rosacea diary can help to identify possible triggers. Knowing possible triggers makes it possible to avoid at least some of them. 

For more information about preventing rosacea, visit gesundheitsinformation.de.

Dermatologists diagnose rosacea based on characteristic skin changes. If the eyes are also affected, ophthalmologic examination is often recommended.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease. If the symptoms are mild, a good skin care regimen is often sufficient. Appropriate sun protection and soap-free cleaning products with a low pH value are recommended. In addition, irritants should be avoided. Skin-compatible cosmetics can be used to cover up skin changes.

Medications to be applied to the skin, e.g. creams, gels, or lotions with the active ingredients azelaic acid, brimonidine, ivermectin, or the antibiotic metronidazole, are typically used in the case of significant skin changes. Again, the medication to be used depends on the type of rosacea.

If the symptoms are severe or if externally applied medications are not effective, the antibiotic doxycycline can be taken to inhibit inflammation. Surgery is possible in the case of rhinophyma.

Rosacea is normally harmless but the facial redness can have a significant emotional impact on those affected, for example when people stare or think that the "red nose" is due to excessive alcohol consumption. The skin disease is not as well known as acne. Therefore, it can be helpful to speak openly about rosacea with family, friends, and colleagues.

Make-up with good coverage can help to conceal the redness. However, some cosmetics can aggravate rosacea. Therefore, it is important to test various products. A dermatologist can provide guidance.