Who
Rosacea is most commonly seen in people from the ages of 30 to 60 years. It is more common in women, although men usually have worse symptoms. Although rosacea is difficult to predict, nearly 40% of rosacea patients report that they can name a relative with the same condition. Various studies have reported a higher correlation among people of Irish, English, Scandinavian, Scottish, Welsh – and most strongly eastern European and northern European descent.
What
Rosacea is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition; therefore it cannot be spread from person to person. Diagnosis of rosacea is a clinical one – meaning that there are no laboratory or tissue tests that will reveal a diagnosis. It is usually characterized by a blushing appearance over the central area of the face with symptoms of itching, burning, or stinging.
Where
Some patients report that rosacea started as a single red spot on one cheek; others report symmetrical patches occurring at the same time on different areas of the face. Patients often describe symptoms of burning, stinging, itching, and even swelling in the area of the face where blushing occurs. Other areas where rosacea may appear include the scalp, ears, neck, chest, and back.
This 33-year-old woman has rosacea over her central face.
© 2001-2009, Dermatlas
This 72-year-old man has a personal and family history of rosacea with spots apparent on his face and upper trunk.
© 2001-2009, Dermatlas
This 30-year-old otherwise healthy male has typical features of rosacea on his cheeks, forehead, and nose.
© 2001-2009, Dermatlas
Sometimes, people can have a “baggy cheek” appearance due to swelling around the nose. Others can acquire a condition called ‘rhinophyma’ (rhis is the Greek word for nose; phyma is the Greek word for growth) where the nose develops extra tissue. This is also due to swelling.
This 72-year-old man has rhinophymatous rosacea.
© 2001-2009, Dermatlas
Rosacea can also involve the eye, in which case it is called ocular rosacea. Symptoms of itching, stinging, or a gritty feeling (such as when an eyelash or piece of dust is stuck in your eye) can occur in a dry and bloodshot eye. Ocular rosacea can affect vision and patients with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Why
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. A trigger factor can cause blood vessels in the face to dilate too easily, leading to an increase in blood flow. This causes the face to flush, blush, and turn red. Trigger factors vary among different people and may include sunlight, emotional stress, changes in the weather, heat, cold, wind, alcohol, spicy food, excessive exercise, hot tubs, and/or warm beverages.
Sometimes, even skin care products are too harsh for some people’s skin and can trigger a rosacea flare. Some products that cause flares may be alcohol, witch hazel, different fragrances, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, and salicylic acid, as well as different astringents and exfoliating agents.
Even long-term use of topical steroid creams may trigger rosacea flares – this is sometimes referred to as “steroid-induced rosacea.” It is important to inform your dermatologist of all potential trigger factors, skin care products, and medications while trying to figure out a potential cause to explain your rosacea. The causes are often as individualized as you are!
When
Sometimes, teenagers will notice acne flares associated with blushing or flushing, that are typically unresponsive to acne treatments. Blushing usually occurs over the cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead. This may be the first sign of increased likelihood of developing rosacea as an adult. There is no way to determine if rosacea will get worse or better over time. Also, people may notice a flare in their rosacea in relation to trigger factors, skin care products, medications, or even heavy exercise. What we do know is that rosacea tends to get worse without appropriate treatment and avoidance of trigger factors.
Patient Support Organizations:
National Rosacea Society
800 South Northwest Highway
Suite 200
Barrington, IL 60010
tel: (888) NO-BLUSH
e-mail: rosaceas@aol.com
Rosacea Awareness Program
368 Notre-Dame Street West
Suite 402
Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1T9
Canada
tel: (888) 767-2232
www.rosaceainfo.com
References:
National Rosacea Society. Web. http://www.rosacea.org/index.php
Rosacea. MDconsult, 2009. Web. www.mdconsult.com
© 2001-2009,Dermatlas