Is It Acne or Rosacea?

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a long lasting, non-scarring skin condition of the face that is often misdiagnosed as adult acne. It varies in severity and does not always worsen with time. Typically, you will experience inappropriate facial flushing that is not usually associated with sweating and/or persistent redness of the face. It is common to have broken blood vessels (telangiectasias) on your cheeks. You may also experience bouts of inflammation that cause red papules (small bumps) or pustules. However, comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) are not part of rosacea.

About 50% of those with rosacea suffer eye involvement, including such conditions as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry gritty eyes and recurrent sties. Nose enlargement (rhinophyma) is uncommon and mostly seen in men. It is only very rarely seen in women.

Key Features:

• Facial flushing
• Background redness of the central face
• Blanchable redness
• Cheeks are not warm
• Telangectasias
• Pimples
• Eye symptoms
• Growing, knobbly nose (mostly seen in men)

What Else Looks Like Rosacea?

• Acne - AcneGuide.com
• Perioral dermatitis - PerioralDermatitis.com
• Seborrheic dermatitis - SeborrheicDermatitis.com
• Lupus erythematosus - Lupuserythematosus.com
• Photosensitivity reactions
• Drug reactions
• Contact dermatitis - ContactDermatitis.com

Who Gets Rosacea?

This condition is most commonly seen in those who have fair skin and is sometimes referred to as the “Curse of the Celts” or a “Peaches and cream“ complexion.

Where Does Rosacea Occur On The Skin?

You will usually see rosacea around the central area of your face. It may occasionally be isolated to one patch.

When Does Rosacea Usually Start?

Usually onset of rosacea occurs between the ages of 20 and 50.

What Causes Rosacea?

The cause is poorly understood. Flushing is an essential part of the condition, so experts believe that blood vessels are a significant component to the cause.

H. pylori is a bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the stomach that has been suggested as a cause of rosacea in some because there is a hormone that the stomach produces which encourages skin flushing. H. pylori is the same bug thought to cause stomach ulcers.

It is possible to clear the infection with a combination of antibiotics taken by mouth, but its eradication has not been conclusively effective. Demodex are mites found in the follicles of about half of those with rosacea. Doctors and clinical investigators who have been studying rosacea are debating their role as a possible cause of rosacea.

The use of stronger cortisone creams can certainly produce rosacea, but it usually does not persist for very long after discontinuing the creams.

What Other Factors Aggravate Rosacea?

Certain medications that cause flushing can flare your skin. Vasodilating drugs (ones that cause your blood vessels to enlarge) such as ACE-inhibitors and some cholesterol lowering agents may play a part. You should avoid Niacin. In addition, perfumed cosmetics can aggravate your skin. You should also avoid other topical irritants such as scrubs, toners, acetone and alcohols.

If you have flushing because of menopause, you should be treated, as long as there are no contradictions (that is, if there is no risk to you because of other health concerns or medications you may be taking).

Sun protection is a must and we recommend sunscreens that have broad spectrum protection.

How Does Rosacea Affect Us?

• Rosacea can be very embarrassing, the flushing can be a source of social discomfort, and many may feel that they are perceived as heavy drinkers
• Eyes can be gritty and uncomfortable