The facial skin disease called rosacea differs from acne in two ways, according to "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010." First, comedones, or blackheads, commonly appear in acne but not in rosacea. Second, rosacea's flushed appearance comes from a neurovascular mechanism. When facial nerves are stimulated, blood vessels open, causing blood to pool around the center of the face. Acne works in a different way.
Symptoms
Rosacea presents as a flushing of the face that can last for many days. The redness results from both the blood that enters the face and from bumps, pustules and pimples. The redness appears primarily in the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. According to MayoClinic.com, rosacea predominately affects adults over the age of 30.
Causes
"Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010" reports a lack of supportive data to indicate what predisposes people to rosacea. The text does cite, however, the events that initiate attacks. The most common causes of an attack involve everyday practices. The list includes skin toners, steroid ointments, vigorous face washing or exfoliating, extreme temperatures, hot or spicy foods and drinks, alcohol, menopause, exercise, high emotions and elevated body temperature.
Complications
"Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology" describes the progression of the disease. In untreated or late-stage rosacea, new visible capillaries form on the face, giving a spider web appearance. The affected skin stings or burns, especially with the application of creams and lotions. The two most serious complications include dry, burning eyes that form crusts on the lid and the formation of irregular bumps, often on the nose, that appear swollen and riddled with noticeable pores. This condition known as rhinophyma causes the skin to look like a swollen orange peel with its numerous indentations.
Therapy
The topical drug of choice, metronidazole, comes in cream, gel and lotion and requires application twice a day. Sulfur-sodium sulfacetamide ointment helps for those who cannot use metronidazole. If pus-filled acne coincides with rosacea, benzoyl peroxide treats it successfully.
When topical remedies fail to alleviate symptoms, oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline, have some efficacy. For those who have developed unsightly blood vessels or enlarged noses, laser therapy can help. Finally, surgery reduces the overgrown tissue and bumpy skin.
Prognosis
Rosacea persists without treatment. A combination of avoidance of rosacea triggers and doctor-recommended treatment go a long way in keeping flare-ups to a minimum. Diagnosis and treatment control rosacea before complications arise.
References
- "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010"; Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine A. Papadakis; 2010
- "Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology", 3rd ed.; Thomas B. Fitzpatrick M.D, Ph.D., et al; 1983
- MayoClinic.com: Rosacea
