Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes reddening of the skin predominantly on the face, and in some cases patients also get little bumps and pimples on top of the redness, which is why rosacea is often confused with acne.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common condition with 1 in 10 people in the UK* suffering from it at some point in their lives. There are also many celebrities who suffer from rosacea with some being Cameron Diaz, Renee Zellweger, Bill Clinton and more.
(*Statistic from patient.info/health/rosacea-leaflet)
Common Rosacea Symptoms include:
- A flushed, red face that occurs more than usual.
- Red blotches on the face.
- Sensitive dry skin on top of the redness, which can also burn or sting.
- Small bumps and pimples on top of the redness that are similar to acne.
- Skin starts to become coarser and thicker, forming a bumpy texture.
- Small blood vessels may start to become more visible.
- Eyes start to become dry and irritated.
Source: NHS Choices & WebMD
While rosacea can be treated there is currently no cure for the condition, the cause is also not entirely proven with a range of factors aiding to the development of rosacea in individuals.
What Causes Rosacea?
What Causes Rosacea?
Although the cause is unknown, rosacea sufferers have noted a few known rosacea triggers, most of which are related to exposure to heat:
Hot and Spicy Foods - Both piping hot food and spicy foods can aggravate rosacea, so it is best to wait for your food to cool a little and to stick to mildly spiced dishes where possible.
Alcohol and Hot Drinks - Alcohol (specifically red wine) and hot drinks like tea and coffee can aggravate rosacea in some individuals.
Exercise - After heavy exercise it is normal for the face to flush but for individuals with rosacea the redness can be exaggerated and longer lasting. The best way to counteract this is by exercising in cooler temperatures in the morning or evening rather than the middle of the day.
Hot Baths and Saunas - Hot baths and/or steam can result in a flare-up of symptoms. Moderating the temperature of baths and showers can help to prevent redness. Scrubs or harsh bathing products should also be avoided.
The Weather - Increased or prolonged exposure to the sun as well as hot weather can cause rosacea outbreaks. Sunny weather increases UV exposure that can trigger flare-ups. Rosacea sufferers are advised to wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 and exposure should be avoided between 10am and 2pm when the sun is at his strongest.
Certain Medications - Certain medications such as topical steroids, blood pressure medication and some painkillers can act as rosacea triggers. If you’re concerned about this, speak to your GP to see if it’s possible to change your medication.
Types of Rosacea
There are four main types of Rosacea:
Erythmo-telangietactic Rosacea - This is the most common type of rosacea yet most difficult to treat. It is distinguishable by severe redness and permanently dilated blood vessels. This type of rosacea is more common in women and is likely to develop in childhood years.
Papulo-pustular Rosacea - This type is differentiated by larger pores on an individual’s face. As well as larger pores an individual with this type will also have overactive sebaceous glands and may find their face is oilier compared to others with visible papules and pustules. Papulo- pustular rosacea is more common in men than women and can lead to another type of rosacea, Rhinophyma rosacea.
Rhinophyma Rosacea - This type of rosacea is when the rosacea symptoms are heavily present on the individuals nose. Without effective treatment the nose can become bulbous which is due to enlarged sebaceous glands in turn causing edema and erythema.
Ocular Rosacea - This is the only type that can affect the eyes as well as the face and chest. Ocular rosacea can be difficult to identify, usually beginning with a gritty feeling in the eyes before developing into regular redness in the eyes.
Rosacea Treatment
Rosacea Treatment
Although rosacea itself cannot be cured, the symptoms can be managed by a range of treatments. The most common rosacea treatment types are outlined below:
Metronidazole Cream/Gel – Metronidazole is used for treating inflammation caused by rosacea and other similar conditions. As it is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial it works by decreasing inflammation, with the course of treatment typically lasting six weeks to several months.
Azelaic Acid Cream/Gel – Azelaic acid is a topical antibacterial that helps block the production of proteins needed for bacteria to survive. It is commonly used for rosacea and acne patients to help cure their symptoms.
Ivermectin Cream – Ivermectin cream is a macrocyclic lactone that is used for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea. As ivermectin is an antiparasitic agent, it’s affect can vary from individuals due to the hypothesis that parasitic mites play a role in rosacea developing.
Tetracycline – The antibiotic tetracycline can be used for both rosacea and acne patients due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory properties can help diminish the inflammation present in rosacea patients however, will not be able to fully cure the red flushing. For a more effective treatment, tetracycline can be combined with other topical treatments for rosacea.
Isotretinoin – This medication can only be prescribed by a dermatologist or specially trained GP. It is mostly taken in tablet form and can help to reduce oil production and prevent abnormal hardening of the skin, which is a characteristic of most types of rosacea.
How Can We Help?
Healthxchange is a trusted supplier of pharmacy products to healthcare professionals and offer a range of treatments that can be used in the treatment of rosacea to achieve a clearer and healthier looking complexion.
Certain Obagi Medical Products can be used in combination to help combat the appearance of rosacea and to minimise the occurrence of flair ups. Obagi Gentle Cleanser, Hydrate and Sun Shield work in combination to reduce the oiliness of the skin, keep it hydrated through-out the day and protect it from the suns damaging UVA and UVB rays. Metronidazole gel or cream is also recommended to reduce and manage inflammation associated with rosacea.
To find your nearest Obagi Medical Supplier visit our clinic finder here.