Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that generally develops on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Although women and people with fair skin are more likely to get rosacea, men who do get it often have a more severe form. At the moment, no one knows what causes this skin condition.




Symptoms of rosacea

 

Rosacea starts with temporary redness on the skin, especially on the cheeks. The problem generally worsens and may be accompanied by skin eruptions, dilated pores, pimples (that do not always respond to classical anti-acne treatment), broken capillaries and greater skin sensitivity. In most cases, the redness becomes permanent, potentially leading to significant psychological and social consequences for the person affected.

At the advanced stage, skin thickens and swells further. In more severe cases, a condition known as rhinophyma may develop. More common among men, rhinophyma is characterized by an enlarged red nose and red, swollen cheeks.

At all stages of the condition, other parts of the body, like the neck and chest, may also be affected. In addition, some people may experience burning and stinging.

Causes of rosacea

 

Researchers still do not know the exactcauses of rosacea. Many believe in genetic and environmental factors, in vascular and inflammatory problems and even in the presence of a bacterium.

Preventing rosacea

While the causes of the condition remain unknown, people with rosacea should pay special attention to the following factors. (These are known to trigger flare-ups or aggravate the condition):

If you have rosacea, choose your skin care products wisely. Use only hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic products. When selecting cleansers, moisturizers and sun protection (with an SPF of at least 30), look for products that are free of irritants, fragrance and perfume.

Treating rosacea

 

There is no cure for rosacea, but there are many treatments that can control its symptoms. Starting treatment at the earliest stage of the condition generally leads to better results. If you think you have rosacea, avoid over-the-counter acne medications. These can aggravate your symptoms. For an accurate diagnosis, see a dermatologist.

Taking oral or topical antibiotics on a daily basis is one treatment option that can be effective for many rosacea sufferers, so long as they avoid other irritating factors, like the sun.

To reduce the impact of the more serious symptoms (bumps, visible blood vessels), surgery, laser treatment or dermabrasion are other possible treatment options.
 
Pharmacy services Do you have questions about rosacea and its treatment? Talk to your pharmacist. He can help!