Learn about rosacea symptoms, common triggers, and effective treatments on Meri Sehat. Get comprehensive skincare advice.

Rosacea

Overview

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects the face. 
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The condition affects approximately 16 million people in the United States and millions more worldwide.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>

It is most commonly seen in adults aged 30-60 years and is more prevalent in women (especially <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/menopause">during menopause</a>), although men tend to experience more severe symptoms. People with fair skin, particularly those of Celtic or Scandinavian descent, are at a higher risk of developing rosacea. 
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Sign and Symptom

Rosacea can be categorized into 4 main subtypes, each presenting distinct symptoms:<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR) &ndash; Characterized by persistent redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.</li>
	<li>Papulopustular Rosacea &ndash; Usually confused with acne, involves redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts that may contain pus</li>
	<li>Phymatous Rosacea &ndash; Causes thickening of the skin and an enlarged, bumpy nose, a condition known as rhinophyma</li>
	<li>Ocular Rosacea &ndash; Affects the eyes, manifesting as watery, bloodshot eyes and swollen eyelids 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Causes

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. Several factors that may contribute include microscopic mites on the skin, an overreaction of the immune system, and <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/h-pylori">H. pylori bacteria</a>. 
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Diagnosis

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on medical history and physical examination. Dermatologists inspect the skin and discuss potential triggers with the patient to rule out other conditions such as acne, eczema, or lupus. 
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Treatment

While there is no cure for rosacea, several treatments can help manage symptoms. Generally, topical treatments, like metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin creams, can reduce inflammation and redness. However, moderate to severe cases may call for oral antibiotics, like tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline.

Some individuals may opt for laser therapy to reduce visible blood vessels and redness, while others still may prefer lifestyle modifications and avoiding known triggers. 
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Often mistaken for acne or an allergic reaction, rosacea can cause significant discomfort and impact an individual&#39;s self-esteem. Untreated rosacea can lead to several complications, including vision problems and social anxiety. 
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Several factors increase the risk of developing rosacea:

<ul>
	<li>Age, with most patients aged 30-60</li>
	<li>Gender; more prevalent in women</li>
	<li>Fair-skinned individuals</li>
	<li>Family history</li>
	<li>Environment, like sun exposure, extreme temperatures, and wind</li>
</ul>

While rosacea cannot be prevented, the following measures can help minimize flare-ups:

<ul>
	<li>Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher</li>
	<li>Avoid harsh products and use gentle cleansers</li>
	<li>Keep a diary to track and avoid factors that trigger symptoms</li>
	<li>Maintain a balanced diet and manage stress 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Rosacea is a chronic skin condition causing facial redness, swelling, and acne-like bumps.</li>
	<li>It is common in adults aged 30-50, more prevalent in women, and often seen in fair-skinned individuals.</li>
	<li>Rosacea manifests in various ways, depending on the subtype.</li>
	<li>The exact cause is unknown, but factors include genetic predisposition, immune system overreaction, Demodex mites, Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and environmental factors.</li>
	<li>Treatment includes lifestyle modifications, oral antibiotics, topical creams, and laser therapy.</li>
	<li>Complications include vision problems, rhinophyma, and psychosocial impacts.</li>
	<li>Preventive measures include using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and avoiding triggers.</li>
</ul>