Written by: Ansley Phan
Eating a bowl of spicy ramen on a winter day, walking along the beach on a sunny day, and presenting a project for Literature class, these seemingly normal activities can be problematic for many with rosacea. These events can induce a red, hot flush, and erupt a breakout all over the cheek. The variation in rosacea symptoms and triggers creates lots of confusion surrounding the condition, and today, we are diving into what rosacea is, what may cause it, and current treatment options.
Rosacea is a chronic, incurable skin condition categorized by flare-ups and remissions that are believed to be genetic. The condition primarily affects the central face. Visually, rosacea can appear as dilated blood vessels, persistent flushing, bloodshot eyes, small and pus-filled bumps, and/or a deformed nose, among other things. Diagnostic symptoms include persistent redness and thickness of the skin. Secondary symptoms can include burning, stinging, swelling, and/or dryness. Many people with rosacea experience an overlap in symptoms, The primary demographics of those with rosacea are women (men experience rosacea too but often more severe) above 30 from northern and eastern Europe. However, rosacea can affect everyone from all over the world.
As mentioned prior, rosacea is categorized by ebbs and flows. This can be attributed to common "triggers," or circumstances that can worsen rosacea. Rosacea triggers are different for everyone, however, the most common triggers include spicy foods, extreme temperatures, heat, sun exposure, stress, specific foods (often dairy and gluten), and exercise.
There is no cure for rosacea, as with many other conditions. That being said, treatment often consists of management with a variety of products, procedures, and medications. A visit to a dermatologist is the number one way to help identify and manage rosacea, but a gentle and consistent skincare routine with topical products helps. A standard rosacea skincare routine consists of a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, but active ingredients like azelaic acid (over 10% concentration is not sold OTC in the United States), Centella Asiatica, niacinamide, sulfur, green tea, and more help. Procedures for rosacea range from lasers to electrosurgery to dermabrasion. Common lasers are CO2 lasers, erbium lasers, and pulsed dye lasers. Medications are different depending on symptoms, ranging from topical steroids to acne medications. Treatment plans for rosacea are personalized by dermatologists to ensure proper management of the condition.
Rosacea is a mentally-taxing condition that never goes away entirely but can be managed with the help of a doctor. This month, April, is National Rosacea Awareness Month. Take the time to learn more about rosacea, its effects, and how it is identified. We hope this article explained the basics of the complex condition that is rosacea.
Sources:
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The American Academy of Dermatology. “Lasers and lights: How well do they treat rosacea?” American Academy of Dermatology, N/A, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/treatment/lasers-lights. Accessed 18 April 2022.
Mayo Clinic. “Rosacea - Symptoms and causes.” Mayo Clinic, 22 September 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rosacea/symptoms-causes/syc-20353815. Accessed 18 April 2022.
Rosacea Organization. “FDA Approved Treatments for Rosacea | Rosacea.org.” National Rosacea Society, N/A, https://www.rosacea.org/patients/management-options/fda-approved-rosacea-treatments. Accessed 18 April 2022.
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