Acne Rosacea Affects Millions Worldwide - Many Don't Know They Have It

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Main Category: Dermatology
Article Date: 13 May 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Acne Rosacea affects millions of people worldwide, although some of those afflicted with the skin condition are not aware that they have it. For some people, the condition looks similar to a sunburn or flushing of the cheeks. Rosacea - often knows as acne rosacea - is a long term or chronic dermatitis that involves inflammation of the cheeks, forehead, nose or eyelids. It sometimes appears as thick, red or pink patches, as visible blood vessels in a spider-like format (telangectasiae), or as skin eruptions similar to acne. However, unlike adult acne, Rosacea rarely ever develops further into infection and cysts. Often persons with Acne Rosacea can feel a strong burning sensation on the face, and sufferers may also feel chronic watery, eyes.

Acne Rosacea is non-curable skin condition, with flare ups now and then, depending on whether the unknown triggering factor is present or not. Unlike traditional acne, the disease is not outgrown in adulthood. Rosacea is commonly seen in fair-skinned individuals who are aged 30 to 50. Women are more likely to have rosacea than men but men are affected more severely.

The symptoms of rosacea like redness, facial flushing and facial burning can come and go intermittently. For example, the skin may appear free of any symptoms for weeks or months and then flare up again. This appearance and disappearance may continue for years, getting progressively worse if untreated.

The causes are still not specifically identified in each case of diagnosed rosacea. The reddening seems to start with the dilation of small blood vessels. But what causes the dilation? Sun exposure is one suspected cause; both also the bacteria Helicobacter pylori and medications seem to be valid triggers for the condition. Heredity also seems to be a factor as the occurrence is more prevalent in people who easily blush. The 'triggers" for rosacea flare ups have been observed to include the following: stress, fear, embarrassment, and strong emotions that cause blushing, changes in weather or humidity, sun exposure, alcohol and spicy food consumption. Flare ups are also noted by patients during the holidays, most likely due to consumption of more rich foods and exposure to more sun.

Although sometimes referred to as acne rosacea, this condition is not a legitimate and classified type of acne as defined by contemporary Dermatology because it does not fit the full lifecycle profile of acne, and is not believed to be created in the same way. However, rosacea and acne can co-exist. Due to this, it is often called "adult acne" because it occurs more often among light-skinned adult, at the ages 30 to 50 years. It is seldom seen in darker or black skin pigmentation.

Acne Rosacea Treatment

Since Rosacea is not yet curable, the treatments administered are often applied simply in order to help the Dermatologist and patient better understand the situation, to help the patient identify the 'triggers" and how to avoid, control and manage the symptoms.

There are many similarities between rosacea and acne, so it's just natural that some of the medicines are similar if not the same. acne treatment, like rosacea, simply depends on the severity of the symptoms. The following is a list of available treatment methods for rosacea. The actual treatment may be one or a combination or two or more of the listed treatment methods. Be sure to seek medical advice before starting any medications.

1. Topical Drugs
Topical medicines are mostly available over the counter as combination therapies, and are used to control the redness of the affected area.

2. Oral drugs
These are usually antibiotics prescribed to reduce the inflammation in the affected areas.

3. Isotretinoin
Prescribed to patients with severe rosacea. Isotretinoin is an effective therapy if properly used. This drug has many side effects, so be sure to discuss with your dermatologists the advantages and the disadvantage of taking tretinoin

4. Cleaners
There are special soaps and cleaning aids for specific cases of rosacea. Take note to be gentle in cleaning the areas affected by rosacea. Avoid excessive rubbing or scrubbing the area with rosacea.

5. Laser/ Intense Pulsed Light
Used to treat the natural redness and the blood vessels on the face. Laser treatment is a fairly new method in medicine. Make sure that your doctor has the necessary skill to perform laser therapy.

6. Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
In this type of treatment, a topical photo sensitizer is applied to the area for treatment, and then the area is subjected to blue light to activate the sensitizer. Actually, this PDT is designed for acne vulgaris but has proven to be effective for rosacea in inflammation reduction and skin texture improvement.

An out-patient procedure may take one to one and a half hours to complete. Many people experience mild discomfort during the treatment and a sunburned appearance. Patients report positive and negative results from this procedure.

7. Glycolic acid peels
Glycolic acid is an exfoliant which should be applied by a professional. Its effect is proportional to the amount applied, so a knowledgeable Dermatologist or Physician must apply this treatment. The treatment takes approximately five minutes only, once or twice every two or four weeks.

Sun exposure is an identified flare for rosacea, so adequate protection and sun block should always be provided to treated areas. Be an informed patient. Take time to acquire knowledge related to the treatment procedures for rosacea.

Written by - Jeremy Langart
www.acneskinguide.com - A health resource dedicated to providing factual information and clearing up myths about acne and acne treatment.


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