What types of rosacea are there?
There are Rosacea Management four types of disease. They can appear together or separately.
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
This is a condition of Rosacea, in which persistent erythema, or redness, appears on the nose, cheeks and chin. They look like sunburn or blush. The skin becomes ROSACEA: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS rough, the person is tormented by a feeling of tightness and dryness. Sometimes small vessels are visible.
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With rosacea, the blood vessels dilate and appear through the skin. Photo: sruilk/Shutterstock
Papulopustular or acne rosacea
On reddened areas of the skin, pustules appear, similar to pimples with a white head, and papules - just pink bumps. In severe forms of the disease, the papules merge and form protruding plaques ROSACEA: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS. A person with acne rosacea feels a burning and tingling sensation on the face.
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Pustules often appear on already reddened skin. They are filled with pus. Photo: Ocskay Bence / Shutterstock
Phymatous rosacea
Phymatous changes are called ROSACEA: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS of skin thickening. They are found on the nose, less often on the chin and cheeks. In this case, the skin becomes lumpy and lump-like formations appear on it. This type of disease most often occurs in men.
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With phymatous rosacea, the skin appears bumpy and inflamed. If you start the disease, the skin will not return to normal. Photo: Dermatology11 / Shutterstock
Ophthalmic rosacea
This type of rosacea can occur along with skin rosacea or appear before redness on the face. The symptoms resemble allergies. The eyes itch, the blood vessels on them become visible. The eyelids become swollen and red. Sometimes there is photophobia and the feeling that a speck has gotten into the eye. In 13% of Ocular Rosacea patients, the disease affects the cornea, and in 5% visual acuity decreases.
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With ophthalmic rosacea, the eyelids become red and swollen, and blood vessels appear in the eyes. Photo: sruilk/Shutterstock
Treatment of rosacea of the eye
After diagnosis, the doctor usually either prescribes medications (tetracycline and its derivatives), or explains the rules of hygiene and prescribes a special massage. In unadvanced cases, treatment of ophthalmic rosacea is carried out using the second method. So, daily lotions will help remove unpleasant ones, they relieve irritation, warm fatty secretions and clear the gland ducts of plugs. For the procedure, use a bandage folded several times or cotton pads soaked in water at room temperature. They must be placed on closed eyelids for 12-15 minutes, and as they dry, moisten and change again.
Massage for rosacea is carried out through circular movements of the index fingers, onto which baby shampoo or a small amount of bactericidal soap has been previously applied. After foam forms on the eyelids, the product is removed from the eyes with gauze soaked in warm water. Drug treatment for rosacea is only used if vision is threatened. To stabilize the tear film and the functionality of the glands, corticosteroid drops are most often prescribed, and less often - capsules or tablets with added vitamin A.
Where does rosacea come from?
This is unknown, but scientists have several versions of ROSACEA: WHO GETS AND CAUSES.
- Heredity. Doctors have discovered that many patients with rosacea have relatives who suffer from the same condition. Scientists do not rule out that there is a genetic predisposition to the disease.
- Immune system response. In people with acne rosacea, the mite Demodex folliculorum is more often found on the skin, which secretes the bacterium Bacillus oleronius. Scientists suggest that it stimulates the immune response. This leads to inflammation and papules and pustules appear on the skin.
- Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is often found in patients with rosacea. It synthesizes the hormone gastrin, which causes redness. Scientists have added it to the list of potential disease triggers, but cannot yet prove the connection.
- Protein cathelicidin. Normally, it protects the skin from infections. But if its level is elevated. Molecular mechanisms of rosacea pathogenesis, redness and swelling may appear.
Alcohol, spicy food, stress, bright sun, cosmetics and medications that dilate blood vessels can intensify the manifestations of rosacea.
What is rosacea?
The name itself comes from the Latin “acne rosacea”, which means “rosacea”.
Nadezhda Vladimirovna says that this disease is chronic and is characterized by the appearance of redness in the face and scalp. The disease can recur and also manifest itself by the appearance of papules (nodular formations of small diameter), pustules (vesicles with purulent contents), telangiectasia (dilation of small vessels in the form of spider veins or meshes measuring 0.5-1 mm). In advanced cases, rhinophyma may occur (enlargement of all elements of the skin of the nose, leading to facial disfigurement).
According to our expert, unfortunately, today the causes of the disease are not fully understood. According to some data, manifestations of the disease may be associated with the culprit of swelling - venous stagnation, problems with the regulation of the tone of blood vessels, damage by follicular mites of the genus Demodex, disorders of angiogenesis (the process of formation of new blood vessels), increased levels of ferritin and reactive oxygen species, as well as a disorder in the activity of antimicrobial peptides - special protein protective molecules responsible for human innate immunity.
In addition, the following factors may play a role in the development of rosacea:
- skin that is too sensitive by nature, overreacting to negative external influences, such as frost or cold wind;
- the presence in the body of a unique pathogenic microorganism Helicobacter pylori, which causes gastritis, gastric ulcers and even some types of oncology, may very likely increase the likelihood of developing rosacea;
- hormonal ointments and creams, although they are an effective remedy for the treatment of dermatological problems, if used uncontrolledly, can make the skin and blood vessels thinner and more brittle;
— skin diseases that violate the integrity of the skin are themselves a risk factor for the occurrence of rosacea;
— disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- genetic predisposition. It has been noticed that representatives of northern peoples, as well as those with light hair, skin and eyes, suffer more often from rosacea;
- rosacea is more often diagnosed in women aged 35-65 years, especially during menopause, since with the onset of menopause the blood vessels become more fragile;
— alcohol abuse and smoking have never improved anyone’s health, including bad habits that can provoke the occurrence and progression of dermatological diseases;
— as you know, all diseases are caused by nerves, so excessive nervous tension should be avoided, as it can negatively affect the condition of the skin;
— adverse effects of the environment for a long time (strong wind, regular ingress of cold water, snow, etc.);
— it happens that rosacea unexpectedly manifests itself during pregnancy. As a rule, after childbirth the problem goes away on its own.
Let us repeat, the exact causes of the disease cannot be named, since they are not known for certain. The listed factors are a kind of “trigger” for the appearance of symptoms, which we will discuss below.
How to treat rosacea
See a dermatologist. He will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms. Most likely, you will need to rule out psoriasis, lupus and eczema. If the doctor confirms rosacea, he will prescribe treatment depending on the type of disease.
The dosage of drugs and the regimen for taking them is selected only by a doctor. Do not self-medicate, as this may worsen your skin condition.
There are several ways Rosacea can get rid of the problem.
Creams and gels
For erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, dermatologists usually prescribe ointments with brimonidine and oxymetazoline. They constrict blood vessels and reduce redness. The effect of the drugs lasts 12 hours, so they need to be applied regularly.
For acne rosacea, doctors prescribe medications with ivermectin or metronidazole Rosacea. They kill germs and Demodex folliculorum mites, which can cause papules and pustules to appear on the skin. Medicines lead to long-term remission, but they must be used for at least 6 weeks.
Oral medications
Antibiotics, mainly from the tetracycline group Rosacea, are prescribed if pustules, papules and plaques appear due to rosacea. This is necessary to remove inflammation and rashes. After a course of antibacterial drugs, the disease will not go away forever. You need to apply ointments to your face.
For severe rosacea, your doctor may prescribe systemic rosacea retinoids. If phymatous changes have begun on the face, medications will relieve symptoms.
Eye drops and ointments
For patients with mild ocular rosacea and a feeling of dry eyes, ophthalmologists prescribe Ocular Rosacea artificial tears. Steroid ointments may be prescribed to reduce swelling and redness, and antibiotics may be prescribed to fight infection.
Laser therapy
Laser treatment helps narrow blood vessels Laser Treatments for Rosacea: Frequently Asked Questions and reduce redness. If the patient begins to experience phymatous changes, the doctor will remove excess tissue.
How is diagnosis carried out?
At the appointment, the doctor checks the patient's visual acuity.
An appointment with an ophthalmologist begins with an oral question about the patient’s complaints. This is followed by a visual acuity test and an examination for abnormalities of any kind or the presence of spider veins. The doctor also conducts a test for dry eye syndrome and examines the surface of the eyeball using a slit lamp. The final stage of treatment is to determine the degree of ophthalmic rosacea and develop a treatment course.
How to care for skin with rosacea
Proper skin care 6 ROSACEA SKIN CARE TIPS DERMATOLOGISTS GIVE THEIR PATIENTS at home helps to get rid of rosacea faster and prolong remission.
Wash your face twice a day very carefully
Choose a cleanser that is free of sodium lauryl sulfate and lipids. It doesn't foam but gently cleanses the skin. To avoid irritation, apply gently with your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and then pat your face dry with a cotton towel.
Use moisturizer every day
Skin with rosacea becomes dehydrated, causing it to feel tight. Moisturizing cream - dermatologists advise 6 ROSACEA SKIN CARE TIPS DERMATOLOGISTS GIVE THEIR PATIENTS to choose it rather than gel or lotion - will help retain moisture and get rid of irritation. The composition, as in other skin care products, should not contain alcohol, camphor, fragrances, urea, menthol, lactic and glycolic acid.
Protect your skin from the sun
Ultraviolet light causes symptoms of rosacea, so you need to protect your skin from the sun even on cloudy days. Dermatologists recommend 6 ROSACEA SKIN CARE TIPS DERMATOLOGISTS GIVE THEIR PATIENTS to wear a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen. An unscented product with an SPF above 30 is ideal. The composition should contain silicone (the label may say dimethicone or cyclomethicone), titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Choose your cosmetics carefully
If you have rosacea, cosmetics can cause irritation, so you need to test them before purchasing. Apply the product to your wrist. If tingling or redness appears within 72 hours, you should not use it.
