Rosacea is a common condition that typically causes abnormal flushing. It is most common in women who are over 30 years old and have northern European ancestry and fair complexions. While it is less common in men, they tend to develop more severe symptoms than do women. The comedian W.C. Fields owed his bulbous nose to rosacea. President Bill Clinton and the late Princess Diana have also lived with rosacea. There are different types, one such type being acne rosacea.
Rosacea most commonly affects the face. It can, however, develop on the back, chest, and ears. There are four subtypes of rosacea:
• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is the most common subtype. It is characterized by persistent redness. Over time, visible blood vessels appear within the affected area.
• In papulopustular rosacea, the patient suffers breakouts similar to those of acne. Their skin also becomes swollen and red. This form of acne rosacea can occur along with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea or after it.
• Phymatous rosacea makes the skin bumpy and abnormally thick. When it affects the nose, it causes a condition called rhinophyma, in which the nose is bulbous and red.
• Ocular rosacea affects the eyes. It makes them watery and/or bloodshot, and it also causes irritation and burning or stinging sensations.
How is Acne Rosacea Treated?
So far, there is no cure for acne rosacea. There are, however, various treatments that can control the symptoms and keep them from getting worse. Our dermatologist may recommend a treatment depending on the subtype(s) involved and their severity.
Our team may start by recommending oral and/or topical medications to get the symptoms under control. However, it all depends on the unique situation. Antibiotics may reduce inflammation in more severe cases.
Patients with acne rosacea can make certain lifestyle changes in an attempt to control their condition. For example, exposure to sunlight can often make the rosacea worse. The patient should, therefore, either avoid the sun or wear sunscreen when outside.
Certain stimuli can trigger flare-ups in rosacea patients. These stimuli can differ from patient to patient, so a newly diagnosed patient may want to keep a diary in which they track their flare-ups and likely causes.
Contact Us Today
The bottom line is, treatment for acne rosacea is not one-size-fits-all. The treatment will be customized based on multiple factors. If you think you may have acne rosacea, get in touch with us at Dermatology Consultants of South Florida, with offices in Sunrise and Coral Springs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about your treatment options.