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Unlike what the name suggests, acne rosacea really is not a form of acne. It's actually a skin disorder with similar symptoms to those that resemble acne. It is because acne rosacea results in acne breakouts that are not really acne. If you take a look at acne rosacea spots, you will see that they are more dome-shaped and not pointed. There are no whiteheads, lumps, blackheads or deep cysts in acne rosacea. It usually starts off as redness or blushing of the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin because of visible and dilated blood vessels in these regions. While acne rosacea usually affects 30-60 year old men and women, it also rarely occurs in children. It is more frequent amongst women, but its attack is severest in men. It is important to treat acne rosacea as if left untreated, it may lead to a nose condition called rhinophyma with a bulbous and enlarged red nose. Sometimes there may also be thick bumps in the lower part of nose and cheeks and may at times require surgery. Sometimes acne rosacea also affects the eye where you get a burning sensation. This can lead to a complication called rosacea keratitis which can damage the cornea and impair vision if not treated. What triggers rosacea The exact cause for acne rosacea is not known; however it is triggered by smoking, hot and alcoholic beverages and spicy food. It is better to avoid exposure to sun and extreme hot and cold temperatures and not apply any cortisone medication to the face as it can widen the face blood vessels. Any facial products used like cleaners and toners shouldn’t have any alcohol or irritating ingredients while its better to avoid cosmetics and hairsprays as they aggravate the condition. When outdoors, wear a SPF sunscreen. Treatment options Though there are many treatment options like oral and topical medicines available for acne rosacea, nothing is safe. Usually oral antibiotics like tetracycline are prescribed to reduce inflammation. In case of resistant cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics like cotrimoxasole and metronidazole. In case of topical treatments, metronidazole antibiotic cream or gel is applied for reduction in inflammation and redness. It is used on its own for mild cases or combined with other treatments to treat severe and long term cases. Isotretinoin is used if antibiotics prove ineffective in treating acne rosacea. However as this has side effects, it may not suit everyone. |
