What is Rosacea?

What is rosacea, and what treatments are available?

Rosacea is a skin disease that usually affects the face. It may also appear on the ears, chest, neck or back. The symptoms of rosacea vary from person to person, but they often include:

• redness
• papules (bumps)
• pustules (pimples or pus-containing bumps)
• telangiectasia (blood vessels showing through the skin)

Rosacea also causes eye problems in about 50 percent of people who have it. Eye problems may include redness, dryness, burning, blurred vision and inflamed eyelids. Some rosacea patients also develop rhinophyma (red, knobby bumps on or around the nose).

No one knows what causes rosacea, but doctors think genetics may be a contributing factor. Women get rosacea more often than men, and fair-skinned people seem especially prone to it.

There is currently no cure for rosacea, but treatments are available that can minimize the appearance of the skin redness, irritation and sensitivity that are associated with rosacea. Rosacea is often mistaken for acne because the two conditions have similar symptoms. If you suspect you have rosacea, you should contact your doctor. You may be referred to a dermatologist who can help you find a treatment that is right for you, such as antibiotics (either topical or oral), electrosurgery, or laser surgery.

Doctors also recommend a gentle home-care routine for skin affected by rosacea. It’s very important for rosacea patients to avoid applying any irritating skincare products. Over-the-counter preparations that contain acids or alcohol usually don’t help with rosacea, and may make irritation worse.

Here are some tips for keeping the appearance of rosacea under control:

1. Wash twice daily with a gentle cleanser, such as Dr. Goldfaden's Cosmesis Pearlescent Cleanser, then pat dry.
2. Apply any topical medication, wait for it to dry, then follow with a mild moisturizer such as Dr. Goldfaden's Cosmesis Red Tea Rejuvenating Serum.
3. Wear a non-greasy sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) every day.
4. Only use makeup that’s labeled noncomedogenic or non-pore-clogging. Green-tinted foundation may help to balance out skin redness.
5. Avoid exposing your skin to extreme temperatures (hot or cold).

• Read more skincare articles from Cosmesis