Acne Rosacea
Definition
Rosacea is a chronic inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. The cause is unknown. The symptoms are due to enlargement of blood vessels just under the skin. This occurs most frequently in fair-skinned people who blush easily.
Symptoms
- Red areas on face
- Inflammation of cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin
- Red, bulbous nose
Rosacea usually begins between ages 30 and 50 years. Although it is more common in women, men are more likely to have the severe form with a bright red, bulbous nose.
Because it may cause pimple-like pustules in the reddened areas, the condition used to be called acne rosacea. However, this name is misleading, because blackheads and whiteheads of acne are not associated with rosacea.
Conventional Treatment
Rosacea is not life-threatening, but it seriously affects your appearance. Sometimes you can minimize the redness by avoiding hot or spicy foods, hot beverages, and alcohol. Consult your physician if these avoidance measures do not decrease the redness to your satisfaction.
Long-term treatment with an antibiotic (such as tetracycline) almost always is effective in controlling rosacea. After decreasing the dose of the antibiotic gradually to maintain control, you may eventually discontinue the drug without recurrence of the rosacea. Later, laser treatment can eliminate persistent blood vessels and improve your complexion.
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