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Rosacea is a common skin condition affecting the face which may be confused with acne. With the increased use of face masks, your skin is more prone to pore clogging, irritation and inflammation. Did you ever wonder if it was acne or rosacea affecting your skin? Here is what you need to know about rosacea.
Rosacea is a chronic (long-term) skin condition that typically affects the face, including the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Although rosacea is more common in women after 30 years of age, it can affect both genders at any age. When rosacea causes red bumps on the face, it may look similar to acne vulgaris (more commonly known as acne). Although they can coexist in some people, distinguishing between the two is important as treatment of each condition can be quite different. We hope this article will help you learn more about rosacea.
The exact mechanism of rosacea is poorly understood. In the past, the symptoms of rosacea were perceived by the general public to be a consequence of heavy alcohol consumption, although definitive evidence to support this direct causal association is lacking.
Recent studies suggest a complex interplay between genetic, immunologic and environmental factors that trigger an abnormal response to microscopic organisms (Demodex mites) that are a normal inhabitant of the human skin, leading to inflammation and dilatation of blood vessels in the face.
Dietary triggers
Other triggers
Those with underlying chronic skin conditions (e.g. atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis) or on long-term topical steroids are also more prone to develop rosacea.
Symptoms of rosacea depend on its severity, and may present as::
Occasionally rosacea may affect the eyes, causing redness, burning and itching, known as ocular rosacea.
In most cases, the diagnosis of rosacea is made clinically by professionals, and no investigations are required. Doctors will examine your skin and eyes, and ask questions about your symptoms.
You may have tests to rule out other conditions (e.g. autoimmune conditions) if there are atypical features observed, or be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for further evaluation if your symptoms involve your eyes.
Skin biopsies are very rarely indicated, but can be helpful in case another condition is suspected.
Rosacea is a “relapsing-remitting” condition, meaning that you may have periods where it flares (relapsing) and times when it settles (remitting). Frustratingly, the frequency and duration of both these phases are unpredictable. However, there are some general lifestyle changes you can do and try to manage your rosacea:
Treatment for rosacea focuses on controlling symptoms. This often requires a combination of avoiding triggers, a simple skin care routine, and prescription medications depending on the nature and severity of your symptoms.
Your dermatologist will conduct a detailed assessment before laser or intense pulsed light therapies. You should be informed about the risk and complications and how these treatments work.
There is currently no cure for rosacea, but avoiding its triggering factors and treatment can help control its symptoms and minimise the chance of it relapsing.
Dietary triggers of rosacea tend to vary between different people suffering from rosacea, though the common foods include spicy food, chocolate and cheese. Alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages (e.g. tea or coffee) should also be avoided in those affected. Sometimes it could be related to hot drinks rather than directly due to caffeine.
Acne vulgaris is commonly mistaken for rosacea. Acne is a common skin disease where the sebaceous (oil) glands become clogged, and when inflammation sets in, can display inflammed bumps like rosacea. However, in contrast with rosacea, comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) are visible and flushing is not a typical symptom with acne vulgaris.
If left untreated, rosacea can progressively get worse, resulting in facial redness and increasing dilated blood vessels that become long-standing or even permanent, as well as increasing inflammatory bumps that may be painful.
If ocular rosacea (rosacea affecting the eyes) is left untreated, this can lead to worsening inflammation, corneal ulcers and scarring that can permanently damage the eyes and affect vision.
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