Rosacea

Fair-skinned people get the disease more often than southern skin types. This is why it is popularly known as the “curse of the Celts”. Many sufferers are unaware of their condition and are ashamed of the redness. Rosacea can be very distressing, but is easily treatable. Those affected can also look out for triggering factors themselves and visibly improve the appearance of their skin with the right care.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea, also known as acne rosacea, facial rosacea, copper rosacea, or copper finne, is a chronic inflammation of the facial skin. The name “rosacea” is derived from the Latin word *rosaceus* (= rose-colored), because the facial redness resembles a rose in bloom. The cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose are the most commonly affected areas. Typical symptoms include red spots, papules, and visible broken capillaries on the face. Rosacea is not contagious and usually occurs in flare-ups. As the condition progresses, the skin disease can also spread to the neck, back, chest, and scalp. In men, progressive skin changes can lead to the development of rhinophyma (a bulbous nose). Unlike acne, rosacea does not cause blackheads.

Rosacea can also occur in various specific forms:

• Conglobate rosacea
• Rosacea fulminans
• Granulomatous (lupoid) rosacea
• Drug-induced rosacea (steroid-induced rosacea, among others)
• Gram-negative rosacea
• Morbihan Disease
• Rosacea in Children
• Extrafacial rosacea (red scalp syndrome, red scrotum syndrome)

Rosacea: causes and risk factors

The causes of rosacea are not yet fully understood. Experts believe that various factors play a role in its development. These include:

• impaired protective function of the skin
• Inflammatory and Immune Responses
• genetic predisposition
• Changes in the Blood Vessels in the Skin
• Hypersensitivity to certain mites or bacteria

The constant inflammation leads to an uneven skin tone and makes the skin flaky and dry. They also accelerate the skin’s aging process. The disease occurs in episodes. Possible triggers for a new flare-up include sunlight, extreme heat and cold, alcohol, spicy foods, hot beverages, skin-irritating personal care products, and stress. In general, however, anything that causes facial redness can also worsen rosacea.

Symptoms of rosacea: What does rosacea look like?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the cheeks, chin, nose, forehead, and often the eyes as well. The scalp, neck, or chest are less commonly affected. With rosacea, the skin tends to become dry, swollen, and flaky. A burning sensation, itching, and increased sensitivity may also occur.

Experts classify the disease into four subtypes:

• Type 1: Reddened facial skin and partially visible capillaries.
• Type 2: In addition to skin redness, nodules (papules) and pustules form.
• Type 3: Thickened skin; inflammatory nodules sometimes form, mainly on the nose.
• Type 4: The disease causes inflammation of the eyes and eyelids, sometimes without any other noticeable skin symptoms.

Since rosacea manifests in many different ways and mixed forms are common, the classification into four types is intended only as a general guide. Treatment always depends on the individual symptoms and skin changes.

Rosacea: diagnosis and examinations

Rosacea is diagnosed following a clinical examination of the skin by a dermatologist. Typical symptoms such as redness, visible veins, papules or swellings are assessed. Special tests and examinations are not usually necessary, as a specialist can recognize the disease by its external appearance. In unclear cases, the doctor will suggest a skin biopsy or a differential diagnosis to differentiate it from other skin diseases.

Rosacea: prevention, early detection, prognosis

Rosacea cannot be completely prevented, but there are steps you can take to help alleviate the symptoms or prevent flare-ups. This is because rosacea is exacerbated by certain triggers. To prevent a new flare-up, it is therefore important for those affected to be mindful of the triggers they already know. A rosacea diary can help you identify your triggers.

Here’s what you can do to relieve or prevent rosacea flare-ups:

Avoid Triggers for Facial Flushing

Many people with rosacea react to certain triggers that can worsen their symptoms. Common triggers include:

• extreme heat and cold
• Alcohol
• spicy foods
• hot drinks
• skin-irritating skincare products
• Stress

Skin Care for Rosacea

Gentle skin care is important for preventing new flare-ups of rosacea. This includes avoiding products that irritate the skin, using adequate sun protection (SPF 50), and using soap-free cleansing products with a low, slightly acidic pH (< 7). Very important: Your skincare products should not contain alcohol, fragrances, dyes, or other skin-irritating ingredients such as parabens. Ask your pharmacist about suitable products. In addition, the sun is harmful to facial skin if you have rosacea. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight, especially during the warmer months. Tanning beds are also strictly off-limits for people with rosacea.

Skin Care for Rosacea

If you have rosacea, there are a few important things to keep in mind when cleansing your skin:

• Clean your face using only lukewarm water. Water that is too hot or too cold, as well as extreme temperature changes, can cause sudden skin redness (flushing).
• Avoid water with a high hardness level.
• Avoid using mechanical facial scrubs. These can cause additional skin irritation.
• After washing your face, gently pat your skin dry with a towel; do not rub your face with the towel.

Reduce Stress If You Have Rosacea

Psychological stress is one of the main triggers for rosacea flare-ups. Typical signs of stress include irritability, nervous restlessness, excessive sweating, sleep problems, fatigue, and dizziness. There are many ways to relieve stress. Good relaxation techniques include autogenic training, qigong, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga. Even short breaks in your daily routine can be good for you. Gentle exercise in the fresh air strengthens the immune system.

It also helps many people affected by the disease to learn more about it and talk to others. It’s best to avoid strenuous sports and sauna sessions. They can make rosacea worse.

Diet for Rosacea

While there is no diet specifically recommended for rosacea, Nevertheless, those affected can take action. Dermatologists recommend avoiding certain foods that increase blood flow and thus cause the blood vessels in the face to dilate. Foods that strengthen the immune system and help reduce inflammation are recommended.

Stay on track with your rosacea treatment

When treating rosacea, the key is to persevere and not give up. Rosacea is a condition that you can effectively manage with medication, the right skincare products, and lifestyle changes. However, the treatment doesn’t work overnight. Visible results usually don’t become apparent until after a few weeks.

Rosacea: Early Detection Is Not Possible

There is no specific “early diagnosis” of rosacea in the traditional sense, as the symptoms often develop gradually and can easily be confused with other skin conditions. However, there are some signs to look out for that can help with early detection:

• Facial redness: An early sign of rosacea is recurring redness, especially on the cheeks, forehead, and nose. This redness can be exacerbated by temperature changes, stress, or certain foods.
• Visible blood vessels: Small, dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias) may become visible on the skin’s surface, especially on the nose and cheeks.
• Skin rash and acne-like inflammation: In the early stages of rosacea, pimples or small pustules may appear that look like acne but do not contain blackheads.
• Burning or tingling: Those affected often report an unpleasant burning or tingling sensation on the skin, especially when it is red.
• Changes in skin structure: As the disease progresses, the skin may thicken, particularly around the nose (rhinophyma). In the early stages, however, this is rare.

If you experience recurring redness or skin irritation that persists over a long period of time, it is advisable to see a dermatologist. He or she can make the diagnosis and, if necessary, recommend treatment to prevent the disease from progressing.

Rosacea: A favorable prognosis in many cases

The prognosis for rosacea depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment. Factors such as lifestyle, stress, diet, and how one deals with triggers can significantly influence the course of the condition. With proper treatment and adherence to measures that reduce flare-ups, the prognosis is favorable in most cases.

Important: Rosacea tends to worsen over time if left untreated. In advanced stages, permanent skin changes may occur, such as thickening of the skin (especially on the nose) or visible blood vessels (telangiectasias). However, these changes can usually be prevented if you start treatment early.

Rosacea treatment: What helps with rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic disease. It is therefore important to see a dermatologist regularly to monitor the symptoms and develop an individual treatment strategy. In this way you can prevent a possible progression of the disease. More severe skin changes can be treated well with medication. As a rule, products that are applied to the skin are sufficient. Depending on the stage of the disease, various active substances are available. In severe forms, the doctor will also prescribe antibiotics (tetracyclines). Laser or light therapy can be used to remove the annoying red veins. If your self-image suffers from facial redness, it can be helpful to talk to those affected and inform relatives about the condition.