Rosacea is a common disease characterized by facial flushing and a range of clinical symptoms, including erythema, telangiectasia (appearance of subcutaneous vessels), roughening of the skin, and an acne-like papulopustular inflammatory eruption.

Patients likely have a history of facial flushing, often dating back to childhood or early adolescence. In adulthood, hot flashes may be increasingly aggravated by hot drinks, heat, cold, emotions, and other causes of rapid changes in body temperature. Some patients report flushing with alcohol.

Symptoms:

Symptoms are usually intermittent, but can gradually lead to permanent reddening of the skin and is associated with the development of permanent telangiectasia. In addition, a few people report problems with the eyes and swelling of the face.

Erythema and variable telangiectasia can be seen on the cheeks and forehead. Inflammatory papules and pimples may be seen mainly on the nose, forehead and cheeks. Extrafacial involvement uncommonly occurs on the neck and upper chest. Prominence of the sebaceous glands with the development of thick and misshapen noses (rhinophyma) may be noted in severe cases. Unlike acne, patients usually do not report oily skin. Instead, they may experience dryness and flaking. Ocular lymphedema

It may be prominent but uncommon. This condition generally does not cause ulcers.

Treatment:

Before starting treatment, triggers that aggravate the patient’s rosacea should be identified and avoided if possible. These factors may be unique to each patient. Common triggers include hot or cold temperatures, wind, hot drinks, caffeine, exercise, spicy food, alcohol, topical products that irritate the skin or drugs that cause hot flushes.

Skin cleansing and aggressive lasers are prohibited. Do not use toners or topical products based on alcohol.