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Rosacea: Often Unheard Of, But Always Acute |
Rosacea, also known as acne rosacea is an adverse form of acne that is
often unknown to majority of people. It is characterized by red facial
rash that most often attacks those aged between 30 and 60. It has been
defined as something altogether different from acne.
Although there are papules and pustules in both the
cases, the difference between acne and rosacea may be defined by the
fact that in rosacea they are not pointed, rather dome shaped.
Moreover, there are no blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts present in
rosacea.
The characteristics of rosacea include
1. A persistent red face
2. Extra blushing or flushing
3. Red papules or pustules on nose, face, and/or cheek
4. Dry facial skin
5. Red, sore eyelids consisting of papules
6. Significant swelling of facial areas
7. Stinging skin after application of make-up
8. Aggravation when exposed to sun or due to intake of spicy food
9. Bulky nose with large pores
Rosacea is often misunderstood to be one of the various forms of acne
such as Acne Vulgaris and Pyoderma Faciale, but in reality it is
entirely different.
Management
1. Do not apply a topical steroid to rosacea ever.
2. Try to avoid the sun.
3. Use oil-free sunscreen lotions.
4. Avoid oil-based make-up and creams.
5. Always go for water based make-up.
6. Try to keep your face cool.
7. Avoid factors causing facial flushing, wherever possible.
Medication
Tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline and minocycline are often prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Sometimes, oral antibiotics such as metronidazole or cotrimoxasole are
also prescribed for resistant cases.
Some topical creams and gels like metronidazole can
be used for mild cases and when combined with antibiotics, can cure
severe cases. Creams containing azelaic acid can also be helpful. If
these do not prove to be effective, Isotretinoin is always a good and
an effective option. But the problem is that it might not suit
everybody since it has its own side-effects.
Clonidine is often prescribed in the case of rosacea to minimize flushing. Its
side-effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, low blood pressure, dry
eyes, blurred vision and low heart rate. Anti-inflammatory agents can be
used to reduce the redness of the affected skin.
Apart from all these certain laser therapies like vascular laser and surgeries can also
improve the situation.
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