What is Acne Rosacea?
Acne Rosacea is an understandable misnomer for acne-like lesions in the face. Rosacea, frequently mistaken for common Acne, is also termed as Acne Rosacea. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that shows as small reddish papules or pus-filled bumps.
- How is Rosacea Different from Acne?
Acne is a disorder caused by facial microorganisms and sebaceous glands. Although Rosacea does coexist with Acne, the microbes or the secretory glands do not play a significant role in causing this form of acne. It is a progressive vascular disorder that affects facial skin. The blackheads or whiteheads of acne are absent in Rosacea.
- What are the Symptoms of Acne Rosacea?
A mild symptom of it is flushing or redness of the face, mainly in the cheeks, chin, forehead and nose. This resembles a blush or a sun burn. A moderate symptom involves dilated blood vessels or telangiectasia – the thin red lines that form in facial skin due to enlarged blood vessels. When these signs are not noticed and treated, the sensitive skin develops acne like pustules and papules, popularly called Acne Rosacea.
Typically, individuals with this acne have oily skin in the nose and forehead, and dry skin in the cheeks and chin area. Patients with it report burning, stinging and itching sensations in the facial skin.
- What are the Trigger Factors of Acne Rosacea?
It is triggered by external factors like heat exposure, emotional factors like stress and anxiety, consuming medications, alcohol and spicy food, and by performing exerting exercises. These suspected factors cause the classic flare-ups through blood vessel enlargement, typical to Acne Rosacea.
- What are the Causes of Rosacea?
Research shows that approximately 1 in every 20 Americans suffers rosacea at some point in their lifetime …
Since the condition is normally misdiagnosed, its frequency might just be higher in this part of the world. Some studies have shown that more than 78% of Americans know nothing about rosacea let alone causes of it and therefore cannot figure out what to do upon the onset of the condition.
This skin complication normally affects fair skinned people in the northern parts of Europe. Studies have however shown that incidences in the middle-east, China and south Asia have been on the rise in the past couple of years.
Regions that have undergone extensive socio-economic developments in the recent times are the most affected by this disease. This is one aspect that has triggered lots of speculations that lifestyle might be a factor in the causes of rosacea and not just skin color.
Rosacea is a chronic and inflammatory skin complication that is known to principally affect the face. It normally results in facial redness, and produces small, reddish, pus-filled bumps. If left untreated, the condition can worsen with time. Most people, because of lack of knowledge on the condition mistake rosacea for eczema or acne or some other allergic reactions that are linked to the skin.
- What are the Signs of Rosacea?
There are many symptoms that are associated with this condition. However, these signs can vary from one person to another. Some of the most common symptoms in this case are:
- Flushing
- Facial skin hyper-activity
- Redness and inflammation of the skin
- Papules, sports and pastules
- Inflamed blood vessels
- Ocular rosacea
- Facial swellings
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acne Rosacea?
Medical experts have not realized the real causes of rosacea but there are some notable risk factors that can help you to figure out whether you are suffering from this condition. Here are some of these risk factors:
- Abnormality in facial blood vessels are a major reason as to why many people in the European nations are suffering from rosacea. These abnormalities are what leads to persistent skin redness, flushing and visible blood vessels. The major cause of the inflammation in blood vessels is still a mystery for many people today.
- Light skin color might also put one at risk of getting rosacea so this is one of the causes of it that we need to consider in this case. Research has shown that a large number of people who have got fair skin are more at risk of getting such an infection.
- Microscopic mite is another element among the major causes of rosacea. This is an organism that lives in the skin and normally causes no problems. People suffering from rosacea have however been realized to have a larger percentage of this. Experts have however not found out the major link that exists between rosacea and the mite.
- H. pylori bacteria is also part of the major causes of rosacea. This bacterium is normally found in the gut. It stimulates production of bradykinin which is basically a protein that makes blood vessels to dilate. A good number of experts in the medical field believe that development of this bacterium can lead to the occurrence of this type of acne.
- Family history and elements such as genes and inheritance can also add up to the causes of rosacea. Between 30 to 40% of the people who are suffering from it today have got some close relatives who have suffered the same condition. However, the major problem is that scientists have not gotten to understand the link between genes and how they are passed on from one person to another. This is still a subject for research and analysis.
Apart from these main risk factors, there are some triggers that double up as causes of rosacea and can aggravate the situation and make it even worse. These are things like hot drinks and foods, caffeine, spicy foods, sunlight, humidity, dairy products, vigorous exercises, hot baths and many others. Alcohol use is not one of the causes of rosacea but can trigger the condition and can make it even worse.
These are just but some of the few aspects that we wanted to shed light on. The risk factors are known but experts in the medical sector have not gotten to realize what really causes this condition.
How to Get Rid of Acne Rosacea?
Acne Rosacea Before and After Treatment
Fair skinned people are prone to develop Acne Rosacea. It can strike at any age and needs to be addressed immediately. The possible treatment options for Acne Rosacea include natural treatment, holistic treatment, medical treatment, and surgery.
- Natural Remedy
A cream containing an extract of the herb, Chrysanthellum indicum, is a natural remedy that effectively reduces skin redness. Other natural ingredients are topical applications with aloe, chamomile, jojoba oil, licorice and rose hips.
Oral consumption of apple cider vinegar helps as it activates the digestive enzymes and normalizes the function of native intestinal bacteria. Providing B vitamins and pancreatic enzyme supplements have significantly improved Acne Rosacea symptoms.
- Holistic Remedy
The holistic treatment for Acne Rosacea involves clearing up the skin and improving the body’s immune system. The remedy includes a good diet pattern and a basic skin care regime.
- Diet and Lifestyle
Good dietary habits do result in flawless skin. It is essential to eat right to control the signs and symptoms of Acne Rosacea. Steer clear of tobacco, and avoid consuming alcohol, hot beverages and spicy food. The key is to limit the acid forming foods like cheese and meat, and include alkaline rich food in the diet to neutralize the stomach acids. Drinking plenty of water is also helpful.
- Skin Care
Rubbing the face or using soaps and cosmetics with alcohol content triggers Acne Rosacea. Check the cleansers and moisturizers for the absence of alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide and other abrasive chemicals. These not-so-favored ingredients could possibly aggravate the problem when applied on a sensitive skin.
Also, use a zinc-based sunscreen with higher sun protection factor like SPF-30 to protect the skin from the harmful UV A and UV B sunrays. Glycolic acid peels, alcoholic toners or chemical astringents are strictly not to be used on the sensitive skin, as the products carry the risk of causing severe burning and stinging sensation, and can possibly aggravate the condition.
Medical Remedies for Acne Rosacea
- Topical Medications
Although acne medications work in the treatment of Acne Rosacea, random use of over the counter medication is not advised. Consult your physician to receive a proper prescription, as wrong medication irritates the sensitive skin and worsens the problem. Metronidazole, which effectively controls the flare-ups, is used to control the redness and bumps. Prescribed topical antibiotic creams include Erythromycin and Clindamycin. Also, Sodium Sulfacetamide helps to reduce inflammation.
- Oral Medicines
Be advised about the contradictions and side effects of consuming antibiotics before following a prescription. Antibiotics are prescribed as it alleviates the Rosacea symptoms. Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline and Amoxicillin are few antibiotics that work in reducing the inflammation and pimples.
- Other Medications
Steroids are occasionally prescribed as topical applicant to control local inflammation. The mild steroids are usually used for a short- term on the irritated areas. In Acne Rosacea cases associated with skin mite, Demodex follicularum, Permethrin is prescribed. The Vitamin A derivative, Isotretinoin, mainly prescribed to treat Acne caused by Acne Vulgaris, is sometimes prescribed for resistant Rosacea.
- Photo Dynamic Therapy
In photodynamic therapy (PDT), a photosensitizer liquid called Levulan or aminolevulonic acid is topically applied on the affected area and sensitized with exposure to a blue light. PDT, used commonly in the treatment of acne, does work in certain cases. It not only reduces the inflammation and pimples, but also improves the skin texture. This procedure, performed at the physician’s office, can cause some discomfort, and demands strict sun avoidance for one to 3 days after treatment.
- Laser Surgery
Laser surgery treats the visible redness and noticeable blood vessels in the face, neck and chest. It is seen as a safe alternative to other treatment options as it improves the skin tone and complexion. Laser surgery targets the damaged facial micro vessels.
The procedure causes some discomfort that is alleviated with ice packs and topical anesthetic creams. The surgery, performed as multiple treatments with 3 to 6 weeks interval, requires strict sun avoidance throughout the treatment period.
Be aware that this treatment options do not promise a cure, but do provide great relief by controlling the signs and symptoms of Rosacea. The symptoms vary in their intensity levels in every individual. Therefore, describe the signs and symptoms in great length to a qualified physician to benefit from proper treatment.
Finally, be it natural, holistic, medical or surgical treatments, or a combination of these, do not lose heart in your battle against this type of acne. The right remedies have brought remissions or disease-free state in chronic Acne Rosacea sufferers.
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