Rosacea is a very common skin disorder that affects many people in the world.
Symptoms: red spots, varicose veins, small red “pimples” without pus, “red cysts”. Symptoms may disappear in days, weeks or even months and return.
Many people are unaware that they have rosacea and justify their redness as a normal reaction when they are ashamed or embarrassed.
Rosacea is considered a chronic disease and has no definitive cure. It mainly affects the center of the face, ie the forehead, nose, chin and the area around the mouth. It mainly appears on light-colored people.
It affects both sexes, at all ages, although it occurs more often in women, but in a more serious form in men. It rarely occurs in children and dark-skinned people.
Rosacea is often confused with normal acne. They may coexist but the former mainly affects older people. The main difference with normal acne is that it does not show blackheads or pimples with white pus and the skin is much redder.
Predisposing factors are sun exposure, problematic hair follicles, gastrointestinal disorders, drugs that dilate blood vessels, alcohol consumption, stress and anxiety, spicy foods, smoking, hot drinks. Cortisone should be avoided as although it may soothe the skin at first,it will irritate the blood vessels afterwards.
Treatment: Rosacea is not cured, but it is controlled with regular treatments. Some forms of it are largely treated with laser, or with specialized drugs for the disease. Many patients see a big difference with these treatments. Medications similar to those of standard acne, such as antibiotics, may also be used. This should always be done with a dermatologist’s prescription, as rosacea is more sensitive.
Daily care: The skin should be cleansed twice a day but not more as it can cause irritation. Sunscreen should be used daily throughout the year. The products used must be non-alcoholic.
