Roseaceous Skin

Symptoms

Eye Irritation. In many people with Rosacea, the eyes may be irritated and appear watery or bloodshot – a condition known as ocular Rosacea.

Burning or stinging sensations may often occur on the face Itching, or a feeling of tightness, may also develop.

Dry appearance. The skin on the centre of the face may be rough, making it look very dry.

Plaques. Raised red patches, known as plaques, may develop without changes to the surrounding skin.

Skin thickening. The skin may thicken and enlarge from the production of excess tissue, most commonly on the nose. This condition, known as rhinophyma, affects more men than woman.

Facial swelling, known as oedema, may accompany other signs of rosacea, or occur independently.

Rosacea cannot be cured – It can be managed

• Sun exposure can exacerbate rosacea
• More common in women
• More common in Irish, Celtic or Western Europeans

The following factors can trigger rosacea:

• Stress
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Extreme hot or cold
• Hard exercise

Stages of Rosacea

Evolution from one stage to another may or may not occur. Regardless each individual characteristic, rosacea may progress from mild to moderate to severe. Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore recommended to minimise chance of progression.

Pre-Rosacea

• Flushes and blushers
• Reactive to:
  • UV light
  • Heat
  • Cold
  • Emotions
  • Alcohol
  • Hot drinks

Rosaceous skin – type 1 (persistent redness)

• Red for days at a time
• Telangiectases
• Increased sensitivity
• Skin vulnerable to stimulation

Rosaceous skin – type 2 (persistent redness and lesions)

• Redness all the time
• Inflammation and oedema
• Pustules, papules and cysts
• Large, visible pores
• Oily skin development

Rosaceous skin – type 3 (deep redness)

Occurs in a small number of people only – usually men

• Deep redness all the time
• Large, inflamed nodules and cysts
• Thickening of skin on the nose, chin, forehead, cheeks and ears
• Orange peel texture to the skin
• Enlarged follicles

Rosacea skin

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, although several theories exist, none has been proven:

• It may be a generalised disorder of the blood vessels, with prolonged blushing leading to telangiectases
• It may be a vascular disorder which may irritate the sebaceous unit leading to papules and pustules (although not related to acne)
• It may be caused by changes in normal skin bacteria, or an infection of the stomach caused Helicobacter Pylori
• It may be caused by a fungus causing a malfunction of the connective tissue
• It may be irritated by the microscopic Dermodex skin mite

Treatment

Emax (Intense Pulse Light) can be used to help minimise the effects of rosacea. Frequency of treatment and cost will be explained at the initial consultation.

The Omnilux Medical/Revive can improve the appearance of rosacea without harmful side effects and with no down time. Red light therapy (LED) with Omnilux Medical/Revive creates an increase in fresh blood supply to the surface, stimulating circulation and bringing new oxygenated blood to the cells. This helps remove toxins, which in turn helps to rejuvenate the skin hydrating at the same time. Topical creams can also be used to help alleviate the symptoms.