Rosacea Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Rosacea is a skin disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the skin. This condition causes mottled skin with a reddish base. Rosacea most often occurs on the facial skin. This disease is more common in white people.
Rosacea is often considered part of acne (acne vulgaris). This is not correct. Rosacea has absolutely nothing to do with acne.
There are four main types of rosacea according to the American Academy of Dermatology, namely:
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, which is characterized by redness of the skin and dilation of small blood vessels that are clearly visible on the skin.
- Papulopustular rosacea, characterized by inflamed skin accompanied by pimple-like spots.
- Phymatous rosacea, characterized by thickening of the skin that is experiencing inflammation.
- Ocular rosacea, characterized by inflammation of the eyes and eyelids that resemble style.
Rosacea Symptoms
Rosacea has typical symptoms in the form of easily red (flushing) skin. Most often occurs on the skin of the face. Sometimes flushing is accompanied by a burning sensation on the skin. These complaints usually appear when there are certain triggers, for example exposure to the sun or after a sauna. Redness that occurs on the skin can disappear after the trigger is gone, or it can also persist.
In addition to redness on the skin, small blood vessels in the skin are also dilated in rosacea. These blood vessel dilations look like red, meandering lines on inflamed skin.
White spots and pus-filled spots can also appear as a result of rosacea. This is what often causes rosacea is considered acne (acne). To tell the difference, rosacea is not accompanied by blackheads at all.
Rosacea Reason
Until now the exact cause of rosacea is not known. White people and people who have a family history of rosacea are more prone to experiencing it.
In people who are prone to rosacea, the following conditions can trigger rosacea:
- Frequent consumption of caffeine and milk
- Habit of eating spicy food
- Being in extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold)
- Stress and emotional states
- Sauna
- Hypertension
Diagnosis
To ensure the presence of rosacea, doctors generally just do a skin examination. Usually, no additional checks are required.
Rosacea Treatment
There are various types of rosacea treatment, depending on the severity and type of rosacea experienced. Treatment with topical drugs (drugs that are smeared) is usually given 1-2 times a day.
Topical medications used can be antibiotics, retinoic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or azalea acid. In severe cases, treatment with antibiotic tablets and isotretinoin is sometimes necessary. These drugs must be consumed under the doctor’s instructions.
If rosacea is accompanied by visible dilation of small blood vessels in the skin, laser treatment using intense pulsed light is necessary.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of developing rosacea, the following skin care needs to be done:
- Use sunscreen if you have to be in an open area in the morning and afternoon
- Avoid skin products that contain alcohol or other irritating ingredients
- Use a moisturizer suitable for the skin
- As much as possible avoid being in extreme temperatures