What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a disease affecting primarily the skin of the face. Rosacea develops slowly over time and will often gradually worsen, but it can be treated. Skin affected by Rosacea has one or more of the following features: - Redness that looks like a blush
- Pimples
- Knobby lumps on the nose
- Enlarged blood vessels
 How does Rosacea develop?
In most people, the first sign of rosacea is a persistent redness of the face, particularly on the cheeks and nose. This redness is caused by enlarged blood vessels under the skin of the face and looks like a blush or sunburn. The redness gradually becomes permanent and more notice-able. Facial skin may become very dry. As the redness progresses, pimples may appear on the face which may resemble those of teenage acne. Because of this similarity, rosacea has been called “adult ACNE” or “ACNE Rosacea". In rosacea, however, the pimples are not usually associated with blackheads and whiteheads as seen in teenage acne. Small blood vessels in the skin of the face may become enlarged so that they are visible. These enlarged blood vessels look like thin red lines and doctors call them telangiectasia. In some people, especially men, knobby bumps may develop on the nose. As the number of bumps increases, the nose may appear swollen. This condition is called rhinophyma. The eyes may become involved as rosacea progresses. Without treatment, the course of rosacea can be progressive with alter-nating periods of improvement and worsening of the condition. Because of this gradual development, the characteristic appearance of rosacea may not be recognized in the early stages. Many people think that rosacea is a sunburn, a complexion change or acne, and do not seek treat-rnent. This delay in seeking treatment is unfortunate because early treatment of rosacea will prevent worsening of the condition.
Why do people get Rosacea?
Rosacea generally develops in adults and may affect anyone from 20 to 70 years old. Rosacea seems to affect fair skinned people more often than it affects people with dark skin, though it can affect all skin types. Most rosacea sufferers have a history of blushing more easily and more fre-quently than the average person. Women are somewhat more likely to get rosacea than men, however, men are more likely to develop rhinophyma of the nose. One famous rosacea sufferer, W.C. Fields, has unfortunately been the source of an association of rosacea symptoms with excessive alcohol consumption because of his facial appearance and well publicised fond-ness of alcohol. Even people who never drink alcohol can develop rosacea. How does rosacea progress?
Rosacea is a long term disorder and generally tends to worsen over time. In most people, the condi-tion is cyclic; the disease may be active for a time, go away, then be followed by another period of activity. Such increases in activity are called flare--ups. What causes rosacea?
The cause of rosacea is unknown. Various theories have suggested that rosacea is caused by bacteria, mites, funguses, a malfunction of connective tissue under the skin or psychological factors. None of these theories have ever been proven. It seems likely that there is no single cause of rosacea and that it develops in indi-viduals who are susceptible due to a variety of factors such as genetics, skin color and skin structure. Can rosacea be cured?
Unfortunately No Can I control my rosacea?
Most certainly yes. Medications can be used to control redness and to reduce the number of pimples. Medications include topical forms applied to the skin or oral forms taken by mouth. In most cases, medications may take several weeks to show an effect. Medications may have to be taken regularly to keep the rosacea under control. Lasers can be used for correcting the nose enlargement in people with rhinophyma. Lasers may also be used to eliminate enlarged blood vessels. Another aspect of treat-ment is avoiding any situations or products which aggravate the rosacea. Mild moisturisers, soaps, sunscreens and other products are usually indicated. Certain things are known to aggra-vate rosacea such as consumption of hot liquids, spicy foods or alcohol. Exposure to extremes of heat and cold will also aggravate as will exposure to sunlight and stress. What treatments are available for Rosacea?
Do not become discouraged
The most important principle, in the treatment of rosacea, in not to become discouraged, despondent and give up. Keep in contact with your treating doctor, ask questions and follow through with treatments.
Antibiotics
Most patients will require a course of antibiotics initially to clear up any infection that may be present. There are a number of antibiotics that will help with rosacea. Courses of oral antibiotics may vary in length from five days to six months. There are also antibiotic creams that may help.
Laser treatments
A number of treatments are available which use Laser and non-Laser light sources.
In this practice we use Lasers because we believe they deliver the quickest and most efficient results. Lasers can be used to reduce bacterial numbers and control infection as well as stimulating the skin to promote healing. Lasers will reduce the capillaries on the face which will reduce the redness.
Skin care
Optimal skin care is essential to the success of any rosacea treatment plan. Simple low-irritant products are usually indicated.
Topical cortisone agents
Cortisone-containing creams are sometimes indicated for short periods of time to settle inflammation of the skin.
Do not expect perfection
It is quite common for the occasional flare-up to occur even in the best treated patient. Have your expectations set to improvement of your rosacea condition. Perfection is very rarely achieved. Why photographs of your rosacea will be taken
Most patients have great difficulty in remembering their appearance especially after a long period of time. Clinical photographs will help both patient and doctor to identify treatments which are helping and treatments which are not. Tell me about the laser treatments available
Laser applications to the skin of the face for rosacea are used to reduce infection and stimulate a healing reaction of the skin. | 
