Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. It is not contagious. It occurs as a result of inflammation of the capillaries or the blood vessels that are present under the surface of facial skin. It causes redness and flushing of the face. It commonly affects the forehead and the cheeks. This condition is usually harmless unless it affects the eyes.
Diagnosis of Rosacea
There are no specific procedures or laboratory tests to diagnose rosacea. The doctor reaches a diagnosis after examining the facial skin and asking about the symptoms and factors that trigger the onset of these symptoms.
Rosacea treatment is mainly targeted at symptomatic relief.
There is no permanent cure for rosacea. But the attacks of rosacea can be reduced simply by avoiding the trigger factors.
Treatment is mainly targeted at relief of the symptoms.
Many cases of rosacea are mild. The patchy redness on the face can usually be treated with the help of normal cosmetics or antibiotic creams and lotions.
Topical ointments
These are used to relieve the inflammation and redness of the face. They are applied to the skin once or twice a day,
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are prescribed mainly because of their anti inflammatory properties. They are more effective in reducing the redness and inflammation of the skin as compared to the topical creams.
Treatment for Ocular Rosacea
When the rosacea affects the eyes and eyelids it is called ocular rosacea. It causes inflammation and redness of the eyes and the eyelids. There is burning pain and excessive lacrimation or watering of the eyes. The symptoms can be relieved by washing the eyes frequently with warm water. Some eye drops can be prescribed by the doctor in order to reduce the redness and burning pain of the eyes.
A rare but extremely serious complication of ocular rosacea is keratitis. Keratitis is the inflammation of cornea. If left untreated it may lead to corneal damage, resulting in visual impairment and even blindness. See a doctor urgently if you develop any eye pain or visual problems.
Some steps can be taken in order to avoid the triggering factors that lead to the onset of rosacea.
Stress is one of the leading trigger factors in the onset of rosacea. Practicing relaxation techniques and meditation helps in reducing stress. If stress and embarrassment are a result of rosacea symptoms you can consider the option of talking to a professional counselor.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight. Use broad spectrum sunscreen while going out in the sun.
- Avoid hot and spicy food if that is one of the trigger factors for your rosacea.
- Avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol if that leads to flare up of the symptoms of rosacea.
- Avoid the use of over the counter steroid creams unless they have been prescribed to you by your doctor.
- Avoid using saunas and hot baths. Also avoid getting too hot which may cause the existing symptoms to flare up.