Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that manifests on the face, and its prevalence in the adult population ranges from 2% to 10%. The condition is characterised by redness, swelling, pimples, and the expansion of superficial blood vessels on the skin of the face. Rosacea is most common in individuals aged 30 to 50, especially among those with fair skin.
There is no clear, precise reason for why rosacea occurs. It is believed to result from a variety of factors, among them heredity, immune system abnormalities and external factors such as sunlight, heat and stress.
Symptoms of rosacea
- Flushing and reddening of the skin
Transient flushing is normal and has many causes, but sometimes it may be the first sign of rosacea. - Swelling of the skin
- Dry skin
- Skin redness – erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, also known as couperose.
Redness of the facial skin is the most common symptom. The condition often involves the dilation of small blood vessels, causing them to become visible as redness on the surface of the skin. This typically occurs on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin, and the redness can be transient or persistent. - Pustules and papules – papulopustular rosacea.
In some people with rosacea, there may be inflamed pustules and papules on the skin, resembling acne. - Rhinophyma: swelling and bumpiness of the nose
In some cases, rosacea can cause the and swelling of the skin on the nose (rhinophyma), which can significantly alter the shape of the nose. Rhinophyma can also occur on the chin or cheeks. This form of rosacea affects men in particular. - Ocular rosacea
Up to half of people with rosacea experience some symptoms in their eyes. The eyes may be red, sensitive to light or dry. The person may also experience a burning sensation, swelling, or a feeling that there is something in the eye. - Burning or prickly skin (neurogenic rosacea)
This condition is treated in a completely different way to other forms of rosacea.
Treatment of rosacea
There are several treatment options available for rosacea that can help alleviate symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin. Treatment is typically chosen based on the severity of rosacea and the specific symptoms the patient is experiencing.
- Topical medications
Various topical medications can be used to treat rosacea. Creams such as metronidazole, azelaic acid, or ivermectin are applied directly to the skin with the aim of reducing redness and inflammation in the treatment of rosacea. - Orally administered medication
A doctor may prescribe oral medications for rosacea patients, such as antibiotics from the tetracycline group or mild retinoids (isotretinoin), especially if the symptoms are more severe. - Vascular laser therapy
Laser therapy can be used in the treatment of rosacea to reduce visible blood vessels and decrease skin redness. This type of treatment may require multiple sessions, but results are often visible even after the first treatment. Thanks to the advanced laser device used by the Skin Hospital, treatments are quick, safe and nearly painless, requiring minimal recovery time or time off work. - Therapeutic skin care products
Various therapeutic skincare products can help alleviate the symptoms of rosacea and improve the condition of the skin. Skincare products marketed for “couperose skin” include fragrance-free and dye-free cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreens that protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
The symptoms of rosacea vary widely, and each patient is unique. Therefore, an individual treatment plan is always drawn up in collaboration with a dermatologist, taking into account the needs and life situation of the person. A dermatologist can also provide guidance on skincare routines, and recommend suitable products, medications and treatment methods.
