Does Acne Rosacea Have To Be Embarrassing?

 Acne can be an embarrassing and difficult problem but for many people, especially those aged over 30.

What may have been diagnosed as acne could in fact be a different skin condition known as rosacea.

Also referred to as Acne Rosacea, it involves the skin and blood vessels of the middle third of the face.  The blood vessels dilate more easily in people with rosacea which leads to flushing of the skin, similar to blushing.  After years of this dilating, the vessels eventually wear out and break.  This is known as telangiectases. 

Occasionally, pustules may appear on the skin, often leading to a misdiagnosis of acne, although the blackheads and whiteheads associated with acne to not appear.

Initially, rosacea can appear and disappear continually.  Eventually however the skin is unable to return to its natural, original colour.  This is when the pimples and enlarged blood vessels begin to appear.

Rosacea is most common in adults aged between 30 and 50, particularly those with fair skin.  Although it affects both sexes, it tends to be more frequent in women and more severe in men.

Rosacea is rarely reversed and cannot be cured.  It lasts for several years and, left untreated, it will worsen.  Untreated rosacea can lead to disfiguration of the nose, called rhinophyma, and can also cause conjunctivitis in the eyes.  This in turn can damage the cornea and affect vision, a condition called rosacea keratitis.

The exact cause of acne rosacea is unknown but sufferers find they have various triggers that can lead to a flare up.  Most commonly these include alcohol, hot drinks, spicy foods, stress, steroids and extreme weather conditions.  Although it cannot be cured completely, acne rosacea can be treated and controlled. 

By identifying personal triggers and alleviating them, the number of flare ups can be minimised.

Even though the two conditions are similar in appearance, it is important not to use acne treatments when dealing with rosacea as they can irritate the skin further.  Topical antibiotics or anti-fungal agents can be used to control and treat the lesions instead.

A general rule of thumb when attempting to control rosacea is to be kind to your skin.  Avoid cleansers which contain alcohol or exfoliating grains and, when going outside, use an (alcohol free) sunscreen of at least factor 15.  Try not to rub the affected areas and apply them gently after any medication has dried.

Although acne rosacea can be embarrassing, it is not a severe medical condition.  Treated quickly and correctly, there is not reason why people with it should not enjoy a long and happy life.