Rosacea. Treatment and Prevention

Are you facing a complex and persistent condition known as rosacea? This chronic inflammatory skin condition, called rosacea, can cause intense redness, visible veins, small swellings and even nasal lesions in severe cases. Rosacea appears and disappears initially, but the redness recurs and the first areas to redden are the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead.

From an epidemiological perspective, rosacea is an inflammatory disorder frequently encountered, mostly among women. Globally, rosacea has a prevalence of 5% of the world's population. The symptoms of rosacea can appear at any age, but studies show that rosacea sets in after the age of 30, affecting the centrofacial and periocular areas.

In this article, you will learn detailed information about what rosacea is, why it is difficult for many people to manage. You will also find out what is the difference between rosacea and cuperosis, what are the causes, symptoms and risk factors that favor the onset of rosacea, why rosacea significantly affects the quality of life, methods of prevention and treatment for rosacea.

Rosacea and Cuperoza

Rosacea and cuperosis are two closely related conditions, but with distinct characteristics. Cuperosis represents the initial stage of rosacea and is manifested by persistent redness on the face, accompanied by the visible dilation of small blood vessels.

A treatment for rosacea and cuperosis can generally be indicated by a specialist dermatologist. However, we can offer you some perfect cosmetic suggestions for skin with problems and symptoms specific to rosacea, which will meet the needs of your skin.

We know that you are reading this article to find out as soon as possible an effective treatment method to get rid of rosacea and the reddened appearance of the face, which significantly affects the quality of life and self-esteem. Although our article aims at a detailed exposition, firstly, of all the characteristics of rosacea on the face, and secondly the recommended treatment, we will address this information of great interest from now on.

So, if you searched on the Internet for "rosacea cream" or "the best rosacea cream", we offer you a cosmetic product intended exclusively for skin affected by rosacea: face cream for the treatment of rosacea which reduces redness and calms sensitive skin, being a hypoallergenic formula with active ingredients.

We also know that for many people it can be difficult to identify rosacea and cuperosis, and that's why we thought to present below rosacea pictures, rosacea acne pictures, cuperosis pictures, as well as rosacea dermatitis pictures, in that order.

Next, we will present in detail all the important information about rosacea and how we differentiate it from couperosa.

What is Cuperosa?

Cuperosis is characterized by the presence of a network of dilated blood vessels, which has the appearance of a reddish "spider web", most often visible on the cheeks and chin. This condition is caused by the loss of elasticity of the walls of the blood vessels, which leads to dilation of the capillaries that can no longer contract and return to their original size. Cuperosis can be understood as a first stage of rosacea, and many people understand it as mild rosacea.

Cuperosa. Triggering Factors

• Prolonged exposure to UV radiation

• Significant temperature fluctuations

• Hereditary factors and family history

• Age (30-50 years)

• Psychological stress

• Excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking

• Prolonged use of corticosteroids

• Menopause

• Exposure to pollutants

• Excessive use of abrasive exfoliants

Cuperosa. Stages of Evolution:

• Stage I: Reversible rosette

• Stage II: Permanent vascular pattern

• Stage III: Damage to the skin due to insufficient blood supply

Rosacea. What is it?

While cuperosis focuses on the vascular aspect, rosacea involves a more complex inflammatory process. Rosacea on the face is characterized by increased sensitivity, itching, burning sensation, pustules and thickening of the skin, typically affecting centrofacial areas: the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, but it also causes inflammation of the edges of the eyelids.

Although cuperosis and rosacea are distinct skin disorders, they can coexist because they often share the same triggers, such as sun exposure, stress, alcohol consumption, and certain foods.

Key Differences between Cuperoza and Rosacea

Types of Rosacea

There are four main types of rosacea, each characterized by specific symptoms and distinct clinical manifestations:

1. Erythemato-telangiectasia rosacea

This type of rosacea is defined by persistent redness of the face, accompanied by the appearance of dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias) in the form of a spider's web on the nose, cheeks and chin. The skin becomes sensitive and prone to irritation.

2. Acne Rosacea or papulo-pustular Rosacea

In this case, in addition to redness and dilation of blood vessels, inflammatory lesions such as papules (small, hard swellings) and pustules (with purulent content) appear. These lesions can form on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.

3. Fimatosa rosacea

The advanced stage of rosacea, also called rhinophyma, is characterized by progressive thickening of the skin, especially at the level of the nose. This form can lead to the deformation of the facial features and the appearance of a bulbous and reddish nose.

4. Ocular rosacea

This type mainly affects the eyes and eyelids. Symptoms include redness, itching, burning, excessive tearing and foreign body sensation in the eye. In severe cases, inflammation of the cornea or other eye structures may also occur.

Although these types of rosacea are distinct, they can coexist in the same person, and the symptoms can vary in intensity from one individual to another. Also, rosacea on the face can go through different stages, from mild redness to the formation of inflammatory lesions or thickening of the skin. Studies suggest that erythemato-telangiectasia rosacea and rosacea acne are the most common, with no differences between men and women.

Rosacea. Causes of Appearance

The exact causes of rosacea on the face are not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Here are the main causes and triggers associated with the development of rosacea:

Genetic Factors - Rosacea

Genetic predisposition: Rosacea appears to have a hereditary component, suggesting that some people may be genetically predisposed to develop this condition.

Vascular abnormalities: Problems related to the control of blood vessels, poor venous drainage and excessive formation of blood vessels in the skin can contribute to the appearance of rosacea on the face.

Environmental Factors - Rosacea

Infestation with Demodex mites : An increase in the number of microscopic Demodex mites living on the skin can trigger an inflammatory process and aggravate the symptoms of rosacea on the face.

Bacteria: An overgrowth of certain bacteria on the skin, such as Helicobacter pylori, can trigger the chronic inflammatory response characteristic of rosacea.

Triggers and aggravating factors: Certain foods and drinks (such as spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks), sun exposure, wind, extreme temperatures, stress and certain medications can act as triggers for rosacea on the face.

Pathogenic Mechanism - Rosacea

Although the exact causes are not fully elucidated, rosacea is believed to involve the following processes:

Immune system disorders : An exaggerated reaction of the immune system can lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

Neurovascular disorders : Abnormalities in the control of blood vessels and in the inflammatory response can contribute to the vascular and inflammatory symptoms of rosacea.

Pro-inflammatory environment: A pro-inflammatory environment in the skin, triggered by factors such as bacteria, mites or other irritating agents, can perpetuate the chronic inflammation characteristic of rosacea.

Risk factors for Rosacea

Although the exact causes of rosacea are not fully understood, there are certain factors that increase the risk of occurrence and worsening of this condition. Here are the main risk factors associated with rosacea:

• Age : Rosacea occurs most frequently in people between the ages of 30 and 50, although it can also affect younger or older people.

• Sex: Women are more likely to develop rosacea than men, especially during menopause.

• Family history : If you have first-degree relatives (parents, siblings) who suffer from rosacea, your risk of developing this condition increases significantly.

• Skin type : People with fair skin, sensitive and prone to inflammation are more prone to rosacea.

• Exposure to UV radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, including direct sunlight, can trigger and worsen the symptoms of rosacea.

• Stress: Emotional stress and anxiety can act as triggers for the appearance or worsening of rosacea.

• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption, especially strong drinks, can cause the appearance or worsening of rosacea symptoms.

• Food: Certain hot, spicy or histamine-rich foods and drinks can trigger rosacea on the face in some people.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as vasodilators, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and corticosteroids, can make rosacea worse.

• Medical conditions : Diseases such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases or digestive disorders can trigger rosacea or worsen the symptoms.

• Climate and environmental conditions : Extreme temperatures (cold or heat), strong wind and pollution can act as triggers for rosacea.

By identifying and avoiding risk factors, people prone to rosacea can reduce the chances of symptoms appearing or worsening. However, it is important to consult a dermatologist to establish a personalized treatment and prevention plan.

Rosacea. Frequency and impact

Frequency of Rosacea

Rosacea is a fairly common dermatological condition, with an estimated prevalence between 0.09% and 22% among the general population. However, an exact frequency for rosacea may vary depending on the demographic and genetic characteristics of the studied population.

Some studies show that rosacea affects approximately 16 million Americans, which represents a significant prevalence. It is also estimated that more than 40 million people worldwide are affected by rosacea on the face.

Distribution by Age and Gender

Rosacea occurs most frequently in adults aged between 30 and 60 years, with a maximum incidence between 30 and 50 years. However, it can also occur in younger or older people.

Regarding the gender distribution, rosacea is more common in women than in men, with a ratio of approximately 3:1 or even 2-3:1 in some studies. However, men tend to develop more severe forms of the disease, such as rhinophyma (thickened and red nose).

Distribution by Ethnic Origin

There are also differences in the prevalence of rosacea according to ethnic origin. Rosacea is more common among populations of Northern European or Irish origin, while it has a lower incidence among black populations.

Affecting the face and eyes

Rosacea mainly affects the central area of ​​the face, including the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Characteristic lesions, such as redness, dilated blood vessels, papules and pustules, appear most frequently in these areas.

In rare cases, rosacea can also affect the eyes (ocular rosacea) or the scalp. Ocular symptoms include redness, itching, burning, excessive tearing and foreign body sensation in the eye.

Severity of Affection

Rosacea presents a severity of damage that varies from case to case, from mild forms with intermittent redness to severe forms with persistent inflammatory lesions and thickening of the skin (rhinophyma). Women tend to develop milder forms of rosacea on the face, while men are more prone to severe forms.

Therefore, although rosacea is a fairly common condition, its distribution varies according to age, gender, ethnic origin and severity of symptoms. Understanding these aspects can help to identify people at high risk and to approach the appropriate treatment and prevention.

Rosacea. Signs and symptoms

Manifestations of Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by various manifestations on the face and sometimes the eyes or scalp. The symptoms can vary in severity and can appear in different stages of the disease.

• Facial redness

Persistent or intermittent redness on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead is one of the distinctive signs of rosacea.

This redness triggered by rosacea can be symmetrical and tends to intensify during exacerbation episodes.

• Dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias)

Small blood vessels, dilated and visible on the surface of the skin, forming a pattern similar to a "spider web", are common in rosacea.

These telangiectasias appear most often on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.

• Papules and pustules

Small firm swellings, called papules, and lesions with purulent content, called pustules, can appear on areas affected by rosacea on the face.

These inflammatory lesions can be confused with acne, but do not show black dots or scars after healing.

• Thickened and deformed skin (rhinophyma)

Rosacea, in the advanced stages, the skin on the nose can thicken and deform, leading to the appearance of a bulbous and reddish nose, known as rhinophyma.

This manifestation of rosacea is more common in men and can significantly affect the appearance of the face.

• Ocular symptoms

Ocular rosacea can cause redness, itching, burning, excessive tearing and foreign body sensation in the eye.

In severe cases, inflammation of the cornea, conjunctiva or other ocular structures may occur, affecting vision.

• Other symptoms associated with rosacea on the face

• Burning, itching or stinging sensation on the affected skin.

• Dry, sensitive skin with a tendency to flaking.

• The appearance of fine lines and premature wrinkles in the affected areas.

• The symptoms of rosacea can fluctuate, alternating periods of exacerbation (hives) with periods of remission. The severity of the manifestations can vary from case to case, from mild forms to severe forms, which require appropriate treatment.

Affected areas

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects the central area of ​​the face. Although the symptoms of rosacea on the face can vary in severity, there are certain areas that are frequently affected by this disorder.

Areas of the Face Affected by Rosacea

• Cheeks : Cheeks are one of the areas most commonly affected by rosacea. Persistent or intermittent redness, dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias) and inflammatory lesions such as papules and pustules often appear on the cheeks.

• Nose : The nose is also an area prone to the appearance of rosacea symptoms. Redness, dilated blood vessels and, in advanced stages, thickening of the skin (rhinophyma) can affect the nose, deforming it and giving it a bulbous and reddish appearance.

• Forehead : The forehead can also be affected by rosacea, showing redness, dilated blood vessels and, occasionally, inflammatory lesions.

• Barbie : The chin area is frequently involved in rosacea, showing symptoms similar to those on the cheeks, nose and forehead, such as redness, telangiectasias and inflammatory lesions.

Affecting the Eyes and Scalp

In some rare cases, rosacea can also affect other areas of the face or body:

• Eyes (ocular rosacea) : Ocular rosacea can cause redness, itching, burning, excessive tearing and foreign body sensation in the eye. In severe cases, inflammation of the cornea, conjunctiva or other ocular structures may occur, affecting vision.

• Scalp : In isolated cases, rosacea can also affect the scalp, causing redness, itching and flaking.

Although rosacea mainly affects the central area of ​​the face, it is important to monitor any symptoms that appear in other areas, as they may indicate a more extensive form or complications of the condition.

Rosacea diagnosis

The diagnosis of rosacea is mainly based on the clinical examination and the medical history of the patient, because there is no specific test for this condition. Here is how rosacea is diagnosed:

Clinical examination

The dermatologist will carefully examine the skin of the face, observing the presence of persistent redness, dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia), inflammatory lesions such as papules and pustules, as well as other signs characteristic of rosacea.

The affected area, the distribution of the lesions and the severity of the symptoms will be carefully evaluated.

Medical history

The doctor will ask questions about the patient's medical history, including experienced symptoms associated with rosacea, duration of the condition, potential triggers and previous treatments.

Information about family history of rosacea, as well as lifestyle and exposure to known risk factors will be taken into account.

Differentiation from Other Affections

Rosacea must be differentiated from other dermatological conditions that may present similar symptoms, such as acne vulgaris, lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, photodermatitis, drug eruptions, cutaneous granulomas and perioral dermatitis.

The absence of black dots and the age of onset of symptoms can help differentiate rosacea from acne.

Severity Assessment

The doctor will assess the severity of rosacea based on the signs and symptoms present, as well as the impact on the patient's quality of life.

This assessment will guide the choice of appropriate treatment and allow monitoring of progress over time.

Rosacea treatment

The treatment for rosacea on the face is complex and requires a personalized approach, because the symptoms and severity of the condition vary from one patient to another. The main goal of rosacea treatment is to control symptoms, prevent worsening and improve quality of life. Here are the main treatment options for rosacea:

1. Avoiding Rosacea Triggers

The first step in the treatment of rosacea is to identify and avoid the factors that can trigger or aggravate the symptoms. These can include sun exposure, emotional stress, extreme temperatures, alcohol, spicy foods, intense physical exertion, wind and hot baths or drinks.

2. Gentle Rosacea Skin Care

• It is essential to use delicate, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic skin care products, avoiding irritating substances such as perfumes, alcohol and essential oils.

• Use soothing creams and serums with anti-inflammatory properties that contain ingredients such as panthenol, allantoin, bisabolol or azelaic acid. A very effective option for azelaic acid rosacea is serum for reducing spots that controls redness, reduces pigment spots, even preventing the installation of rosacea.

• Avoid abrasive physical exfoliators and opt for chemical or enzymatic peelings.

• Apply daily a cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. We recommend creams with the highest possible protection, because the skin needs to be very well protected from the harmful effects of the sun. A very good option for people with rosacea is the spf 50 antiaging sun protection cream with organic filters that block the action of UV rays and strengthen the skin's protective barrier.

3. Topical Treatments for Rosacea

• Creams or gels with topical metronidazole or azelaic acid can be effective in the inflammatory phases of rosacea.

• Other topical options for rosacea treatment include brimonidine, calcineurin inhibitors and retinoids.

4. Oral Antibiotics for Rosacea

In more severe cases of rosacea, with multiple papules/pustules or ocular rosacea, the doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline or erythromycin to control the inflammation.

5. Laser therapies and injections for rosacea

• Nd:YAG laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can be used to treat dilated blood vessels and persistent redness.

• Botulinum toxin injections can help reduce thickening of the skin in the case of rhinophyma.

6. Surgical Treatment for Rosacea

In advanced cases of rhinophyma, surgical procedures such as dermabrasion or excision may be necessary to prevent the progression of the condition and improve the aesthetic appearance.

7. Food Supplements for Rosacea

Some dietary supplements may be considered to support skin health and reduce inflammation in rosacea. When you want to resort to such a treatment, you must ask for the opinion of a specialist for an approved recommendation.

8. Long Term Maintenance Treatment for Rosacea

Because rosacea is a chronic condition, long-term maintenance therapy is usually required to control symptoms and prevent recurrence of rosacea.

Rosacea involves a treatment that requires a comprehensive approach, which combines the avoidance of triggering factors, delicate skin care, topical and oral treatments, as well as, in severe cases, laser therapies, injections or surgical interventions. Close collaboration with the dermatologist is essential to find the best personalized treatment strategy for each patient.

Rosacea. Prevention

• Avoiding Rosacea Triggers

One of the most important aspects in preventing episodes of rosacea is identifying and avoiding the triggering factors that can cause the appearance or worsening of symptoms. Here are some essential recommendations:

Avoid exposure to the sun : Ultraviolet rays can trigger the redness and inflammation characteristic of rosacea. Use sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) and wear hats and protective clothing when exposed to the sun. You can opt, in addition to the sun protection cream, for a CC cream, and an option that covers pigment spots and fades redness is the CC cream with UV protection .

Control emotional stress : Stress can be a major trigger for rosacea. Try to adopt stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Avoid extreme temperatures : Exposure to excessive heat or intense cold can trigger the onset of rosacea, i.e. the appearance of redness and inflammation. Avoid hot baths, saunas and intense physical activities in extremely hot or cold conditions.

Limit alcohol consumption : Alcohol, especially strong drinks, can dilate the blood vessels and trigger the symptoms of rosacea. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption or give it up completely.

Avoid spicy and histamine-rich foods : Certain foods and drinks, such as spicy, spicy or histamine-rich foods, can act as triggers for rosacea. Identify and avoid foods that aggravate your symptoms.

Protect yourself from wind and air conditioning : Exposure to wind or air conditioning currents can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin. Wear protective clothing and avoid direct exposure.

• Proper Skin Care with Rosacea

Adopting appropriate skin care habits can help prevent and manage the symptoms of rosacea. Here are some recommendations:

Use gentle skin care products : Choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic skin care products to avoid additional irritation and inflammation.

Apply daily sun protection : Use a cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and water resistance to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. If you want a discreet make-up that covers imperfections and redness, you can call on BB cream with UV protection .

Clean the skin gently : Avoid excessive exfoliation or the use of abrasive products. Clean the skin gently, using warm water and a gentle cleansing product.

Moisturize the skin properly : Use light, non-comedogenic moisturizing creams that can help maintain the skin's protective barrier and prevent excessive drying.

By taking these preventative measures and avoiding rosacea triggers, you can reduce the risk of rosacea episodes and keep symptoms under control. However, it is essential to consult a dermatologist to receive a personalized treatment and prevention plan, adapted to your specific needs.

Rosacea and Quality of Life

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects the face and can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, especially after the age of 40.

Rosacea and the Impact on the Quality of Life

Although rosacea on the face does not have very clear reasons for its appearance, it is known that its pathogenesis includes a complex interaction between the dysregulation of the innate and adaptive immune system, neurovascular dysfunction and genetic and environmental factors. To date, most of the evidence on rosacea indicates that there are several triggers that can initiate or worsen the disease, including ultraviolet (UV) exposure, local inflammatory responses to skin microorganisms (Demodex mites), temperature changes, and stressors.

Rosacea is associated with various inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, as well as with an increased cardiovascular risk. Rosacea on the face has a significant negative impact on the quality of life, causing feelings of frustration, embarrassment, worry, low self-esteem, problems at work and even anxiety and depression.

The visible symptoms of rosacea on the face, such as intense redness, dilated blood vessels and inflammatory lesions, can seriously affect the physical appearance of patients, leading to a negative self-image and low self-confidence. These effects can have profound consequences on interpersonal relationships, professional performance and emotional well-being.

In conclusion, rosacea must be treated seriously and calling a specialist as soon as possible can help a lot in reducing unpleasant symptoms. By combining appropriate medical treatments, managing triggers and adopting healthy skin care habits, we can effectively control symptoms and prevent the worsening of this dermatological condition.

Also, recognizing the impact of rosacea on the quality of life and seeking emotional support are equally important. Through close collaboration with the dermatologist and involvement in support communities, people affected by rosacea can face the associated challenges and maintain a general state of well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose, causing redness, swelling and sometimes pustules.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?
Common symptoms include persistent redness of the skin, swelling and tenderness, the appearance of red pustules or spots, dilation of blood vessels on the surface of the skin, and burning or itching.

What are the causes of rosacea?
The exact causes of rosacea are not fully understood, but contributing factors include genetic predisposition, hyperactivity of blood vessels, inflammation and reactions to certain triggers such as sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods or stress.

How can rosacea be diagnosed?
A dermatologist can diagnose rosacea based on the observed symptoms and the patient's medical history. Sometimes, additional tests may be done to rule out other skin conditions.

What are the treatment options for rosacea?
Treatment for rosacea may include topical or oral medications, such as anti-inflammatory creams or gels, antibiotics, laser or intense pulsed light treatments to reduce redness and swelling, and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers.

Are there ways to control rosacea symptoms at home?
Yes, there are steps you can take to control rosacea symptoms at home, such as avoiding sun exposure, using non-irritating cosmetics and skin care products, maintaining a gentle facial cleansing routine, and avoiding trigger- the known ones.

Can rosacea be completely cured?
Unfortunately, there is no complete cure for rosacea. However, available treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse.

Are there health risks associated with rosacea?
Rosacea itself is not a serious health threat, but it can affect the quality of life and cause emotional stress. Some severe forms of rosacea can cause permanent skin changes, such as swelling of the nose (rhinophyma).