How to get rid of acne rosacea?

Rosacea, often simply called rosacea, is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects adults with fair skin and light hair. It is characterized by facial inflammation, leading to persistent redness, red bumps and sometimes small pustules.

There are several forms of rosacea, and it is crucial to understand the specific characteristics of each to adapt the appropriate topical treatment. Here is a comprehensive guide to better understand and treat rosacea.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea, commonly known as rosacea, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face. It more frequently affects adults with fair skin, often between 30 and 50 years old, and is more prevalent in women than in men. However, the most severe forms tend to appear in men. Unlike juvenile acne, rosacea does not present with comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).

Symptoms of rosacea

Rosacea symptoms vary depending on the clinical forms, but generally include:

1. Persistent Redness: Frequent redness (erythema) appears on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.
2. Red Bumps: Papules and pustules similar to those of acne may appear.
3. Visible Small Blood Vessels: Telangiectasias, or small dilated blood vessels, are often visible on affected areas.
4. Skin Thickening: In severe cases, particularly in men, the skin on the nose can thicken (rhinophyma), giving it a bulbous appearance.
5. Ocular Symptoms: Approximately 50% of people with rosacea experience ocular symptoms, such as dryness, irritation, swollen eyelids, and light sensitivity.

 

Trigger Factors

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but several factors contribute to its development:

1. Genetic factors: A family history of rosacea can increase the risk.
2. Abnormal immune reactions: An excessive immune response to mites or bacteria on the skin can play a role.
3. Blood vessel abnormalities: Problems with facial blood vessels can contribute to persistent redness.
4. Environmental factors: Sun exposure, extreme temperatures, alcohol, spicy foods, and stress can trigger or worsen symptoms.

 

The different types of rosacea

1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea or vascular rosacea

Characteristics: This form is mainly characterized by diffuse redness and dilated blood vessels. Affected individuals may experience a sensation of warmth or burning on the affected skin.

Symptoms:

• Persistent redness (erythema) on the face, especially the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.
• Appearance of small visible blood vessels (telangiectasias).
• Burning or stinging sensation.

2. Papulopustular rosacea

Characteristics: This type of rosacea is often mistaken for teenage acne, although there are no comedones (blackheads or whiteheads). Inflammatory skin eruptions appear in the same areas as the vascular form.

Symptoms:

• Red bumps (papules) and pus-filled pimples (pustules) resembling acne.
• Persistent redness.

3. Hypertrophic (phymatous) rosacea

Characteristics: Hypertrophic rosacea is more common in men. It is characterized by skin thickening and enlarged oil glands, mainly on the nose, but also on the chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears.

Symptoms:

• Skin thickening, especially on the nose (rhinophyma).
• Bumpy and rough skin appearance.

4. Ocular rosacea

Characteristics: Ocular rosacea affects the eyes and eyelids. It can precede or accompany the skin symptoms of rosacea. Eye symptoms can range from mild to severe and often require consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Symptoms:

• Redness and irritation of the eyes.
• Dry eyes.
• Sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
• Swollen and inflamed upper eyelids (blepharitis).

5. Granulomatous Rosacea

Characteristics: This form of rosacea is rarer and is characterized by persistent granulomatous nodules that can lead to scarring. The lesions are often located around the eyes and mouth.

Symptoms:

• Solid red, brown, or yellow nodules or papules.
• Thickened skin, often permanently affected.

 

 

What is the difference between acne and acne rosacea?

Acne is a common skin condition characterized by the presence of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules (red bumps), and pustules (pus-filled bumps). It primarily affects teenagers and young adults due to overproduction of sebum, clogged hair follicles, and the growth of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria. Hormonal factors, such as puberty and hormonal fluctuations, as well as genetic factors, play a significant role in its development.

In contrast, acne rosacea is distinguished by the absence of comedones. It manifests as persistent facial redness (erythema), particularly on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. It can also present with papules and pustules (papulopustular rosacea), but without the comedones typical of juvenile acne. Rosacea generally affects adults, mainly between 30 and 50 years old, and can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as sun exposure, extreme temperatures, alcohol, and stress. The exact causes of rosacea are not fully understood, but they are linked to chronic skin inflammation, vascular hypersensitivity, genetic factors, and abnormal immune reactions.

Rosacea Treatment

Regarding management, acne is often treated with topical medications such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxides, and topical antibiotics, as well as oral antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline for more severe cases. Laser and light therapies are also used to treat persistent acne scars.

In contrast, the treatment for acne rosacea involves using topical medications such as metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin to reduce inflammation and redness. Oral antibiotics, primarily tetracyclines, may be prescribed to control more severe symptoms. Laser and pulsed light therapies are also used to reduce redness and visible blood vessels on the affected skin.

For ocular rosacea, specific eye care such as using artificial tears and warm water compresses may be recommended to relieve associated eye symptoms.

In conclusion, while both acne and acne rosacea can present similar skin symptoms like red bumps, their clinical characteristics, underlying causes, and treatment approaches are distinct. It is essential to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.