Rosacea
December 19th, 2008 Posted by: admin
Description
Rosacea seriously affects a sufferer’s appearance, but not his or her health. The redness and inflammation that are the hallmarks of the condition are caused by enlargement of the blood vessels that lie just under the skin. Why these blood vessels enlarge in some individuals is not known, though the ailment usually strikes fair-skinned individuals of Irish descent who blush easily and is most commonly seen in those aged 30 to SO. Temporary rosacea is also common in infants after a high fever.
Signs and Symptoms
- Red areas on the face
- Facial acne
- Chronic inflammation of the cheeks, nose, forehead, and/or chin
- Pimple-like pustules in reddened areas (in some cases)
- Red, bulbous nose (more common in males)
Conventional Medical Treatment
A dermatologist can diagnose rosacea, usually on the basis of a physical examination. About 70 to 80 percent of individuals respond successfully to long-term oral or topical antibiotic therapy-just how long-term depends on the individual. In some cases, the dose of the antibiotic is gradually reduced to control the rosacea until it can be discontinued altogether without the threat of recurrence. Why this works isn’t exactly known. Sometimes, short courses of topical steroids can reduce redness. Laser therapy is another medical Option currently being evaluated.
