Rosacea is a chronic, relapsing and potentially life-disruptive disorder of the facial skin that affects over 1 million Canadians. It usually starts after age 30. Redness starts on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Rosacea sometimes affects the neck, chest, scalp or ears. As time passes, the redness becomes darker and lasts longer. Small veins may appear. If it is not treated properly, small bumps or pimples can occur. Some Rosacea patients complain of bloodshot or irritated, watery eyes.
In the most severe cases, the nose can grow swollen and bumpy, this is called rhinophyma
Rosacea can affect all ethnic groups, but those with fair skin who blush easily are at most risk of developing the disease. Women tend to see their doctors earlier, and so men often come for medical help with symptoms that are more severe.
At the present time, there is no cure for Rosacea. But medical therapy can reduce and control the disease. This is very important. Delaying treatment can make the disease more difficult to control later.
What does Rosacea look like?
Rosacea affects people differently. But the following are common elements of the disease. If you are concerned that you may have one ore more of these features, you should consider talking to your Doctor:
Signs of Rosacea
• Flushing of Blushing
Patients with Rosacea often complain of frequent flushing. This often lasts only a brief while, and is often an early stage of the disease. Patients often tell us they notice their faces become hot and red after working out, or after a glass of wine, or cup of coffee. Sometimes, a slight embarrassment causes them to flush very easily.
• Facial Redness
This is the most common sign. The face stays red, and it looks as if the patient has a mild sunburn, usually on the cheeks, but eventually the entire face.
• Small Bumps and Pimples
Sometimes Rosacea can look a bit like adult acne, and even fool some doctors!
• Visible Blood Vessels
Small veins on the face or nose mean the disease is worsening.
Other Potential Signs and Symptoms
• Watering or Red Eyes
Patients can have watery or red eyes, sometimes that sting or burn. This is an important concerning feature, and should be discussed with your doctor.
• Burning of the Face
Sometimes the face feels hot, or it stings or burns.
• Dryness of the Skin
The worst affected parts of the face may feel and look very irritated and dry.
• Red Patches
Sometimes elevated red patches of skin can develop.
• Thickening of the Skin
Swelling of tissue can cause the skin to enlarge and get thicker, usually on the nose.
• Swelling of the Face
The face can appear swollen and tight.
• Other parts of the Body
Rosacea usually affects the cheeks, chin and nose, but can also affect the neck, ears and scalp as well.
How Is Rosacea Treated?
Every patient must be treated differently, because the disease affects each person in a different way.
Mild cases can be treated with topical creams, or with a course of antibiotics.
Laser therapy can be extremely effective in reducing the redness and removing small facial veins. Often, following the control of the disease with laser, topical medications are used to maintain control.
For more Information on the Vbeam Laser treatment click HERE.
It is extremely important for Rosacea sufferers to identify and reduce or eliminate the triggers that make their disease worse. But doing this, and by following a regular maintenance program with topical medication or laser therapy, the disease can be very effectively controlled.
Common Triggers for Rosacea or Facial Redness:
The most common triggers are:
• Sun
• Stress
• Heat
• Wind
• Working out
• Alcohol
• Hot baths or Saunas
• Cold weather
• Spicy foods
• High Humidity
• Certain skin-care products or cosmetics
• Hot drinks
• Certain medications or medical conditions
For an appointment to see the doctor, please call 416 515 0007. We would be happy to help you!
