Definition

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness and visible blood vessels on the face.

It often includes symptoms like flushing, persistent redness, bumps, and sometimes even eye irritation.

Rosacea can vary in severity and may affect different areas of the face, causing discomfort and self-consciousness.

What are the main signs and symptoms of Rosacea?

Clinically diagnosed

Rosacea is a common skin condition that is diagnosed based on its characteristic signs and symptoms. Clinical diagnosis of rosacea involves a thorough examination of the skin and a careful evaluation of the patient's medical history.

Here are the criteria used to diagnose rosacea:

• Flushing and persistent redness on the central part of the face
• Papules (small red bumps) and pustules (pus-filled bumps)
• Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)
• Burning or stinging sensations

In some cases, additional diagnostic tests may be performed to rule out other skin conditions or to identify specific triggers that aggravate rosacea symptoms. These tests may include a skin biopsy or a skin scraping analysis.

To receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions.

Treatment options

There are several medical treatments available for treating Rosacea:

• Topical medications: Prescription creams, gels, or lotions containing ingredients like metronidazole, azelaic acid, or brimonidine can help reduce redness, inflammation, and bumps.
• Oral medications: Antibiotics like tetracycline or isotretinoin may be prescribed to control inflammation and treat more severe cases of Rosacea.
• Laser or light therapy: Procedures like intense pulsed light (IPL) or pulsed dye laser can target and reduce visible blood vessels or redness associated with Rosacea.
• Other therapies: In some cases, procedures like dermabrasion, chemical peels, or surgical methods may be used to improve the appearance of skin affected by Rosacea.

When it comes to skincare products for Rosacea, it's important to choose gentle and non-irritating options:

• Cleansers: Look for mild, fragrance-free cleansers with gentle ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
• Moisturizers: Opt for moisturizers specifically formulated for sensitive skin, avoiding products containing harsh ingredients like alcohol or fragrance.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• Avoid irritants: Stay away from harsh skincare products, alcohol-based toners, astringents, and other irritants that could trigger or worsen Rosacea symptoms.

Beauty procedures

For treating Rosacea, there are several beauty procedures that can be used:

• Laser therapy: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) can help reduce redness and visible blood vessels.
• Cryotherapy: The application of extreme cold can alleviate inflammation and redness.
• Chemical peels: Mild chemical solutions can be applied to the skin to help improve texture and reduce redness.
• Microdermabrasion: This exfoliation technique can help improve the appearance of rosacea by removing dead skin cells.
• Topical treatments: Prescription creams and gels containing antibiotics, azelaic acid, or other ingredients can be used to control inflammation and reduce redness.
• Sunscreen: Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily helps protect the skin from sun damage that can worsen rosacea.

Diet

Diet can play a role in managing rosacea symptoms. While there is no specific diet that can cure rosacea, certain dietary choices may trigger or worsen symptoms:

• Spicy foods, hot beverages, and alcohol can dilate blood vessels and lead to flushing.
• Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar may cause irritation.
• Hot and caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea can potentially trigger flushing.
• Foods that contain histamine, such as fermented foods, aged cheese, and cured meats, may cause flare-ups.

It's important to keep a food diary and identify any potential triggers. Everyone's triggers can vary, so it's recommended to avoid or limit the consumption of foods that seem to worsen your rosacea symptoms. Remember, in addition to diet, other factors like stress, weather, and skincare routine can also impact rosacea.

Exercise

Regular exercise can have both positive and negative effects on rosacea. Here are a few things to consider:

• Blood circulation: Exercise increases blood flow, which can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This can promote a healthy complexion and may reduce inflammation associated with rosacea.
• Temperature changes: Vigorous exercise or workouts in hot environments can lead to facial flushing, a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups. It's important to stay cool and hydrated during exercise.
• Sweat: Sweat can trigger rosacea symptoms in some individuals. It's important to cleanse your skin gently after exercising to remove sweat and prevent clogged pores.
• Avoid triggers: Exercise itself may not directly worsen rosacea symptoms, but certain activities like hot yoga, intense cardio sessions, or exposure to extreme temperatures may trigger flare-ups. Understanding your specific triggers can help you modify your exercise routine.
• Sun protection: Outdoor exercise exposes your skin to the sun, which is a common trigger for rosacea. Always wear sunscreen with a high SPF, protective clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun's harmful rays.

Oral supplements studied for Rosacea

Several oral supplements have been studied for Rosacea. Here are some of the most commonly researched supplements:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: These can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
• Zinc: Zinc has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help with rosacea symptoms.
• Vitamin D: Some studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to rosacea, and supplementation may improve symptoms.
• Probiotics: Probiotics can improve gut health, which may have a positive impact on rosacea symptoms.

However, it's important to note that while these supplements have shown some promising results in studies, their effectiveness may vary among individuals. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Rosacea: New Concepts in Classification and Treatment.
2. Rosacea in skin of color: A comprehensive review.
3. Recent advances in understanding and managing rosacea.
4. Microbiota in Rosacea.
5. Noninvasive objective skin measurement methods for rosacea assessment: a systematic review.
6. Rosacea Pathogenesis.
7. Improving Rosacea Outcomes in Skin of Color Patients: A Review on the Nuances in the Treatment and the Use of Cleansers and Moisturizers.
8. Skin barrier in rosacea.
9. Acne and rosacea: What's new for treatment?
10. Rosacea: Treatment targets based on new physiopathology data.
11. Skin and gut microbiota dysbiosis in autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases.
12. Swiss S1 guideline for the treatment of rosacea.
13. Ocular rosacea.