Acne rosacea – what does it look like? What are its symptoms and treatment?

One type of acne accompanied by erythema, pimples and papules is rosacea. This affliction most often affects women and is chronic in nature. Learn about the early symptoms of rosacea and available treatments!

What is rosacea?

Acne rosacea is a chronic dermatological condition. Unlike acne vulgaris, rosacea may only manifest as erythema for an extended period of time. Typically acne-like lesions (pimples and papules) appear only at an advanced stage of the condition. Acne rosacea is not associated with the presence of bacteria on the skin or with a tendency to overproduction of sebum, so cosmetics and treatments that are usually prescribed to people with acne vulgaris should not be used to treat this variety of acne.

Acne rosacea – symptoms

Symptoms of rosacea are specific and not entirely associated with acne – probably one of the reasons they are downplayed.

Early symptoms of rosacea:

• Erythema – that is, reddened areas on the skin that do not disappear.
• Teleangiectasias – or vascular spider veins. They most often occur in the same areas as erythema.
• A feeling of warm, sensitive skin – especially on the area that is flushed.

Rosacea very often occurs in people with vascular skin – the symptoms of these conditions overlap. Lack of proper care can result in exacerbation of the condition and the appearance of typical acne lesions: pimples and papules.

Acne rosacea – causes

The occurrence of rosacea on the skin can be due to various factors – both congenital and acquired. People with vascular and allergic skin are at greater risk of developing rosacea, but this type of acne can also be caused by nodules, bacteria and chronic inflammation.

People over the age of 30 most often suffer from rosacea – statistically, this dermatosis affects women more often than men. Factors that favor rosacea are hormonal changes, genetic predisposition (rosacea in the family) and vasomotor disorders.

Factors that can exacerbate the course of rosacea:

• Severe stress.
• Uses – especially alcohol, but also coffee and tea.
• Spices.
• Sudden changes in temperature, exposure to dynamically changing weather conditions.
• Overexposure to UV radiation.
• Intense physical exertion.
• Air conditioning.
• Improper skin care – for example, the use of mechanical scrubs and products dedicated to skin with acne vulgaris.

If you notice symptoms in yourself that may indicate rosacea or you have a vascular complexion, consult a dermatologist. Lack of proper care can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms and a significant deterioration of your skin. Keep in mind that skin with rosacea requires completely different care than that with acne vulgaris.

Treatment of rosacea

Acne rosacea is a chronic condition – so its treatment is based on alleviating symptoms. Although this dermatosis cannot be fully cured, it is worth staying under the care of a dermatologist, following the doctor’s recommendations and performing selected cosmetic procedures. This is because failure to do so can contribute to a much more severe course of the disease.

How to care for skin with rosacea?

• Use cosmetics dedicated to your skin type.
• If you want to perform a peel, then only enzymatic or professional in a beauty salon. With rosacea, mechanical exfoliation is not advisable.
• Avoid factors that exacerbate dermatosis – for example, UV radiation, sauna use and severe stress.

How can rosacea be treated?

The basis of treatment is diagnosis and the use of individually selected drugs and preparations. The most commonly used products include azelaic acid, benzolite peroxide, but also antibiotics (for example, tetracycline, clindamycin) and other agents. To choose the most beneficial treatment, visit a dermatologist.

Treatments that can be performed for rosacea:

• Laser therapy – is highly effective in closing cracked blood vessels and reducing erythema. It also helps in leveling acne lesions, hyperpigmentation and other skin problems.
• Cosmetic peels – especially the gentler acid and charcoal peels. They will help exfoliate and refresh the skin without mechanically irritating it.