Persistent or recurring redness with pustules on the face can be a sign of rosacea. This is a chronic skin disease that mainly affects the face. The visible changes in the skin can greatly affect the self-confidence of those affected. Often, the skin problems lead to social isolation and low self-esteem. With timely diagnosis and treatment, the skin changes can be significantly alleviated.
What are the symptoms of rosacea?
The symptoms of rosacea are predominantly seen on the face, especially on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. The most common signs include:
- \- Severe redness
- \- Visible blood vessels called telangiectasias
- \- Inflammatory pustules and pustules
- \- Rarely: dry and irritated eyes
How severe is the itching with rosacea?
People with rosacea may suffer from occasional or regular itching in the affected areas. People with mild rosacea may have no or very little itching. Those in the later stages often experience more intense itching. Itching should not be indulged in as this can lead to skin irritation and worsening of symptoms.
How does rosacea occur?
Rosacea occurs in episodes called flushes. The duration of a flush can range from a few days to several weeks or even months. The length of time depends on various factors, such as the severity of the rosacea, the individual trigger factors and the effectiveness of the treatments applied. During a flare-up, symptoms such as redness, inflammation, pimples or pustules may increase. In resting phases, the skin calms down and the symptoms may even disappear.
Which people are affected by rosacea?
Rosacea usually appears for the first time between the ages of 20 and 30. According to current estimates, two to five percent of the inhabitants of Germany are affected. It is the most common skin disease of the face. Rosacea affects both men and women. While women suffer more frequently from rosacea, the majority of men have more severe symptoms.
How can I recognise rosacea at an early stage?
Couperosis is often considered an early stage or preliminary stage of rosacea. The skin condition is characterised by the appearance of dilated blood vessels, particularly around the cheeks and nose. The skin can be prone to redness and irritation in these areas. Not everyone with couperosis develops rosacea. Certain trigger factors, genetic predisposition and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of couperosis into rosacea.
What is the life expectancy with rosacea?
Rosacea does not directly affect life expectancy. It is a chronic skin disease that does not have life-threatening consequences. However, the visible symptoms such as redness and inflammatory lesions can lead to emotional distress, lack of self-confidence and social isolation. This can affect psychological well-being and quality of life. Therefore, a dermatologist should be consulted at an early stage.
What are the causes of rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is not yet fully understood. However, it is assumed that various factors play a role in the emergence and development of this skin disease. The disease itself is caused by a flare-up triggered by a trigger factor.
What are the known causes of rosacea?
Previous studies have identified some factors that are relevant in rosacea. These include:
- Genetic predisposition: People whose family members suffer from rosacea have an increased risk of also developing the condition.
- Intestinal disorders: Diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, a bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) of the small intestine and a Helicobacter pylori colonisation can favour rosacea.
- Vascular problems: Dysfunction of the blood vessels in the skin may be involved in the development of rosacea. It is thought that the blood vessels in the affected areas are dilated and more sensitive to external stimuli.
- Skin inflammation: Certain reactions of the immune system to external stimuli or irritations could lead to the chronic inflammation of the skin.
- Demodex mites: Demodex mites are tiny parasites that live naturally on the skin. A higher number of these mites have been found in people with rosacea. It is thought that the mites can cause an inflammatory reaction in the skin. If the mites sit more in the eyelids, they cause inflammatory reactions at the edges of the eyelids. The consequences are permanently irritated and dry eyes.
What can trigger a rosacea flare-up?
Individual triggers are usually responsible for a relapse, which can be different for each patient. The most common triggers include:
- \- Diet
- \- UV radiation
- \- Cold and heat
- \- Sport and physical exertion
- \- Cosmetics and skin care.
- \- Stress
What is the treatment for rosacea?
The exact approach to treating rosacea depends on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of the patient. In the early stages, proper skin care and lifestyle changes are usually sufficient. If the symptoms are severe, medication may be necessary. Early treatment is important. If left untreated, the inflammation can increase over time and lead to a worsening of the symptoms.
Which cream is useful against rosacea?
In mild forms of rosacea, a change in facial care to mild, hypoallergenic products can be beneficial. Attention should be paid to the following points:
- The cream should intensively moisturise the skin and have soothing properties at the same time. Ingredients such as aloe vera, oat extract, camomile or bisabolol are suitable for this.
- Comedogenic ingredients clog the pores and aggravate rosacea. Ingredients such as the mineral oil products paraffin, petrolatum and silicones, but also olive oil and cocoa butter should be avoided.
- Creams with alcohol, fragrances, essential oils or sulphates can irritate the skin and lead to flare-ups. Therefore, only creams without these ingredients should be used.
- Creams or gels with the active ingredients metronidazole or azelaic acid are used to relieve clear pappules and pustules in rosacea. These substances have an anti-inflammatory effect and soothe the skin changes. In the case of mites as the cause of rosacea, ivermectin helps to limit the infestation.
How is severe rosacea treated?
For severe forms of rosacea on the face, treatment aims to relieve symptoms. Reduce inflammation and reduce the occurrence of flare-ups. For this purpose, the following medications may be prescribed by the dermatologist:
- Oral antibiotics: In some cases, taking antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline may be used to control inflammation.
- Isotretinoin: In severe cases of rosacea, this medication helps reduce inflammation and control sebum production.
- Rosacea eyes: Eye cream or ointment with antibacterial properties counteracts dry and irritated eyes caused by Demodex mites.
- These medicines require a prescription and may only be taken after consulting a doctor. Due to the side effects of isotretinoin, the benefits and risks should be carefully weighed.
Can rosacea be treated with a laser?
Laser and light therapy with an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or laser treatments can help against the visible signs of rosacea on the face. These procedures sclerose dilated blood vessels and reduce chronic inflammation. Laser therapy can significantly improve the appearance of rosacea skin. A special form of treatment is the ophthalmic IPL treatment. This successfully kills detox mites on the eyelashes and stimulates the secretion function of the eyes.
What helps against rosacea on the nose?
Rosacea on the nose, also called rhinophyma, appears as a reddened, bulbous thickening in the area of the nose. The so-called "bulbous nose" is a special form of rosacea that mainly affects men. This form of rosacea is best treated early with medication or laser therapy. The later the therapy, the more pronounced the inflammation and the more difficult the treatment.
How can the treatment of rosacea be supported?
Lifestyle changes are often important to prevent acute flares of rosacea. These include the following measures:
- \- Avoidance of trigger factors: Certain foods, alcoholic drinks, sun exposure, heat, hot spices and stress.
- \- Gentle skin care: Use of mild, non-irritating cleansers and moisturisers for sensitive skin.
- \- Sun protection: regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreens with a high SPF to protect the skin from harmful UV rays
- \- Relaxation methods: Autogenic training and yoga for stress
What should be considered in the diet for rosacea?
The cause of rosacea can be the intestines. Therefore, proper nutrition is of great importance in preventing acute flare-ups. There are some general guidelines that should be followed when eating.
- \- Spicy foods: Hot spices such as ginger, chilli, pepper, horseradish and hot mustard can cause skin redness and irritation in some people with rosacea. These spices should be avoided especially in hot food.
- \- Alcohol: Alcohol, especially red wine, beer and liquor, cause redness and skin irritation in many people with rosacea.
- \- Refined sugar: Sugar-containing products such as chocolate, cakes but also sweet dairy products can have a negative effect on the symptoms. Juices should only be drunk as spritzers and in moderation.
- \- Animal fats: Meat, eggs, butter, cheese contain many animal fats that have a negative effect on the skin and should only be eaten in moderation.
A food diary can be useful for rosacea. All the food and drinks consumed are entered there daily. In case of an acute flush, the cause can be traced more easily. On this basis, the diet can be adjusted and the individual triggers can be avoided.
How can the itching of rosacea be treated?
Witch hazel, also known as witch hazel, is often used as a home remedy to treat rosacea. Witch hazel contains tannins that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. This can help reduce the redness, swelling and inflammation of rosacea. As a result, the itching, burning and skin sensitivity diminish. A particular advantage of witch hazel is its astringent effect. The active ingredient contracts the blood vessels and thus reduces blood flow. This can reduce redness and minimise the appearance of dilated blood vessels.
Witch hazel can be used as a toner or toner or as an active ingredient in a mild cream or lotion. When using witch hazel for rosacea, a high-quality, alcohol-free witch hazel product should be used to avoid irritating the skin.
What home remedies help with rosacea?
For rosacea, some home remedies can help relieve the symptoms and improve the condition. Some home remedies that can help treat rosacea are:
- Cooling compresses: Applying cold or cool compresses to the face can temporarily relieve redness and inflammation. A soft, damp cloth or special gel masks from the refrigerator are suitable for this purpose.
- Chamomile: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a supportive measure to alleviate the symptoms. For this purpose, cooled chamomile tea is carefully dabbed onto the face.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The gel should not contain any additional ingredients.
- Green tea: Tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help relieve redness and inflammation. Cooled tea is used as a face wash or to dab the affected areas.