What is Rosacea? Part 2

What is the cause of Rosacea?

Like most things in medicine, no one knows- bad luck I guess. The skin disorder has been linked to an extreme hypersensitivity of the blood vessels to open up and flush at the slightest irritation. It is the opening up of these blood vessels which mimics the intense red flush on the nose and cheek area.

Is Rosacea caused by a bacterial infection?

Well there is some evidence that the bacteria which causes peptic ulcer disease ( H pylori) may also be responsible for rosacea- but for the moment it is all speculation. Other experts think that perhaps some small skin mites (Demodex folliculorum) which reside on skin may plug the hair follicles and block the sweat pores. However, no one really knows why rosacea occurs

Does alcohol cause rosacea?

Definitely not, but alcohol is known to worsen rosacea. There are plenty of people who drink excessive alcohol and do not have rosacea, and there are plenty of people who have rosacea who have never touched alcohol.

What triggers Rosacea?

The individual’s diet and life style are two major triggers for Rosacea.

What can worsen rosacea

Factors which can trigger or worsen rosacea include:

- Consumption of hot and spicy foods
- Intense sun exposure
- Drinking hot beverages
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids
- Intense Emotional distress
- physical stress or illness
- exposure to extremes of hot and cold weather
- extensive use of harsh creams and soaps
- Use of exfoliating creams
- Excessive use of chemical peeling agents
- Frequent Hot baths, saunas
- Extreme mood (anger)
- Medications used to treat chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure

Does control of Trigger factors relieve Rosacea?

Control of the trigger factors can significantly reduce the facial flushing and can make rosacea more manageable. However, despite the rigid control of these triggers, many individuals still develop facial flushing.

What does Rosacea look like?

Rosacea may present with

- Facial red rash which is more prominent around the cheeks and nose
- Small red pimples on nose, forehead and chin
- Enlarged or deformed nose (rhinophyma)
- Dry and red eyes-individuals usually complain of a foreign body or gritty sensation in the eyes
- Constant flushing (redness) of face
- Numerous fine blood lines on nose and cheeks
- Scaly rash or small pimples on eye lids