Both a skin and eye disorder, acne rosacea is a type of acne characterized by the appearance of pustules and vascular manifestations on the affected tissues. So far, the nature and exact causes of acne rosacea has not been given an explanation although it is known that sun exposure will increase the risk of disease development. The pustules and the flushing of the skin usually affect the face and the chest with a deterioration of the condition after the consumption of alcohol, spicy foods or hot drinks.
It appears that acne rosacea has been reported in more women than men, with the preponderance of the condition in the middle-aged group. Thus, the majority of patients are people between 30 and 60, with the mention that in the case of black complexions the identification is more difficult and often delayed. Yet, there is not enough clinical evidence to support the idea that acne rosacea affects fair-skinned people most of the times.
The acne blemishes specific to the disease are most often distributed in the nose area, on the cheeks and chin, but the central part of the forehead is also commonly affected. Although the oily appearance of the skin makes acne rosacea resemble acne vulgaris, differences do exist. In traditional acne forms, comedones have no limitation of extent, whereas with rosacea they only appear in the flush areas. Moreover, acne rosacea is characterized by hypertrophy which is not found with acne vulgaris.
Unlike regular acne forms, acne rosacea is a chronic disease that evolves in time, sometimes extending over years. Most often, topical corticosteroids are applied to reduce the intensity of the symptoms and to improve the overall condition, but they are not suitable for long-term therapy because of the risk to cause an atrophy or permanent vaso-dilation of the tissues. Most dermatologists will therefore go for the systemic treatment instead of the topical one.
Sometimes the damage caused by acne rosacea needs surgical treatment, but only an expert can decide on such a course of action. The tunable dye laser procedure and electrocautery represent the two main alternatives under the circumstances, but skin grafting, dermabrasion and other forms of excision are also possible. Do not postpone the treatment of acne rosacea because the more time passes, the more difficult will be to cure it.
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