Acne Rosacea

If you are an adult with acne, you are not alone. And there is a good chance your acne might be due to a condition called rosacea. The term rosacea refers to the redness and blushing look that is a symptom of the disease. Many people with rosacea experience acne-like pimples, and therefore dermatologists refer to it as acne rosacea.

Rosacea commonly affects the middle third of the face, giving it a noticeable redness. Acne rosacea can appear anywhere in the affected area, making a person feel like he or she has teenage acne. However, acne rosacea is very different from what teenagers experience. With rosacea, the tiny blood vessels in the cheeks, chin, and nose dilate and become more visible near the surface of the skin, appearing like tiny red lines. These are called telangiectasias.

Unlike teenage acne, acne rosacea occurs most often in adults ages 30 to 50. It is more common to those with fair skin, and it affects both sexes. Women experience it more often, but the symptoms tend to be worse in men. With acne rosacea there are no blackheads or whiteheads, and the acne may weep and feel very sensitive.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for rosacea, but it can be treated, and so can the acne rosacea that may accompany it. Topical antibiotics such as metronidazole are very effective at helping to control the redness and heal the acne rosacea. Metrogel is one such preparation, and it is a non-greasy, easy-to use product. (See http://www.metrogel.com/ ) Oral antibiotics like tetracycline are often effective in treating acne rosacea as well. Any antibiotic solution considered would have to be prescribed by a dermatologist or physician. Use of over-the-counter antibiotic ointments or acne treatments is not recommended for acne rosacea and may actually increase irritation.

In conjunction with treating acne rosacea medically, there are things you can do to alleviate and prevent some of the symptoms. Simply being aware of what triggers the “blushing” symptoms of rosacea will help immensely. Avoiding smoking tops the list of what not to do, as it affects circulation. In addition, spicy foods, hot beverages, beverages containing caffeine, and alcohol may also be triggers.

Limiting exposure to sunlight, as well as avoiding extreme hot or cold temperatures will help moderate the dilation of blood vessels in the affected areas. Caring gently for the skin will serve to avoid exacerbating the redness and the acne rosacea. Rubbing the face with a washcloth or using exfoliant cleansers is not recommended.

A person with rosacea or acne rosacea should choose soap-free cleansers such as Cetaphil, which is widely available in drug stores and big-box stores. (See http://www.cetaphil.com/ ) The Skin Store website has a very useful section that has identified products which may be beneficial for rosacea and acne rosacea sufferers. (See http://www.skinstore.com/store/category.asp?catID=8067 )

Use of a gentle moisturizer is recommended for rosacea and acne rosacea sufferers, and it should be applied lightly after any topical treatment has dried. Sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher is also a plus to keep irritation at bay when outdoors.

Uncontrolled rosacea and acne rosacea can lead to damage in the form of acne scarring and permanent dilation of blood vessels in the cheeks and nose. In extreme cases, rhinophyma occurs, which is bulbous growth of the nose, as in the case of the old-time actor W.C. Fields.

Despite the degree of rosacea or acne rosacea you are currently experiencing, remember that these conditions are very common, and acne rosacea will not go away on its own. It is essential to seek treatment to avoid worsening symptoms and ongoing damage to your skin.