Rosacea - CurateMD Skin Bar and Wellness Clinic
Everything you need to know about rosacea: causes, symptoms and treatments - Chandler, AZ
Skin hyperpigmentation, also known as discoloration, can take many forms. It can appear anywhere on the body, but is most common among people with dark skin. On the face and arms, it may look like freckles or age spots. On other parts of the body, you might see it as a range of brown shades between tan and black. The good news is that in most cases, skin hyperpigmentation isn’t anything to worry about — it’s just a cosmetic issue to fix if it bothers you. It’s a common problem for people of all ethnicities and ages. Hyperpigmentation is caused by natural aging or sun damage, or can occur after certain skin treatments (including lasers and IPL, peels) or inflammatory skin conditions.
What is rosacea?
The four subtypes
Rosacea is generally classified into four subtypes, based on the primary symptoms experienced by the individual:
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR): This subtype is characterized mainly by redness and flushing, as well as visible blood vessels.
- Papulopustular rosacea: Similar to acne, this subtype involves breakouts of red bumps and pus-filled pimples in addition to redness and visible blood vessels.
- Phymatous rosacea: This subtype leads to thickening of the skin, most often on the nose, causing it to become bumpy and enlarged.
- Ocular rosacea: Affecting the eyes, this subtype can cause redness, irritation, burning, and the sensation of having something in the eye.
Diagnosing rosacea
Lasers are most effective for treating epidermal pigmentation. The laser beam creates microscopic wounds in the skin, which then heal and re-epithelialize. This process improves melanin transfer from the basal cell layer to the outer layers of the epidermis, reducing pigment accumulation.
Lasers treat skin hyperpigmentation by targeting melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. They do this by emitting light at a certain wavelength, which means that only those cells that contain melanin will absorb the energy and respond by generating heat. Melanin is a rich source of energy, so it generates more heat than other cells in your body when exposed to laser energy.
Causes
Despite extensive research, the exact cause of rosacea remains unknown. However, several factors are believed to contribute to its development. These include:
- Genetics: Rosacea is more common among individuals with a family history of the condition, suggesting that genetics may play a role in its development.
- Vascular Issues: It is believed that problems with blood vessels in the face may contribute to the redness and visible blood vessels associated with rosacea.
- Demodex Mites: Demodex mites are tiny organisms that live on human skin. They are present in higher numbers on the skin of people with rosacea, leading some researchers to believe they may play a role in the condition’s development.
- Immune System Abnormalities: Some evidence suggests that an overactive immune system may contribute to the inflammation and redness characteristic of rosacea.
- Triggers: While the underlying cause of rosacea remains unclear, certain factors can trigger or worsen symptoms. Common triggers include sun exposure, extreme temperatures, hot or spicy foods, alcohol, stress, and certain skincare products.
Symptoms
Rosacea symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and not everyone will experience all possible symptoms. Some of the most common signs of rosacea include:
- Redness: Persistent facial redness, especially on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead
- Visible Blood Vessels: Small, broken blood vessels may become visible on the surface of the skin
- Blushing and Flushing: Frequent episodes of blushing or flushing that may last for several minutes or longer
- Bumps and Pimples: Red bumps or pus-filled pimples may develop, resembling acne
- Eye Irritation: Dry, itchy, or irritated eyes, as well as swollen eyelids, can be a sign of ocular rosacea
- Enlarged Nose: In more severe cases, the skin on the nose may thicken and become bulbous, a condition known as rhinophyma.
Treatment options
While there is currently no cure for rosacea, various treatment options are available to help manage its symptoms. Your dermatologist will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and may include a combination of the following approaches:
- Topical Medications:
Prescription creams and gels containing ingredients such azelaic acid, metronidazole, or ivermectin can help reduce redness, inflammation, and breakouts associated with rosacea. - Oral Medications: In more severe cases, oral antibiotics (such as doxycycline or minocycline) may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and clear up breakouts. For ocular rosacea, oral medications may also be necessary to manage eye symptoms.
- Laser and Light Therapies: Procedures such as pulsed-dye lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL), and vascular lasers can help reduce redness and visible blood vessels by targeting the affected blood vessels directly.
- Skin Care and Lifestyle Changes: Practicing good skincare by using gentle, non-irritating products and protecting your skin from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen can help minimize rosacea symptoms. Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as certain foods, alcohol, or stress, may also help keep symptoms under control.
