A Family Doctor's Tale - ACNE ROSACEA

DOC I HAVE ACNE ROSACEA

Acne Rosacea is red rashes which typically occur in patients above the 45 years and  more in females. It has been related to menopause and never occur in children. The rashes typically appear on the cheeks and are easily treated with antibiotics and anti- acne creams. There is no cure for Acne Rosacea.

Acne Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin which typically redness of the cheeks with maculopapular rashes.

Acne Rosacea occurs more in females than in males.

It is also more common in the middle ages.

It is rare in children

The cause of Acne Rosacea is unknown.
Some possible causes are:
1.menopause with flushing of the face due to hormonal causes

2.Excessive sebum production in the sebaceous glands

3.stress aggravate the condition

4.Alcohol and certain foods(seafood with its high histamine content, spicy food) can cause flushing

Onset is sudden or gradual.

They may last weeks or months and be recurrent.

Frequently they become chronic.

The typical rash of Acne Rosacea is well-defined :
1.red (rosy cheek)

2.small blood vessel seen in rashes

3.hypertrophic sebaceous glands without blockage of ducts

4.papules.

5.Typically on forehead, cheeks, nose, chin  or center of face

6.Associated seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp(dandruff)and eyelids(blepharitis)

7.Eye lesions may include:
tearing of eyes
photophobia (fear of bright light)
visual disturbances
corneal infections
conjunctivitis

All types of Acne Rosacea can affect a person’s quality of life. 1.Appearance

2.Blood vessel on nose

3.papular rashes on the face

Treatment depends on the severity and type of Acne Rosacea.
1. mild cases may not require any treatment

2.Avoid food that can cause flushing such as alcohol, spicy foods, hot drinks

3.Avoid stress and tension

Treatments:
1.Topical Medicines include:
sulphur containing creams and shampoo to dry the oil from the skin

2.Systemic antibiotics like tetracycline or erythromycin

3.Phototherapy (with ultraviolet B, psoralen with ultraviolet A, radiation)

4.Avoid corticosteroids which usually make the condition worse

5.Surgical treatment of rhinnophyma and laser treatment of dilated blood vessels

At the present moment there is no known cure for Acne Rosacea.

Medicines have been able to reduce the severity of inflammation and improve the quality of life.

Treatment is good with prolonged antibiotic therapy.

Lifelong treatment may be necessary to control signs and symptoms.