Acne Rosacea

Acne rosacea, one type of rosacea, is often confused confused with acne vulgaris.  The acne associated with rosacea is simply a symptom of the rosacea condition. 

Because acne is a symptom of rosacea it is important to understand rosacea.  Rosacea is a very common skin disorder that appears as a red rash which is normally confined to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.  The redness is often accompanied by bumps and pimples.  Small blood vessels (called telangiectasias) are usually visible on the surface of the skin and are one of the defining factors in differentiating acne vulgaris from acne rosacea.  Rosacea is more prevalent in women, but can be severe when found in men.  If left untreated, rosacea can cause swelling of the nose and the growth of excess tissue, a condition called rhinophyma.  The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it generally occurs in those of Northern European descent (those who blush easily) and almost always between the ages of 30 and 50.  The disorder involves enlargement of the blood vessels just under the skin.

Treatment for rosacea is different than for acne, and it is important that you consult a physician to determine whether you are suffering from acne vulgaris or rosacea.

Symptoms of rosacea include:

• rashes
• erythema (red areas on the face)
• discrete areas or the entire face
• a tendency to flush, blush easily
• increased vascularity (telangiectasis) of the face
• a red, sometimes bulbous nose
• acne-like skin eruptions (macules, nodules, pustules, may ooze or crust)
• a burning or stinging sensation of the face

There is no known cure for rosacea and therefore no cure for acne rosacea.  Treatments are generally aimed at controlling redness, inflammation, and skin irritations.   The newest and most promising rosacea treatments involving lasers look very promising.  The best results have been seen with pulse dye lasers, which are designed to treat vascular conditions such as port wine stains.  Long term treatment (5 to 8 weeks or more) with oral antibiotics such as tetracycline may control skin eruptions and oral medications similar to Vitamin A (isoretinol or Accutane) are a strong alternative.  The treatment of skin eruptions may also include long-term treatment with topical (applied to the skin) antibiotics such as metronidazole.  In severe cases, laser surgery can reduce redness and reduction of the swelling of the nose.

Although there is not a cure for rosacea and acne rosacea, there are ways to mitigate symptoms.  By avoiding trigger factors like sun exposure, hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme temperatures patients with rosacea can make the condition much less bothersome.