Rosacea

One of the most common facial rashes that develops in adults, rosacea leads to redness, telangiectasia (broken capillaries), and inflammatory papules (pimples).

These are located over the nose, chin, and inner cheeks. It is typically seen in those of Celtic origin — German, English, Irish, etc., but can be found in any ethnic group. Rosacea patients often note that they flush and blush much more frequently than others, particularly after some triggers such as alcohol or spicy food consumption. It is typically a gradually worsening condition, beginning with just redness that becomes more and more noticeable, followed by the development of the broken blood vessels and actual breakout bumps that are the hallmark of active rosacea.

Left untreated, rosacea can lead to more severe changes, including rhinophyma, a bulbous, lumpy distortion of the nose that was a famous characteristic of the 20th century comedian, W.C. Fields. Another frequent complication of rosacea is ocular rosacea, which leads to chronic swelling of the eyelids, red, bloodshot eyes, and a sensation of constant dryness and tiredness of the eyes.Treatment begins with sun protection, because sun exposure appears to worsen rosacea. Active treatment may involve the use of one of several topical creams, typically containing an antibiotic. More severe cases may require long term treatment with oral antibiotics such as tetracycline. Oral antibiotics are generally the only effective treatment for ocular rosacea.