Dr. Romero is an expert in Dermatology, specializing in acne, rosacea and atopic dermatitis. In this article he talks about rosacea, gives us tips for its prevention and explains the most suitable treatments for each type of rosacea.
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that evolves in outbreaks.
When and how rosacea usually appears
Rosacea most often appears around the age of 30, although it can appear at older ages.
It is manifested by the appearance of papular lesions (pimples), which may be centered by a head of pus, reddish skin and a tendency to redden. These outbreaks are associated with various discomforts such as itching, burning sensation and prickling. The outbreaks appear mostly in the central area of the face.
What causes rosacea and how can it be prevented?
The cause of rosacea is unknown. In individuals with a genetic predisposition, certain factors may favor the onset of the disease and subsequent outbreaks, such as stressful situations or sun exposure.
To limit the intensity of subsequent outbreaks, it is important to avoid stressful situations, heat or sun exposure, as well as eating spicy foods.
Treatment for rosacea
Depending on the predominant clinical type of rosacea, one treatment or another will be applied. There are four forms and they can be combined:
– Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
– Papulopustular
– Phymatous
– Ocular
For mild papulopustular forms, creams or gels with azelaic acid, metronidazole or ivermectin may be useful. In more resistant cases, antibiotics such as doxycycline or retinodies such as oral isotretinoin.
The erythematotelangiectatic forms can be treated with brimonidine cream and for more advanced cases, with laser. The rarer phymatous form usually requires surgical procedures.