Not every bump you see on your face is an acne. There are various other skin conditions that can be seen in our day to day lives.
Rosacea is a type of inflammatory skin condition which is often mistaken for acne.
In this blog, I will be discussing about 'Rosacea'.
Rosacea is a relatively common inflammatory skin problem in persons with fair skin.
It is uncommonly reported in people with skin of color (darker skin tone).
It is characterized by redness and inflammation on cheeks and nose. The face looks blushed up in people suffering from Rosacea.
It's exact causative factor has not been understood well. Environmental factors, microbial agents, immune system and genetics can play a part.
How to diagnose Rosacea?
In 2004, the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee devised a classification system to help standardize the diagnosis of rosacea.
The committee classified the primary and secondary characteristics of rosacea, with the presence of more than one primary feature being indicative of the diagnosis.
Secondary features may or may not be present.
Primary features include flushing of facial skin, redness, papules or small bumps like acne and visible small blood vessels on skin.
Secondary features include burning sensation, scaly and itchy skin, dry skin, facial swelling or oedema, eye problems.
In simpler terms, skin can be flushy and sensitive in rosacea.
How to get rid of Rosacea?
With proper management and treatment the effects of Rosacea can be controlled or minimised.
Topical medicine application, oral medicines like anti-inflammatory pills, laser treatments and chemical peels are available for Rosacea treatment. Depending on the condition of each patient, treatments are customised.
The overall treatment is aimed towards reducing redness, inflammation and promoting facial rejuvenation.
Commonly prescribed medicines by doctors are:
Brimonidine - A gel to reduce redness on face by tightening blood vessels.
Azelaic Acid - Facewash and Cream to get rid of small bumps on face and swelling.
Metrogyl or doxycycline - To treat the bacteria present on the skin to reduce the infection.
Isotretinoin- To reduce the dark spots. This is not used during pregnancy or if you are planning to get pregnent as it has adverse effects.
Intensed Pulse Light- Uses a particular wavelength of light to get rid of bigger blood vessels present superficially which causes redness.
Microdermabrasion- To get rid of dead skin build up on the top layer of your skin.
Chemical Peels- To exfoliate the dead layers of skin.