A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

ACNE ROSACEA

What is Acne Rosacea ?

Acne rosacea is a type of skin inflammation affecting the face, especially the cheeks, forehead and nose. It can affect any age group but has two peaks of incidence, an early peak in late teens and early 20s and a late peak in the 40s and 50s. Initially flushing of the face occurs, which leads to prominent redness of the cheeks and nose, along with prominent broken veins. From time to time, the affected skin will become more inflamed, with swelling, spots and pus spots (pustules) developing. In people who have had the condition for a long time, the nose can become enlarged and distorted. This is a condition called rhinophyma. Persistent facial swelling and inflammation affecting the eyes is also seen in some patients.

How does Acne Rosacea occur ?

The cause of acne rosacea is unknown, but there are many theories. The majority of people who develop it experience easy flushing and blushing related to emotion, caffeine or alcohol. Some people become worse in the sun. It appears that the small blood vessels in the skin over-react to different factors. This eventually leads to the permanent redness and broken veins seen in this disease. Acne rosacea is not contagious. It is a disease, which runs in families.

Why does Acne Rosacea occur ?

Acne rosacea is commoner in women but often more severe in men. It seems to be commoner in people from north-western Europe and among the Celts. Flare-ups may be caused by sun exposure and also by alcohol, caffeine, and certain foods including cheese. It is impossible to predict what will worsen the symptoms of rosacea, but if you find anything, which worsens the condition, you should avoid it.

Treatment Involved forAcne Rosacea

Mild cases may be treated with the application of an antibiotic cream or ointment. The inflammation of acne rosacea is most easily treated with antibiotics, which will be given to you either as a cream or ointment, or in tablet form. Flushing attacks can be treated with tablets that stimulate the alpha or block beta-receptor of the autonomic nervous system. Deformities of the nose will respond to cosmetic surgery. The redness and broken veins of this disease will respond to laser treatment or to new form of light therapy such as Photoderm treatment.

ANTIBIOTICS

The tetracycline antibiotics are the most effective ones for swelling or spots. These drugs must be taken on an empty stomach, an hour before eating anything. Minocycline is not affected by food in the stomach and, if prescribed for you, does not have to be taken on an empty stomach. Other types of antibiotics such as erythromycin may also be used. They must be taken regularly as prescribed. You will probably notice improvement within 4 weeks. The redness of the skin, which can be concealed by make-up, may respond after prolonged treatment, but occasionally persists. If the tablets are suddenly stopped, your acne rosacea may flare up badly. The tablets may need to be taken for several months to control the condition: once it is under control, they are slowly reduced.

OTHER DRUGS

If redness of the skin is a marked problem, a drug called clonidine (which stimulates alpha-receptors of the autonomic nervous system) may be prescribed for you. This helps to reduce the size of blood vessels in the skin, and therefore the redness. If clonidine does not work, your doctor may try a beta-blocker – a drug usually used for high blood pressure, which may help suppress flushing and redness of the skin.

CREAMS

Strong steroid creams may make rosacea worse and should be avoided. Mild steroid creams, often in combination with sulphur are still used in rosacea and may be helpful. Antibiotic lotions or creams may be very effective in the early stages of this condition, used separately or with antibiotic tablets. Specific creams and gels have been prepared for rosacea, which contains the antibiotic metronidazole. You may also be given an alcoholic lotion or cream containing an antibiotic.

COSMETIC SURGERY

If rhinophyma (described earlier) occurs, the nose can be reshaped very easily and effectively by cosmetic surgery or by a treatment called electrocautery.

During Treatment for Acne Rosacea

As usual with use of antibiotics, women may develop an irritating vaginal disease (thrush) while taking the tablets. The antibiotics are otherwise safe and have few long-term side effects. Any drug can cause unexpected or rare side effects. If you develop any symptoms that you cannot attribute to a cause, you should seek advice from your GP. As a general rule, the antibiotics should not be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women. If tetracyclines (particularly minocycline) are being used, a rare complication may arise in which fluid builds up around the brain. This leads to severe headaches. Although this problem settles quickly once the antibiotics are stopped, you should nevertheless let your doctor know if this problem occurs. Some of the topical preparation may irritate the skin and may make the redness worse. These are usually the ones containing alcohol.

After Treatment for Acne Rosacea

Acne rosacea may recur from time to time. These flare-ups will respond to repeated courses of treatment.

If Left Untreated

Acne rosacea is a chronic condition which, if untreated, will tend to persist. The inflammation will lead to pustules and swelling of the cheeks, forehead and chin. Swelling and deformity of the nose will follow. In severe cases, the eyes may become red and sore as well and sore as well and in severe cases this can cause impairment of vision.

Effects on Family of Acne Rosacea

Rosacea is a disease that runs in families and there may be other family members affected. The redness or erythema associated with acne rosacea can be very upsetting for patients and many patients become depressed and preoccupied by it. Support from family and friends are essential to help them cope with it.

Help for those with Acne Rosacea

Acne Free In 3 Days. All Natural Cure For Stopping Acne In 3 Days!

Acne No More (tm): Cure Acne Holistically! Cure Acne Naturally And Permanently Using The Only Clinically Proven And Unique Step By Step Holistic Acne System.

Acne Cured The E-Book. A Proven Protocol To Cure The Root Cause Of Acne 100%.