구월동피부과 Rosacea is a long-term skin condition with periods of symptom flare-ups and remission. It affects men and women, but is most common in people with fair skin of Celtic or Northern European descent.
Symptoms include persistent redness (erythema), a bumpy, pus-filled rash (papulopustular rosacea) and visible blood vessels on the skin’s surface (telangiectasia). It can also cause the nose to thicken and become enlarged (rhinofymia). Symptoms are most obvious on the face, but they can also appear on the scalp or ears.
Symptoms
Symptoms of rosacea may first appear on the forehead, nose, cheeks or chin. A persistent redness (flushing) occurs, and the skin becomes scaly and rough. In a few people, the skin on the neck, chest or scalp may develop red patches as well. In the most severe cases, rosacea can cause eye problems including styes and conjunctivitis. Rarely, the nose can become enlarged and unshapely (rhinophyma).
The bumps that form on the skin can look like acne, but rosacea doesn’t produce blackheads or deep cysts. The inflammatory skin lesions are called papules and pus-filled pimples. Sometimes, the red bumps are accompanied by burning or itching. Visible blood vessels, thickening skin and a growth of excess skin on the nose and cheeks (rhinophyma) are also signs of rosacea.
Your doctor will diagnose rosacea by examining your skin and talking with you about your symptoms. He or she will recommend a regimen of oral and topical medicines to treat your symptoms. You should see improvements in a few weeks to months.
Some alternative therapies, such as emu oil and oregano oil, have been suggested for 구월동피부과 rosacea treatment, but there is little scientific evidence that they are effective. Talk to your doctor about whether these or any other treatments are right for you. If rosacea is affecting your emotional health, consider seeking support from an in-person or online rosacea support group.
Diagnosis
There is no skin test for rosacea, so your doctor must diagnose it from your symptoms and medical history. He or she may also order blood tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar facial lesions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or an infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
The signs and symptoms of rosacea are different for everyone, but they usually include red areas on the face, dilated blood vessels, pimples, pus-filled spots that look like acne, and enlarged blood vessels on the nose. In some people, the skin thickens and becomes bumpy. This form of the condition is called phymatous rosacea and it often affects the forehead, cheeks, chin, neck, or ears. The most serious symptom of rosacea is eye irritation, which can be caused by redness, itching or burning, watery eyes, and styes. If left untreated, the eyes can become damaged and lose their ability to see.
Rosacea can occur at any age but is most common after 30. It is more common in women than men, and it typically appears in fair-skinned people of Celtic or North European descent. It is underdiagnosed in people with darker skin, and it may be more difficult to treat. Researchers believe that several things can cause rosacea: problems with the blood vessels, sun damage, a genetic predisposition, certain medications, inflammation from other diseases, and an overactive immune system.
Treatment
The first line of treatment is general skin care, including gentle cleaning and avoiding known triggers. Patients should use sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher on all exposed areas of the body, and choose cosmetics that are appropriate for sensitive skin.
For the erythematotelangiectatic form, specific topical treatments include azelaic acid, metronidazole and sodium sulfacetamide, while newer creams like brimonidine, oxymetazoline and ivermectin decrease redness by temporarily constricting blood vessels. Oral isotretinoin or low-dose, modified-release tetracyclines are used as anti-inflammatory agents in combination with other therapies. Laser therapies, especially pulsed dye and intense pulsed light, can also be very helpful.
Ocular symptoms are common in rosacea and should be treated promptly. Symptoms may include watery eyes, dryness, burning sensations and redness of the eyelids. The eyelids can swell and the sebaceous glands can become blocked, resulting in itching, a gritty sensation or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history and do a physical exam. They will look closely at your skin and the area around your eyes. If the symptoms of rosacea are severe, they may refer you to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to reduce enlarged and bulbous noses (rhinophyma). Other procedures include lasers, peels, and dermabrasion. The most important thing is to see a doctor before the symptoms worsen.
Prevention
The best way to prevent rosacea is to avoid its triggers. Some of these are hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, and stress. Other factors that can trigger a flare-up are sunlight and temperature changes, hot baths, saunas, and exercise. It is important to protect skin from the sun with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Using an over-the-counter facial moisturizer that contains licorice can help reduce redness. Some people with rosacea find that taking low-dose oral meds, such as brimonidine (Mirvaso) or a topical steroid cream or gel, can control the symptoms of rosacea.
If you’re self-conscious about your redness, try using a green-tinted cover-up. It hides blood vessels and helps conceal bumps. It also can help if you cut out stimulants, like caffeine and spicy foods. It’s a good idea to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from sun glare, which can exacerbate flushing.
If your symptoms get worse, talk to a doctor or skin specialist (dermatologist) for a diagnosis. There is no cure for rosacea, but medication can keep it under control and lessen its severity. There are also many home remedies that can be used to help reduce the symptoms of rosacea. The symptoms of rosacea usually come and go, but if left untreated it can become permanent. The condition can also cause the cornea, the transparent layer at the front of the eyeball, to become inflamed and damaged. This is a serious problem and can lead to loss of vision.