Update | May 2021 Author : José Campos Lopes Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown cause and affects a significant number of people. It is more frequent in: People who blush easily; Adults between 30-50 years old; People with light skin. What are the symptoms of rosacea? Extension of involvement is variable and symptoms vary with the severity of rosacea. Rosacea usually begins in the middle area the face, with flushing (redness). Gradually, it can involve the forehead, nose and chin. At first, the redness may only be sporadic. However, over time, it becomes permanent. At an earlier stage, visible blood vessels appear, which increase and contribute to an unsightly face look. Then, papules and pustules appear, like those found in acne, and there may be a varying degree of edema (swelling). In the most severe rosacea, the nose presents an important redness, a large development of sebaceous glands, of irregular shape and with a considerable increase in its dimensions, which is called rhinophyma . This is more common in men and sometimes affects other areas of the face. Other possible symptoms in rosacea include: Burning and lack of elasticity of the skin; Eye involvement, with burning, itching and conjunctivitis; Intolerance to cosmetics that were previously used. Recommendations to avoid rosacea worsening Avoid very hot drinks and spicy foods; Moderate caffeine and alcoholic beverages, which stimulate facial flushing; Use photoprotection: avoid direct sunlight, use skin protectors with high indexes and adapted to the type of skin. Apply it frequently; Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and sudden changes in temperature, which aggravate symptoms; Avoid rubbing, scratching or massaging the face; Use only suitable make-up and avoid cosmetics that contain alcohol. Treatment Diagnosing the disease is the first step in managing to control the situation. Rosacea does not tend to improve without treatment. To stop the inflammatory process and reverse the clinical signs, dermatologists usually recommend treatments adapted to each situation and which may involve: Specific hygiene products; Topical treatments (local application); Systemic treatments. It may take several weeks for considerable improvement to be achieved. The persistence of small dilated vessels can be treated with laser or intense pulsed light , temporarily accompanied by corrective makeup. The laser also has good results in the treatment of rhinophyma. You should also know that The key to success for rosacea recovery is early diagnosis and treatment . Without treatment there will be worsening of rosacea and greater difficulty in obtaining a good cosmetic result. Meet the dermatology team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
