Home > Medical > Skin Health > About skin Updated 08 March 2013 Why do I always blush? Why do I always get hot flushes on my face? You may have rosacea. 0 Pin It Dr Newaj and Dr Eve Talk Body Talk forum » Ask CyberDoc » Test Micronutrient reference tool » Like Health24 on Facebook » What my scar means to me Body modification We all have embarrassing questions that we’re too afraid to ask. Have no fear. In this weekly series Dr Rakesh Newaj and Dr Eve tackle rosacea.Rosacea is a chronic relapsing skin disorder characterized by facial flushing, persistent redness of the face, small arteries becoming visible on the face, and acne-like lesions affecting the central face. It can also affect the nose and the eyes. This disease starts in ones twenties and progresses with time. It affects all races, though it is more visible in white skin. An interesting fact of this condition is that the nose can increase in size, but patients usually do not notice this. Rosacea is quite commonly encountered in a dermatology practice. Basically, the arteries supplying the face become hyperactive and increase the blood flow to the affected areas. This results in an increase in nutrients and growth factors, which stimulates the sebaceous glands to enlarge. There is growth of many small capillaries on the face and eyes. The main presentation is that of small arteries on the face or a persistent blush. The National Rosacea Society has described a classification system based on 4 main subtypes: • The erythematotelangiectatic type is characterised by frequent blush and the appearance of small capillaries on the face. • The papulopustular type looks very similar to Acne and can only be differentiated by a dermatologist. • As for the phymatous type, the nose becomes red, rough and increases in size( more common in males). The eyes are affected in about 25% of cases, whereby the person feels a constant irritation of the eyes. They also get injected and red. • The granulomatous variant looks like severe Acne and can cause permanent skin damage. This disease can contribute to lower self-esteem and have significant psychosocial implications, e.g. stress at work and social isolation. This can have a significant impact on quality of life.Once established, the disease tends to progress and cause permanent damage to the cheeks, nose and eyes. Therefore early diagnosis and treatment is very important. What are the trigger factors?Anything that can cause vasodilatation (widening) of the arteries of the face, should be avoided. Too much hot coffee, tea etc., smoking, alcohol and spicy foods have all been implicated. However, the sun can also aggravate the disease; therefore a strong sunscreen is required. In some patients, the disease can be controlled by simple habit modification and lifestyle changes.However, others need medication and regular dermatology follow-up. Medications include Doxycycline, sulphur creams, metronidazole gel, azelaic acid creams and in severe cases, low doses of oral retinoids. These treatments are lifelong and needs to be modified according to response. In some cases, patients do benefit from laser therapy, however, this also requires repeated treatment. In brief, Rosacea is a fairly common disease and treatment is available. One needs to understand that it is chronic and can damage the facial skin if left untreated. This and other embarrassing questions will be answered weekly by sexologist, Elna McIntosh and dermatologist, Dr Rakesh Newaj.Visit the InterSEXions Facebook page and also keep a lookout for the SABC1 TV series now showing. More in Medical Psoriasis More: Skin HealthAbout skin advertisement Get a quote Selfmed - the one with the apple Momentum - save up to 35% on healthcare Medihelp - quality, affordable medical scheme cover advertisement Read Health24’s Comments Policy Comment on this story 0 comments Add your comment Thank you, your comment has been submitted. Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Loading comments... Other news Diet and nutrition Diet drinks 'as bad as meth addiction' Diet and nutrition Purple tomatoes more ‘tasty and healthy’ Medical Type 2 diabetes progresses faster in kids Mental health The science behind the itch Fitness Exercise should be core subject at school Medical Losing weight may ease heartburn From our sponsors Hill's Science Plan Canine Mini range What is Diabetic Neuropathy? There are more than 200 different viruses which can cause a cold A clinically proven skin care range is now available Live healthier Be vitamin-smart » A-Z of vitamins What is vitamin C? Ask the expert Why we need vitamin D Even in a country with an abundance of sunlight you might have a vitamin D deficiency. Here's why. Beat acne » Stars with scars Acne tips Skincare Myths about acne Through the ages, there have been many myths about acne. We list the myths and give you the facts.
0 Pin It Dr Newaj and Dr Eve Talk Body Talk forum » Ask CyberDoc » Test Micronutrient reference tool » Like Health24 on Facebook » What my scar means to me Body modification We all have embarrassing questions that we’re too afraid to ask. Have no fear. In this weekly series Dr Rakesh Newaj and Dr Eve tackle rosacea.Rosacea is a chronic relapsing skin disorder characterized by facial flushing, persistent redness of the face, small arteries becoming visible on the face, and acne-like lesions affecting the central face. It can also affect the nose and the eyes. This disease starts in ones twenties and progresses with time. It affects all races, though it is more visible in white skin. An interesting fact of this condition is that the nose can increase in size, but patients usually do not notice this. Rosacea is quite commonly encountered in a dermatology practice. Basically, the arteries supplying the face become hyperactive and increase the blood flow to the affected areas. This results in an increase in nutrients and growth factors, which stimulates the sebaceous glands to enlarge. There is growth of many small capillaries on the face and eyes. The main presentation is that of small arteries on the face or a persistent blush. The National Rosacea Society has described a classification system based on 4 main subtypes: • The erythematotelangiectatic type is characterised by frequent blush and the appearance of small capillaries on the face. • The papulopustular type looks very similar to Acne and can only be differentiated by a dermatologist. • As for the phymatous type, the nose becomes red, rough and increases in size( more common in males). The eyes are affected in about 25% of cases, whereby the person feels a constant irritation of the eyes. They also get injected and red. • The granulomatous variant looks like severe Acne and can cause permanent skin damage. This disease can contribute to lower self-esteem and have significant psychosocial implications, e.g. stress at work and social isolation. This can have a significant impact on quality of life.Once established, the disease tends to progress and cause permanent damage to the cheeks, nose and eyes. Therefore early diagnosis and treatment is very important. What are the trigger factors?Anything that can cause vasodilatation (widening) of the arteries of the face, should be avoided. Too much hot coffee, tea etc., smoking, alcohol and spicy foods have all been implicated. However, the sun can also aggravate the disease; therefore a strong sunscreen is required. In some patients, the disease can be controlled by simple habit modification and lifestyle changes.However, others need medication and regular dermatology follow-up. Medications include Doxycycline, sulphur creams, metronidazole gel, azelaic acid creams and in severe cases, low doses of oral retinoids. These treatments are lifelong and needs to be modified according to response. In some cases, patients do benefit from laser therapy, however, this also requires repeated treatment. In brief, Rosacea is a fairly common disease and treatment is available. One needs to understand that it is chronic and can damage the facial skin if left untreated. This and other embarrassing questions will be answered weekly by sexologist, Elna McIntosh and dermatologist, Dr Rakesh Newaj.Visit the InterSEXions Facebook page and also keep a lookout for the SABC1 TV series now showing. More in Medical Psoriasis More: Skin HealthAbout skin