Rosacea, a skin condition primarily affecting facial areas, manifests through symptoms such as facial flushing, redness, spots, skin thickening, and eye issues like dryness and soreness of the eyelids.
The American Academy of Dermatology offers a comprehensive description of Rosacea, delineating its various subtypes:
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Characterized by redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.
- Papulopustular rosacea: Exhibits redness, swelling, and acne-like eruptions.
- Phymatous rosacea: Notable for skin thickening and a bumpy texture.
- Ocular rosacea: Involves red, irritated eyes, swollen eyelids, and symptoms resembling a sty.
Rosacea can manifest as a combination of these subtypes, each requiring distinct treatment approaches.
Subtypes and their respective signs and symptoms include:
- Facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.
- Acne-like breakouts, often coinciding with red areas on the skin.
- Thickened skin, particularly evident on the nose (rhinophyma), with enlarged pores and oily skin.
Rosacea typically affects individuals aged 30-50, particularly those with fair skin and a family history of the condition. Its exact causes remain uncertain, although factors such as abnormalities in facial blood vessels, light skin color, the presence of Demodex folliculorum mites, H. pylori bacteria, and genetic predispositions are thought to contribute.