What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes chronic inflammation on the face, head, and neck. It affects 15 million people in the U.S. There are several types of rosacea, each with characteristic lesions. A person can even have more than one type of rosacea. Due to the chronic and often debilitating nature of this condition, it is important to utilize the expertise of a dermatologist to treat it.
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
Also known as ETR, this is the most common type of rosacea. Common symptoms include flushing of the face, nose, and forehead. Over time, the condition can worsen to include the scalp and chin with visible blood vessels. It may be associated with swelling, warmth, and tingling sensations. It may also be associated with dry, scaly skin.
Papulopustular Rosacea
This is also known as acne rosacea. In addition to the classic redness and dilated blood vessels, this type of rosacea also causes acne-like breakouts. Large papules and pustules can cause damage in the deep layers of the skin, resulting in scars just like those caused by acne. The face, neck, chest, and shoulders can be affected. These lesions can be painful. Unlike hormonal acne which affects adolescents and young men and women, this condition often affects middle-aged men and women.
Phymatous Rosacea
Phymatous rosacea patients develop hardened and thickened areas of skin. These areas can become bumpy and take on a texture similar to hypertrophic scar tissue. When the nose is affected, a condition known as rhinophyma occurs. Rhinophyma is when the skin on the nose area thickens, causing a large and bumpy appearance of the nose, with enlarged pores, redness, and dilated blood vessels. This occurs when the rosacea is poorly managed. This is more common in men but overall, it is one of the less common forms of rosacea.
Ocular Rosacea
Finally, ocular rosacea is the type that affects the eyes. Redness and inflammation can be seen in the eyes and around the eyes and eyelids. People with ocular rosacea suffer from a burning, tearing, and dryness of their eyes. They may become sensitive to bright lights, known as photosensitivity. Vision can even be affected, affecting a person’s ability to live life normally. Their eyes may appear chronically red and bloodshot, sometimes with cyst formation, called styes. This form of rosacea is often misdiagnosed.
Schedule an Appointment
If you think you may have rosacea, please take the first step in treating your condition by setting up a consultation with our dermatologists at Trillium Creek Dermatology. Our offices are located in Medina, Wooster, Brunswick, and Wadsworth, Ohio. This is a treatable condition but if left untreated, the condition may worsen, cause permanent damage to your skin, and negatively impact your quality of life. Our providers at Trillium Creek Dermatology will help treat your rosacea and keep it under control.
