The Symptoms of Vascular Rosacea

Vascular rosacea is a form of rosacea seen more commonly in women. Blood vessels under the skin of the face swell (telangiectasia). As a result, flushing and redness become persistent and, eventually, permanent. The affected skin may be slightly swollen and warm.
Some people, with a history of vascular rosacea, also develop inflammatory rosacea. With this form of the disease, people develop pink bumps (papules) and pimples. Thin red lines that look like a road map may also appear as the small blood vessels of the face get larger and show through the skin. Some people may have more than one type of rosacea at a time.

Steroid-Induced Rosacea

When a rosacea sufferer is treated for a prolonged time with topical steroids the disorder may at first respond, but inevitably the signs of steroid atrophy emerge with thinning of the skin and marked increase in Telangiectases.

The complexion becomes dark red with a copper-like hue. Soon the surface becomes studded with round, follicular, deep papulopustules, firm nodules, and even secondary comedones. The appearance is shocking with a flaming red, scaling, papule-covered face.

Steroid rosacea is an 'avoidable condition' which in addition to disfigurement is accompanied by severe discomfort and pain. Withdrawal of the steroid treatment is inevitably accompanied by exacerbation of the disease, a trying experience for a patient and physician.

Pre-Rosacea

Pre-rosacea is the earliest noticeable stage of rosacea. Signs and symptoms of pre-rosacea include frequent episodes of flushing or redness of the face and/or neck that come and go. Things that can cause an episode of pre-rosacea are exposure to the sun, emotional stress, alcohol, spicy foods, exercise, cold wind, hot foods and beverages, and hot baths. Again, each person is different and what might affect one person’s rosacea might not bother the next.

Conditions that can Occur With Rosacea

You can actually have more than one skin condition at a time! Many skin conditions can occur with rosacea or have symptoms similar to rosacea. In some cases, treatment of one skin condition can lead to another skin condition.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Often treatments used for acne such as accutane, retinoids, Azelaic acid, and benzoyl peroxide can aggravate the sensitive facial skin leading to the occurrence of rosacea. Rosacea can occur with acne or become the result of the treatment of acne.
Psoriasis causes the skin to become inflamed, while producing red, thickened areas with silvery scales. This persistent skin disease occurs most often on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. In some cases, psoriasis is so mild that people don't know they have it. Psoriasis, frequently treated with topical steroids will cause thinning of the skin and blood vessels causing the tell-tale blush or flush of rosacea.
Eczema is a term used to describe any type of red, blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish, thickened, and itching skin conditions. Again eczema is often treated with steroids leading to a steroid-induced rosacea condition.
Seborrheic Dermatitis can coexist with rosacea. Seborrheic dermatitis involves overactive sebaceous glands which cause inflammation, flaking and a red rash in the central portion of the face. If one looks closely, the flakes usually have a greasy look, smell and feel. The dryness of seborrheic dermatitis is perceived because of the flaking which consists of dried layers of accumulated oil. Seborrheic dermatitis causes yellowish scales to develop on the scalp, the hairline and the eyebrows; which is often confused with the crusting and scaling on the eyelids that occur with ocular rosacea. Topical steroids used in the treatment of dermatitis can create steroid induced rosacea.
Discoid (cutaneous) lupus is always limited to the skin and is identified by a rash that may appear on the face, neck and scalp. Lupus is distinguished by a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose.
Poison Ivy Rash is caused by a substance called urushiol, found in the sap of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. In those who are sensitive, urushiol causes a reaction in the form of a line or streak of rash (sometimes resembling insect bites) within 12-48 hours. Redness and swelling will be followed by blisters and severe itching which can in some cases resemble rosacea.
Insect Bites and Stings can produce local inflammatory reactions that may vary in appearance. Acute reactions may appear as hives; more chronic reactions may appear as inflammatory papule (circumscribed, solid elevations on the skin) or may be characterized by a blister or blisters.

For more information please visit:
http://www.internationalrosaceafoundation.org/

Rosacea Friendly Spices

Do you sometimes miss the tang of a spicey meal? Rosacea.org has publihed a list of alternatives to our favorite spices and seasonings.

For many people with rosacea, bold spicy flavors can turn a culinary adventure into a rosacea flush. If spicy foods are one of your rosacea triggers, here are some tips for avoiding flare-ups while keeping a little spice in your meal.

Eliminate or minimize hot spices. Cayenne and red pepper have been cited as rosacea triggers by more than a third of rosacea sufferers, while black pepper affected 18 percent and white pepper affected 9 percent.

Rather than red pepper or chili powder, try using 2 tsp cumin and 1 tsp oregano.

Replace traditional salsa with a fruit version made from 2 large ripe peaches cut into small cubes, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp chopped fresh mint (optional) and 1 cup fresh raspberries all gently mixed together.

Instead of curry powder, use 4 tsp coriander, 2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp basil or oregano and 1/2 tsp cardamom.

For poultry seasoning, try using 1/2 tsp sage, 1/2 tsp coriander, 1/4 tsp thyme, 1/8 tsp allspice and 1/8 tsp marjoram.

Earliest References to Rosacea in History

The French surgeon, Dr. Guy de Chauliac, in the 14th century, was the first person known to describe rosacea medically as a skin condition. Dr. de Chauliac talked about "red lesions in the face, particularly on the nose and cheeks." He called the condition "goutterose" (French for "pink droplet") or "couperose" (now a common French term for rosacea).

Others referred to rosacea as "gutta rosa" (the Latin version of "goutterose") or "pustule de vin" (French for "pimples of wine"). Whatever the name, the condition was well-known and commonly "attributed to the excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks," according to Dr. de Bersaques.

References to rosacea were also known in early literature. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and Shakespeare's Henry V include descriptions of men with red faces and enlarged noses. Artists through the centuries also have depicted rosacea in paintings of red faces and bulbous red noses. A painting in the Louvre, "The Old Man and His Grandson" by Ghirlandiao around the year 1480, is a well-known example.

Referenced from: de Bersaques, J: Historical Notes on Rosacea. European Journal of Dermatology. 1995;5:16-22.

Steroids and Rosacea

When a rosacea patient is erroneously treated for a prolonged time with topical steroids the skin may at first respond, but inevitably the signs of steroid atrophy emerge with thinning of the skin and marked increase in telangiectases.

The complexion becomes dark red with a copper-like hue. Soon the surface becomes studded with round, follicular, deep papulopustules, firm nodules, and even secondary comedones. The appearance is shocking with a flaming red, scaling, papule-covered face.

Steroid rosacea is an 'avoidable condition' which in addition to disfigurement is accompanied by severe discomfort and pain.

Withdrawal of the steroid treatment is inevitably accompanied by exacerbation of the disease, a trying experience for a patient and physician. (Drs. Gerd Plewig and Albert Kligman).

Always avoid steroids or cortisones for any purpose. If you are on them now, create a plan to taper off the steroid. Most dermatologists know not to prescribe a steroid for the treatment of rosacea.

For information on steroid use, please see First World Congress of the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology.