Rosacea Triggers

It is important in the treatment of rosacea to treat rosacea in as many ways as possible. Understand and identify the factors which trigger your rosacea. Those who modify their lifestyles, eating habits and reduce their level of stress often experience a much greater degree of rosacea clearing. While you try to treat the symptoms of rosacea that are most visible and distressing, you should also try to treat the cause!

Pityriasis Rosacea Explained

Pityriasis rosacea is a skin disease that is quite common in individuals between 10 - 35 years of age, affecting more females than males. The symptoms of pityriasis rosacea can last anywhere from several weeks to several months. The first symptom usually is a characteristic skin rash, or lesion, on the chest or back region known as a "herald" patch. The herald patch appears as a single, large pinkish/reddish/brownish-colored patch that is round to oval in shape and slightly raised usually with a scaly circular center.

Because of its appearance, the herald patch may be mistaken for ringworm which, in contrast to pityriasis rosea, is contagious, caused by fungus, and requires antifungal medication. Smaller, but similar, patches will manifest on the trunk, arms, and legs but rarely are the face, hands, or feet affected. Other symptoms may include itching, fatigue, and/or aches.

The cause of pityriasis rosacea is unknown, but it has been suspected to be of viral origin, cannot be passed between individuals, usually does not recur, and is not indicative of any internal disease.

Ocular Rosacea

The diagnosis of ocular rosacea should be considered when a patient's eyes have one or more of the following signs and symptoms: watery or bloodshot appearance (interpalpebral conjunctival hyperemia), foreign body sensation, burning or stinging, dryness, itching, light sensitivity, blurred vision, telangiectases of the conjunctiva and lid margin, or lid and periocular erythema. Blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and irregularity of the eyelid margins also may occur. Meibomian gland dysfunction presenting as chalazion or chronic staphylococcal infection as manifested by hordeolum (stye) are common signs of rosacea-related ocular disease. Some patients may have decreased visual acuity caused by corneal complications (punctate keratitis, corneal infiltrates/ulcers, or marginal keratitis). Treatment of cutaneous rosacea alone may be inadequate in terms of lessening the risk of vision loss resulting from ocular rosacea, and an ophthalmologic approach may be needed. Ocular rosacea is most frequently diagnosed when cutaneous signs and symptoms of rosacea are also present. However, skin signs and symptoms are not prerequisite to the diagnosis, and limited studies suggest that ocular signs and symptoms may occur before cutaneous manifestations in up to 20% of patients with ocular rosacea. Approximately half of these patients experience skin lesions first, and a minority have both manifestations simultaneously.

Geoffrey Nase - Another Ineffectvie Option for Rosacea?

[Update July 2005] In the last year, some in the rosacea community have lost faith in Geoffrey as a leader in rosacea. I want to believe that the last year doesn't mean that we have lost our hopes and dreams that came with Geoffrey ; but sadly my hopes appear to be poorly placed, states rosacea support group owner, David Pascoe.

Understanding Rosacea One Definition at a Time

An understanding of the often confusing terminology of rosacea, acne rosacea, and ocular rosacea can assit you in communicating effectively with your dermatologist and fully understanding the nature and course of your rosacea treatment and medication options. Rosacea-ltd provides descriptions of commonly used rosacea terms, including names of products and medications used in the treatment of rosacea and skin conditions that co-exist with rosacea, such as acne, eczema, lupus, and psoriasis.