Facts about Acne and Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin disorder limited to the cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead. This condition usually manifests itself during adulthood. The facial skin becomes reddened, oily, and even bumpy. In many cases, small red blood vessels are visible. In extreme cases, the nose may appear not only very red but scaly and bulbous.

How Does Acne Rosacea Affect My Skin?

In most cases, rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, dilated blood vessels or "spider veins" on the face, edema (swelling), and pus-filled blemishes or pimples. The disorder can affect both men and women of all ages, but it is commonly found in middle-aged individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. It is also three times more common in women than men and among people with light or fair complexions (Caucasians).

Difference between Acne Vulgaris and Acne Rosacea?

In order to distinguish between rosacea and acne vulgaris, the presence of blackheads (comedones) occur only in acne while only rosacea involves persistent flushing and redness of the skin. Moreover, body lesions could also be present on other areas of the body (chest, back, scalp, and shoulders) in cases of acne.

Types of Acne Rosacea

Rosacea has four subtypes - 3 types affect the skin and the fourth affects the eyes (ocular rosacea). The first subtype is characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and flushing. Other signs and symptoms of subtype 1 include sensitive skin, redness and flushing in the center of the face, broken blood vessels or spider veins, swollen skin, stinging and burning skin, dry/rough/scaly skin, and/or a tendency to blush/flush more easily than other people.

The second subtype is characterized by intermittent acne-like breakouts. Other signs and symptoms of subtype 2 include red/flushed skin, oily skin, very sensitive skin, burning and stinging skin, spider veins, and raised skin patches called plaques (plaks). This subtype was previously referred to as acne rosacea before the distinction between acne and rosacea was better understood.

The third subtype is characterized by thickening skin. This subtype of the condition is quite rare. Other signs and symptoms of subtype 3 include a bumpy texture to the skin, oily skin, spider veins, enlarged pores, and thickening skin on the cheeks, ears, chin, forehead, and nose (especially common around the nose). When the skin thickens on the nose, it is referred to as rhinophyma. A person who suffers from this subtype usually has signs and/or symptoms of another subtype of rosacea.

The fourth subtype is known as ocular rosacea. It is characterized by very dry eyes, photosensitivity, bloodshot or watery eyes, itchy eyes, blurry vision, spider veins or cysts on eyelids, burning/stinging/gritty feeling in eyes, and/or impaired vision.

It is common for patients to experience more than one rosacea subtype at the same time and even experience other skin disorders in addition to their rosacea. It is also important to note that if this condition is left untreated, it might worsen over time and with age. Moreover, treatment with topical steroid creams can, in fact, exacerbate the condition. On the other hand, oral medications and/or lifestyle changes have proven quite effective in alleviating symptoms and improving skin appearance.

Natural Remedies for Acne Rosacea

In terms of natural and/or homeopathic treatments, given the sensitive skin commonly attributed to rosacea patients, any home treatments or natural remedies should be used with caution. As with any rosacea therapy, some people could experience irritation or sensitivity with treatment. Some natural remedies for treating rosacea include tea tree oil, dilute vinegar solution, and green tea applications.

In conclusion, just remember that the effective acne rosacea treatments may already be in your kitchen. With a healthy anti acne diet and the regular use of an acne rosacea facial mask and scrub, you will have clear skin in no time at all.