What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Rosacea usually causes persistent, diffuse redness mainly on the central part of the face. Small blood vessels on the nose and cheeks swell and become visible, creating the well-known spider veins. Small red bumps may also appear which look like acne pimples (acne rosacea). The skin can be dry, scaly and swollen and it feels warm and sensitive. Over time, there is thickening of the skin of the nose and the well-known rhinophyma appears a damage that occurs more often in men than in women.

Quite often the eyes are affected and the patients have tingling, itching and a feeling of dryness in the eyes, swollen eyelids or even blurred vision. It is known as ocular rosacea. In some patients, ocular symptoms precede skin symptoms.

What can make rosacea worse?

The cause of rosacea is unknown, but may be due to a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

Factors that can trigger rosacea are:

• Hot drinks and spicy foods.
• Red wine and other alcoholic beverages.
• Extreme temperatures.
• Sunlight and air.
• Stress.
• Exercise.
• Drugs that dilate blood vessels.
• Various cosmetic products.ιμοφόρα αγγεία.
• Διάφορα καλλυντικά προϊόντα.

What is the treatment for rosacea?

Treatment for rosacea focuses on improving the signs and symptoms. We use topical preparations such as azelaic acid, metronidazole, ivermectin as well as oral medications such as antibiotics (mainly tetracyclines) and sometimes isotretinoin (a common acne medicine). We also use special laser systems to treat diffuse redness and varicose veins. 

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