It doesn’t have to come to that. The disease usually begins gradually in the third decade of life. Spicy foods, emotional stress, entering warm rooms, but also drinking alcohol initially lead to a noticeable influx of heat in the cheek area. Externally there is a clear, unmistakable redness, which can possibly be misinterpreted as an exclusively emotional blush.
The trigger is an initially temporary, later permanent and increasing dilation of the blood vessels in the middle area of the face. This diffuse, purple-colored redness is increased over time by fine but clearly visible veins. The nose is not left out and was popularly referred to as the “schnapps nose”. As the disease progresses, red nodules develop that can contain a head of pus.
Only occurring in men, but now becoming rarer, the nasal relief can become coarser and enlarged in the form of a “bulgy nose”.
But a doughy thickening of the facial skin, which can be caused by lymphatic congestion, also increases the disfigurement of the face.
It is not uncommon for eye symptoms, such as inflammation of the eyelid edges or the conjunctiva, to precede the skin symptoms.
The causes of rosacea are not yet known. The pathological changes occur in the area of the blood and lymph vessels as well as in the hair follicles. Other provocation factors are inflammation of the gastric mucosa and skin colonization with the Demodex mite.
Due to the unsightliness of the skin changes, those affected develop a very high level of suffering. It puts a strain on self-esteem, acceptance in relationships and professional opportunities.
There are a number of good therapeutic options for curing or getting this disease under control.
A food log can be used to determine which foods or drinks can aggravate the skin. This generally applies to spicy foods, as they have a vasodilating effect.
Skin care should ideally be at a pH value of 5.5. UV light in solariums or natural sunbathing can make things worse as well as better. This varies from person to person. However, you should consult a dermatologist about sun protection before visiting a solarium or sunbathing.
The fine veins can be permanently and completely removed using a special vascular laser. This can prevent the progression of the disease. Nodules and pus pimples are treated with basic therapy containing metronidazole. At this stage, professional skin cleansing is also recommended. But other active ingredients, such as azelaic acid or isotretinoin, can also be used externally. Swelling of the skin is reduced by a lymph-relieving massage.
If these measures are not sufficient, internal antibiotics or isotretinoin can be used successfully.
The therapeutic goal is achieved when not only the normal skin condition but also the patient’s smile has been restored.
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