Rosacea- a kind of skin problem
Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition which
principally affects the face. Rosacea causes facial redness and produces
small, red, pus-filled pustules (bumps). Rosacea worsens with time if
left untreated. It is often mistaken for acne or eczema, or some other skin allergy.
Approximately 1 in every 20 Americans - 14 million people - are
estimated to be affected with rosacea. As it is frequently misdiagnosed
the incidence may be a lot higher. A Gallup survey revealed that 78% of
Americans do not know anything about rosacea, its symptoms or what to do
about it.The following lists the signs and symptoms through a classification system that rosacea experts created. To be diagnosed with rosacea, a person must have at least one of the primary features. They also tend to have several secondary features.
Primary Features of Rosacea
The following are the primary features of rosacea, and a person must have one or more of these on the mid-face.Flushing that comes and goes
Persistent flushing
Bumps and pimples
Visible blood vessels
While having one or more of these features does not mean a person has rosacea, without one of these features a diagnosis of rosacea is rare.
Secondary Features of Rosacea
Rosacea sufferers with primary features also tend to have one or more of the following signs and symptoms, which are the secondary features. However, some people may experience only one or more of these secondary features:Burning or stinging of facial skin
Raised red patches
Appearance of dry skin
Facial swelling
Eye problems, such as burning or itching, sties or chalazia (cyst of the eyelid)
One or more primary feature (listed above) on another area of the body
Thickening of the skin, such as rhinophyma, which is a thickening of the skin on the nose.
Four Subtypes of Rosacea:
Rosacea experts created four distinct subtypes (when primary and
secondary features commonly occur together). They agree that rosacea
patients may have the signs and symptoms of more than one subtype at
the same time. Subtype 1: Facial Redness, Flushing, Visible Blood Vessles
Subtype: Erythematotelangiectatic type rosacea
Signs and symptoms:
Flushing and persistent redness of the central face (main characteristicc)
Visible blood vessels often seen
Swelling of the central face
Stinging and burning sensations
Dry skin, roughness or scaling
A history of flushing (This alone is common among patients with this subtype.
Subtype 2: Bumps and Pus-filled Lesions
Subtype: Papulopustular rosacea
Signs and symptoms:
Acne-like bumps and pus-filled lesions form, which is why this subtype is often called “acne rosacea.” The breakouts tend to come and go and may appear along with persistent facial redness, primarily on the central face.
Burning and stinging sensations may occur
Visible blood vessels may be present
Subtype 3: Thickening Skin
Subtype: Phymatous rosacea
Signs:
Thickening skin
Irregular skin texture and enlarging skin, especially of the nose—may also occur on the chin, forehead, cheeks and ear
Visible blood vessels or large pores may appear in the affected area
This subtype frequently occurs with or follows another subtype.
Subtype 4: Eye Problems
Subtype: Ocular rosacea