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Rosacea
These lectures are not meant to replace your physician and are simply provided as
a free educational service to all our visitors. If you feel that you have a
skin problem, please see your doctor.
Rosacea is a chronic disorder of the face in middle-aged and older persons. It
is characterized by a vascular component (erythema or redness and
telangiectasia or tiny superficial blood vessels) with or without an acneiform
eruption (seen as red pimples or pus pimples). Occasionally, it may be
associated with rhinophymna (W.C Field's nose) which is overgrowth of oil
producing glands of the skin. It is more common in women and individuals of
celtic background.
Rosacea may be associated with eye findings such as blepharitis (inflammation
of eyelids/lashes), or conjuctivitis (inflammation of conjunctiva) manifest as
red eyes. There is no definite known cause of Rosacea. The disease may slowly
increase in extent and spontaneous remission is uncommon.
Treatment includes avoidance of known precipitants of flares of disease
activity such as hot liquids, highly seasoned foods, caffeine and alcoholic
beverages. Additionally, oral tetracyclines have been shown to improve the
condition, particularly the acneiform component. Lastly, effective topical
medicines include metronidazole, clindamycin, and sulfur containing creams
which are used frequently.
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