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Rosacea

This is a common chronic disorder of the skin characterised by redness, flushing, and other cutaneous findings.


Risk factors:

  • Pale skin (Fitzpatrick skin type I/II)

  • Female

  • Family hx

  • Extreme temperature

  • Sunlight

  • Stress

  • Hot drinks


  • Hot baths/showers


Presentation

  • Flushing

  • Burning or stinging feeling when using water or skincare products

  • Dilated prominent telangiectases (primarily on the face)

  • Persistent facial erythema

  • Inflammatory papules and pustules

  • Rhinophyma - prominence of sebaceous glands on the nose, resulting in fibrosis

“Rosacea. Erythema and telangiectasia are seen over the cheeks, nasolabial area and nose. Inflammatory papules and pustules can be observed over the nose. The absence of comedos is a helpful tool to distinguish rosacea from acne.” © Michael Sand, Daniel Sand, Christina Thrandorf, Volker Paech, Peter Altmeyer, Falk G Bechara CC BY 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/)

Investigations

Usually a clinical diagnosis, but could do a blood test for ANA if SLE is suspected.


Management

  • Avoiding common triggers e.g. hot baths, humidity, hot baths, hot drinks, heavy exercise; alcohol, spicy food

  • Skincare and sun protection

  • Other more specialist options for specific features e.g. topical a-agonists, isotretanoin, laser treatment



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