Acne rosacea is a chronic skin disease of unknown aetiology
Clinical Features
- typically affects nose, cheeks and forehead
- flushing is often first symptom
- telangiectasia are common
- later develops into persistent erythema with papules and pustules
- rhinophyma
- ocular involvement: blepharitis
There are four types of rosacea characterized by the details below.
Subtype 1: Facial flushing and persistent redness. This is the most common type of rosacea.
Subtype 2: Bumps and pimples with raised red patches and skin sensitivity. This is most common among middle-aged women.
Subtype 3: Swelling, edema, thickening of the skin and enlargement of the nose along with various symptoms listed in subtypes 1 and 2.
Subtype 4: Ocular rosacea (around the eyes) and eye irritation.
Management:
- topical metronidazole may be used for mild symptoms (i.e. Limited number of papules and pustules, no plaques)
- more severe disease is treated with systemic antibiotics e.g. Oxytetracycline
- recommend daily application of a highfactor
- sunscreen
- camouflage creams may help conceal redness
- laser therapy may be appropriate for patients with prominent telangiectasia