Acne Rosacea
Acne rosacea is a misleading term:
rosacea and acne are twoentirely different conditions, although
they can and do appear together. Clogged skin pores and bacterial
infections cause acne. Rosacea occurs when blood vessels move to
just below the skin's surface, leading to blotchy red patches. These
blotches fade and then return, becoming more permanent over time.
The blackheads, whiteheads and pimples associated with acne are
not associated with rosacea. Red bumps called papules are. These
papules are usually solid and hard. The papules range in size from
small bumps that resemble the measles or chicken pox, all the way
to larger, penny-shaped nodules. Left untreated, larger nodules
can cause rhinophyma.
Ocular Rosacea
About half of all
sufferers have symptoms of ocular rosacea, where symptoms affect
the eyes. The eyelids may become inflamed and develop small red
bumps, or develop scales and crusts after a night's sleep. The eyes
may become bloodshot with a "gritty" feeling, as if a piece of sand
were in the eye. Sensitivity to bright light is common. Occasionally,
eyelash loss occurs.
Although rare, serious complications can develop
from this condition. An inflammation of the cornea called keratitis
can occur. Without treatment, keratitis can lead to corneal damage,
which can cause impaired vision, and eventually, blindness if the
corneal problems progress unchecked.
Rhinophyma
Rhinophyma develops
when severe rosacea is left untreated over a long period of time.
The papules gradually increase in size. When these nodules converge
on the nose, they give the nose a swollen, red appearance.
Rhinophyma
sufferers often have to deal with the widely held belief that a
red, swollen nose is the sign of heavy alcohol consumption. In fact,
alcoholism has nothing to do with the condition. Men are more likely
than women to develop rhinophyma, although women may develop large
nodules on the cheeks.
Vascular Rosacea
Vascular rosacea is more
common in women than men. The condition is due to swollen blood
vessels in the face, resulting in "puffy" skin that feels warm and
uncomfortable.
