Adult Acne Rosacea: Causes And Treatment

Rosacea is a condition that affects women more often than men, but men have more severe symptoms than do women. The onset of symptoms tends to occur in people over 30 years of age although both women and men can experience it at anytime.

Adult acne rosacea is a skin disorder that shows up on the middle part of the face. The areas of the face around the nose, forehead and chin become reddened and can be full of pimples. Even though it is called acne rosacea, it is different than acne. Acne rosacea is a disease that mostly affects adults who have fair skin. In the areas affected by rosacea, the blood vessels, which are usually small, become enlarged and visible.

Causes Of Adult Acne Rosacea

The causes of this condition are unknown. It is possible that stress can cause flair ups of rosacea. People who commonly blush have more flair ups of rosacea. Exposure to the sun can cause flair ups as well.

It is possible that there is a mite in the hair follicles that could cause flair ups of rosacea. Also, some doctors believe that the bacteria Helicobacter pylori can cause rosacea breakouts. But these are all guesses. Right now, doctors are not sure what exactly causes adult acne rosacea. It could be different for different people.

Signs Of Adult Acne Rosacea

Rosacea usually appears as an inflammation of the skin on the face around the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Over time, the skin no longer returns to its original condition, unless treated. It can be combined with the nodules associated with acne.

Adult rosacea can cause a nose condition that is called rhinophyma. This makes the nose grow to be bulbous and enlarged. Also, the eyes can be affected by adult acne rosacea. Rosacea sufferers often suffer from conjunctivitis, which is a burning and itching of the eyes. This can lead to very serious complications of the eyes.

Can Adult Rosacea Be Treated?

The condition is not curable, but it can be regulated with treatment. People who suffer from adult acne rosacea should not use over the counter acne treatments. These can irritate the skin and actually make rosacea worse. If you are suffering from adult acne rosacea, head to your doctor. You will be given both oral and topical medications for your condition.

Oral medications are usually antibiotics. Doctors usually start patients off with a high dosage to shock the body, and then taper off the treatment as the rosacea begins to respond. Topical medications vary, and can include antibiotic creams that reduce the swelling and rosy color of rosacea. Sometimes at the beginning of treatment, doctors will give the patient topical steroids, such as cortisone, to start the treatment of the inflammation.

Avoiding spicy food and smoking can also help flush out the symptoms of adult acne rosacea. It is also important to avoid sun exposure and extremes in temperature when treating rosacea. Do not use any strong skin care products.

Regarding the use of antibiotics, treatments like tetracycline and doxycycline will work, but are only temporary as once ended, the condition will return. Instead, they will exacerbate the condition by making it more inflamed and itchy further bothering the patient with adult acne rosacea.