The Story Behind Facial Redness: What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea, also known as gül hastalığı or roza in Turkish, is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the central area of the face. It may appear with redness, burning, sensitivity, visible capillaries and acne-like bumps on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin.
Rosacea often flares up from time to time. While some people experience only temporary episodes of facial flushing, others may develop persistent redness, skin swelling, inflammatory lesions or eye sensitivity.
Rosacea may be confused with acne; however, not every facial redness or acne-like appearance is acne. For this reason, dermatological evaluation is important for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
Flushing Episodes May Start Mildly
Rosacea usually begins with temporary redness and a burning sensation on the face. Over time, this redness may become more persistent. Fine visible capillaries may become noticeable, especially around the nose and cheeks.
In later stages, redness may be accompanied by small red bumps, inflammatory acne-like lesions, skin sensitivity and swelling. Some people may also experience burning, stinging, watering or sensitivity in the eyes.
Common symptoms that may be seen in rosacea include:
- Recurring facial redness and flushing episodes
- Burning, stinging or sensitivity
- Visible capillaries around the nose and cheeks
- Acne-like red bumps
- Skin swelling and sensitivity
- Burning or dryness in the eyes
- Thickening of the skin on the nose in advanced cases
Who Is More Likely to Develop Rosacea?
Rosacea is most commonly seen in adulthood. It may be more noticeable in people with fair skin and sensitive skin structure. Although it is more common in women, it may progress more severely in some men.
Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, sun exposure, sudden temperature changes, stress and skin barrier sensitivity may play a role in the development of rosacea.
Rosacea is not caused by a single factor. Therefore, when creating a treatment plan, the person’s skin structure, lifestyle, triggers and severity of symptoms should be evaluated together.
Triggers That Can Flare the Skin
In rosacea, certain factors may increase redness and burning episodes. These triggers may vary from person to person; however, with regular follow-up, it becomes easier to identify which situations increase symptoms.
Common triggers that may worsen rosacea symptoms include:
- Sunlight
- Hot weather, cold weather, wind and humidity changes
- Hot drinks and hot foods
- Spicy foods, hot peppers, pickles, chocolate and alcohol
- Stress and intense exercise
- Hot baths and sauna
- Cleansing products that irritate the face
- Use of cologne, toner, rose water and wet wipes
- Long-term, uncontrolled use of cortisone creams on the face
Avoiding triggers is one of the most important steps that helps keep rosacea under control.
Is Rosacea Treatment Possible?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition. Therefore, it would not be accurate to state that it can be completely and permanently eliminated. However, symptoms can be controlled with appropriate treatment, regular follow-up and avoidance of triggers.
The aim of treatment is to reduce redness, control burning and sensitivity, calm acne-like lesions, reduce the appearance of visible capillaries and support the skin barrier.
At Dr. Seher Arı Dermatology Clinic in Göktürk, Istanbul, rosacea treatment is planned individually according to the person’s concerns and the stage of the condition.
Rosacea Is Managed With the Right Plan, Not a Single Cream
Different methods may be considered in rosacea treatment depending on the severity of the condition. In mild symptoms, regulation of the skin care routine, use of sunscreen and appropriate topical treatments may be sufficient. In people with more prominent redness, acne-like lesions or increased visible capillaries, additional treatment options may be considered.
Methods that may be evaluated in rosacea treatment include:
- Medical skin care recommendations that support the skin barrier
- Use of sunscreen
- Topical treatments recommended by a dermatology specialist
- Oral medications when necessary
- Laser applications for the appearance of visible capillaries and redness
- Identification of triggers and lifestyle adjustments
Uncontrolled product use, harsh peelings, intensive acid-based products or applications that irritate the skin may worsen rosacea. Therefore, in rosacea-prone skin, the care plan should be created after dermatological evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rosacea
Is rosacea contagious?
No. Rosacea is not contagious. It does not spread from person to person through contact.
Is rosacea the same as acne?
No. Rosacea may cause acne-like bumps that resemble acne; however, it is a different skin condition. The treatment approach is also different from acne treatment.
Does rosacea go away completely?
Rosacea may have a chronic course. With appropriate treatment and avoidance of triggers, symptoms can be kept under control.
Does the sun worsen rosacea?
Yes. Sunlight is one of the important triggers that may increase rosacea symptoms. Therefore, regular use of sunscreen is important.
Can laser treatment be used for rosacea?
Laser applications may be considered in suitable patients for visible capillaries and persistent redness. Suitability should be determined by a dermatology specialist.
Rosacea Evaluation in Göktürk, Istanbul
Rosacea is a sensitive skin condition that requires accurate diagnosis and regular follow-up. Not every redness is rosacea, and the same treatment plan is not applied to every patient with rosacea. Therefore, the person’s skin structure, triggers and stage of the condition should be evaluated together.
At Dr. Seher Arı Dermatology Clinic in Göktürk, Istanbul, concerns related to rosacea, facial redness and visible capillaries are evaluated through dermatological examination. For patients from Turkey and abroad, the process is carried out with personalized information and treatment planning.
You can contact Dr. Seher Arı Clinic for facial redness, burning, visible capillaries or suspected rosacea.