ACNE ROSACEA

ACNE ROSACEA - LarryMillikan, MD
BASICS
DESCRIPTION
Chronic skin eruption with flushing and dilatation of small blood vessels in the face, especially nose and cheeks. Sometimes associated with ocular symptoms (ocular rosacea)
• System(s) Affected: Skin/Exocrine
• Synonym(s): Rosacea
ALERT
Geriatric Considerations
• Uncommon after age 60
• Unlikely in this age group
• Use of oral isotretinoin contraindicated
GENERAL PREVENTION
No preventive measure known
EPIDEMIOLOGY
• Predominant age: 30-50 years
• Predominant sex: Female > Male
Prevalence
Common
RISK FACTORS
Genetics
People of Northern European and Celtic background commonly afflicted
ETIOLOGY
• No proven cause
• Possibilities include
- Thyroid and gonadal disturbance
- Alcohol, coffee, tea, spiced food overindulgence (unproven)
- Demodex follicular parasite (suspected)
- Exposure to cold, heat, hot drinks
- Emotional stress
- Dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract
- Environmental trigger factors: Sun, wind, cold
ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS
• Seborrheic dermatitis of scalp and eyelids
• Keratitis with photophobia, lacrimation, visual disturbance
• Corneal lesions
• Blepharitis
• Uveitis