Catia Mendonca
Presentation
Rosacea:
Recognizing and Treating an Age-Related Skin Disease on the World Wide Web.
Abstract
Rosacea is an age-related
disorder of the skin. Its peak onset
occurs between the ages of 40 and 50, in both men and women. Flare-ups and
remissions tend to occur and, if left untreated the disease can be disfiguring
to the person’s complexion. Rosacea has three stages and tends to appear more
on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It can be confused with other
dermatological conditions, such as acne vulgaris or seborrheic dermatitis.
Remission occurs if antibiotics are given, either orally or topically. One
should recognize the early onset of the disorder to begin therapy and
counseling. Rosacea can be easily recognized and treated if one looks for
information on the World Wide Web.
The
World Wide Web has had a huge impact on rosacea and the people that have it.
People are now more aware of the skin disorder and can treat it much better.
While I was looking for information on rosacea, many support group websites
came up. http://www.rosacea.ii.net was
one that I found. This rosacea support website shows you such things as
symptoms and treatments. It also lets you know which cleansers are good for
your skin, which sunscreens, and which moisturizers are best. The website gives
you tips on controlling rosacea as well as warning signs that you might
develop. If you are unaware of what rosacea looks like, there are profiles to
look at along with great color photos. There is a section for FAQ’s,
testimonials, and a place where members may chat with one another.
Another website that I found was http://www.rosacea.org. This website along
with the others that I found were very similar to one another. They all had a
ton of information and great photos to look at. The Internet has made us aware
of many things that otherwise we would know nothing about. I myself always
thought that I had a little bit of rosacea, now I know for sure that I do, but
it’s only very minor. These websites have taught me what and whatnot to use on
my skin. It is also a place where I can meet other people with the same
condition. I think that the Internet has had a huge impact on this skin
disorder, and I know that it will only get better. Here is what the different
stages look like.
Stage 1:
The first stage of rosacea
is vascular, beginning with a transient facial erythema similar to normal
flushing or blushing. This often develops into erythema congestivum, a more
persistent erythema. Fine telangiectases also commonly develop during this
stage. Some patients may report stinging or burning sensations, including the
sensation of tight skin. Patients may present with an “angry face” syndrome,
where the face becomes red and easily irritated by any skin care or cosmetic
products.
Stage 2:
In the second stage, the
erythema persists and spreads, and edema, papules, and pustules may appear. The
look is a “baggy cheek” appearance. In rare cases, enlarged pores can result in
an “orange-peel” appearance on a complexion that may initially have been
exceptionally fine.
Stage 3:
This stage is characterized
by large inflammatory nodules, furunculoid infiltrations, thickening of the
skin, edematous skin, large pores, irregular surface nodularities and
enlargement. This may lead to phymatous rosacea with the most common location of
the nose (rhinophyma). Other less frequent locations are chin, forehead, cheeks
and ears. It may be accompanied by prominent follicles, persistent erythema,
telangiectases, and induration and coarsening of the skin in these areas.
Ocular:
Ocular findings have also
been reported in up to 58% of patients. These are a major cause of red eye and
range from minor to severe. Blepharitis, conjuctival injection, tearing and burning,
recurrent chalazia, corneal vascularization and scaring, episcleritis and
iritis have all been reported to occur in rosacea. Ocular signs appear in
advance of facial symptoms in an estimated 20% of cases. Therefore, inflamed
lids, swelling, redness, and crusts of dried mucus on the lids, as well as
burning, dry eyes, and foreign-body sensation may indicate rosacea, even in the
absence of other signs.
References:
www.healthycyclopedia.com/acne_rosacea.html