COMMON SKIN DISORDERS IN ADULTS: ACNE ROSACEA
Acne rosacea is often called the curse of the Celtics as it is commonly seen in New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain. It occurs both in men and women, usually around middle age. Acne rosacea often causes red, flushed cheeks and noses, giving the impression that the sufferer has drunk a little too much! The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but there may be several contributing factors:- Alcohol Red wines in particular may precipitate acne rosacea. It is best, however, to completely avoid alcohol.- Hot, spicy foods. Although hot, spicy foods do not cause acne rosacea, they often aggravate it. Bland foods and cool drinks are best.- Moisturizers. Any thick or oily moisturizer can precipitate the condition. It is not uncommon to see it following the use of oily or heavy night-time creams and sunscreens. If a moisturizer is necessary for the face, it is best to use a light cream such as Neutrogena, Nivea Visage or Simple Moisturizer and a non-creamy sunscreen such as Ego SunSense Toddler Milk, Clinique City Block, Nivea Visage with sunscreen, Roche Aquababy or Oil of Ulan Daily UV Protectant Moisturizer SPF 15.- Oral contraceptive pills. Contraceptive pills which contain a high level of progestogen can precipitate acne. If this is the case, a low progestogen pill should be used.- Stress. Stress seems to contribute to many skin conditions and acne rosacea is no exception. How stress produces the eruption, however, is not known. - Strong cortisone creams. Betnovate, Celestone, Diprosone and other strong cortisone creams are not suitable for use on the face and can cause acne roasacea.Acne rosacea is very easily treated with oral antibiotics, especially tetracycline. More recently, a topical antibiotic gel, Rozex, has been used successfully.Acne rosacea can be associated with broken capillaries, especially around the nose and cheeks. These are not related to alcohol intake, neither are they caused by exposure to hot or cold weather. If broken capillaries occur, they can be readily treated with the new copper vapour or pulsed dye lasers, or with fine needle diathermy.Bulbous noses can be caused by acne rosacea, particularly in men. These are best treated with a carbon dioxide laser, which removes the excess bulky tissue in layers.
*33/150/5*
