Rosacea (rosacea, couperose)

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects the face. It typically occurs in middle age and affects women more often than men, with men often showing more severe courses. Around two to five percent of the population are affected, especially people with fair skin.

Causes

The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors play a role: genetic predisposition, dysregulation of the immune system, hypersensitive blood vessels in the face, increased numbers of Demodex mites on the skin and a disturbed skin barrier. Various trigger factors can trigger flare-ups:

Treatment

Heat and cold, sun exposure, hot drinks, spicy food, alcohol, stress, certain skin care products and physical exertion. A distinction is made between different subtypes: Erythematous-teleangiectatic rosacea shows paroxysmal or permanent facial redness and visible dilated veins. Papulopustular rosacea is characterized by inflammatory papules and pustules, similar to acne, but without blackheads. Glandular hyperplastic rosacea leads to skin thickening, the most well-known being rhinophyma, a bulbous thickening of the nose that occurs almost exclusively in men.

Ocular rosacea affects the eyes with redness, dryness and burning. The diagnosis is made clinically based on the characteristic appearance and localization on the face. Treatment depends on the subtype and severity: avoidance of trigger factors is essential. Topical preparations such as metronidazole, azelaic acid or ivermectin are used for mild forms. Oral antibiotics in low doses have an anti-inflammatory effect in papulopustular forms.

Laser therapy is effective for redness and dilated veins. It is important to use appropriate, mild skin care with pH-neutral, fragrance-free products and consistent sun protection.

Related treatment at Swiss Derma Clinic: Rosacea treatment