Acne and Rosacea Charity Training Manual

Rosacea
Rosacea is a relatively common disease but is surrounded by misconceptions and controversy:
1. Rosacea is a disease of the elderly, occurring around menopause – WRONG – there are two age peaks for rosacea, one in the late teens and
twenties and a second in the 40s and 50s. It can, however, occur at any age.
2. If you have a red face you have rosacea – WRONG – there are a number of skin conditions that will lead to a red face – seborrheic dermatitis, acne,
atopic eczema, and lupus erythematosus. The hallmark of rosacea is facial flushing, which unlike physiological flushing lasts for longer than 10
minutes and can last for hours or day. It may be asymptomatic or cause severe burning sensation or pain.
3. Rosacea is only seen in Celts and people with pale complexions – WRONG – although commonest in Type I skin it can occur in any ethnic group.
The hallmark of rosacea is facial flushing. This affects the concave areas of the face including the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. Extra-facial involvement
is unusual but may affect the ears and neck. Some patients only have the flushing or Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea but others will progress to develop
acneiform inflammatory lesions – the Papulopustular rosacea. In some patients, excessive growth of glands and fibrous tissue will lead to swelling of
various parts of the face – Phytomatous rosacea, and up to 50% of patients will develop eye involvement – Ocular rosacea.
Glossary
• Type I skin – this is the Fitzpatrick classification relating to response to sunlight. Type I skin is Celtic skin, people with pale skin, blue eyes and fre3ckles with blond or red
hair. Their skin does not tolerate sun exposure and burns and rarely tans