Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can cause people embarrassment and discomfort. Although it can affect both men and women, it is more common in females. It tends to be characterised by redness, or a flushed appearance of the face, but it is often overlooked and goes undiagnosed, particularly if a case is mild or moderate.
It most often starts in the centre of the face, on the forehead, nose or cheeks. Other symptoms may appear, ranging from the appearance of thread veins to reddening and thickening of the nose. These other symptoms have led to the establishment of four subtypes:
1. Blushing too easily can be an indicator that rosacea is developing. It may be accompanied by thread veins and an itchy sensation.
2. Permanent redness and the development of spots (red bumps and pustules). This can result in confusion with another chronic skin condition, acne.
3. An enlargement of the nose characterises one subtype of rosacea. The surface of the skin can thicken and become irregular. The appearance of thread veins is not uncommon.
4. This subtype affects the eyes and eyelids, leaving them red and irritated.
Rosacea cannot be cured, which can be depressing if you are diagnosed with the condition. Rosacea treatment can be very effective, however, and the use of AIPL can significantly reduce the redness and other symptoms.
