Rosacea is a type of common inflammatory skin disorder. Over 16 million people in the country itself suffer from this disease while millions are in temporary remission.

Thankfully, proper help and treatments options are now available to control the symptoms of this disorder. The condition has now become chronic with the growth of population. Rosacea occurs at any age but mostly in the middle age.

Most people are unaware of this condition and continue to treat it as redness in the face or as acne, which can worsen the condition. It has a negative effect on individuals socially and psychologically.

Over 90% of people suffering from rosacea have low self-confidence as 41% reported to avoid public contact or any social engagement. Meanwhile, 88% are adversely affected professionally and 51% miss work completely.

Although it is common among fair-skinned individuals, a study has revealed that it is prevalent among women, regardless of the ethnic background. However, its prevalence rate is 16% among Caucasian women.

Rosacea is a chronic condition and there are chances of relapses. Many of those who suffer may just be in remission. Skin that has high levels of pigmentation, camouflages a few signs of flushing rosacea; it may be present but not detected.

It has the potential to disrupt normal life and you may need to seek medical help to control it. Treatment begins with skin cleansing, changes in food, avoiding alcohol, change in temperature, and photoprotection.

Rosacea has different forms:

• Patients with erythematotelangiectatic require topical treatments like azelaic acid, metronidazole, laser therapies, or brimonidine as monotherapy.
• Patients with papulopustular form consider a mix of oral antibiotics and topical therapies. Antibiotics are used to treat anti-inflammatory effects. Severe/refractory forms need to be referred to a dermatologist. Additional treatment includes surgery, laser therapies or oral isotretinoin.

Patients need to check 6–8 weeks after the treatment to assess the effectiveness of the medicines

Rosacea has chronic relapses when the inflammatory skin condition affects the central face. The disease has not been completely understood yet. However, it believed that the dysregulation of the immune system which leads to changes in the nervous and vascular system could be the reason.

Microbes, which are part of the normal skin flora, the pilosebaceous unit, which include the Demodex mites, and Staphylococcus epidermidis play a role in triggering rosacea.

Initially, the symptoms are transient, followed by persistent erythema because of repeated vasodilation. Further, by telangiectasia and skin inflammation which is seen in the form of fibrosis, lymphoedema, papules, and pustules.

The common forms of rosacea include:

• Acne vulgaris
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Tinea faciei
• Periorificial dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis (irritant or allergic)
• Steroid-induced acneiform eruption
• Folliculitis

Meanwhile, the uncommon forms of rosacea are:

• Lupus erythematosus
• Dermatomyositis
• Drug reaction (usage of isoniazid)
• Sarcoidosis and demodicosis (mange)

The secondary features include phymatous, edema, ocular manifestation, plaque formation, dry skin, and stinging and burning sensations.