Perioral Dermatitis Rosacea

Perioral dermatitis rosacea is a chronic illness that affects the face and sometimes the eyes. When it affects the eyes, the condition becomes more serious otherwise is considered just a harmless ailment. It is characterized by facial erythema, when the face becomes red and sometimes the pimples are also present. It is more common among the Caucasians, living in the northwestern countries of Europe but it can also affect persons of other ethnicities.

This condition is more common in women but it can also occur in men, both of ages between 30 and 60 years old.

Rosacea Smptoms

The first symptom of rosacea is the redness of the face, mostly affecting the cheeks, nose and the forehead and sometimes can descend on the neck, chest or it can rarely appear on the ears or scalp. The redness can become semi-permanent and the blood vessels on the face might dilate. In some cases small red bumps may appear as well as pustules along with a burning sensation. In more advanced stages rhinophyma may develop. Rhinophyma is characterized by a red lobulated nose.

Rosacea Types

There are four types of rosacea, and these are Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (permanent redness), Papulopustular rosacea (permanent redness with red papules), Phymatous rosacea (the type associated with rhinophyma) and Ocular rosacea which is a more serious condition since it affects the eyes. Rosacea may be caused by intestinal bacteria, exposure to high temperatures as well as severe sunburn, cold wind, stress or anxiety. It may also be triggered by alcohol, excess of caffeine or spicy food.

Rosacea Diagnosis

In what concerns the rosacea diagnosis, there is no specific test that will confirm the existence of this disease. However, most of the patients have only mild symptoms and redness and, they are never actually treated or diagnosed. The visual inspection of a specialist can be sufficient for a conclusive diagnosis. If the condition has evolved to an advanced stage and the pimples appeared, the specialist may prescribe a trial treatment to confirm the diagnosis. Anyhow, rosacea can be confused with acne vulgaris or seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Perioral Dermatitis Rosacea

Perioral Dermatitis Rosacea is treated depending on the type and severity of the disorder. As we said before, most of the patients with mild cases do not treat it at all, but they just cover it with cosmetic products. Although medication for rosacea exists and may be prescribed, most of the time the effects are visible only on short term. The condition is difficult to treat because it has a high recurrence rate.

However, the specialist may prescribe oral antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline or topical medication such as metronidazole. It can also be treated with laser therapy. Perioral dermatitis rosacea is a skin condition which normally is considered harmless for the patient unless it affects the eyes.