Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 10% of the population, with a greater predominance in women and fair-skinned individuals. The cause of rosacea is not clearly defined. Pilosebaceous anomalies, vascular alterations and predisposing and triggering factors such as stress, temperature changes, dietary and cosmetic factors, among others, could be involved. It appears mainly between 20 and 50 years of age. Dr. Carla Hübner, dermatologist of our clinic, gives us more details about this skin condition.

Why does summer increase rosacea outbreaks?

Factors such as heat and prolonged sun exposure cause vasodilation, which worsens facial redness. In addition, changes in diet (increased spicy foods or alcohol), lifestyle changes (irregular schedules, increased outdoor activity) and swimming in the sea or pool, which can be irritating, aggravate the skin.

What can we do to prevent reactivations?

• Maintain the routine indicated by your dermatologist.
• Avoid direct sun exposure by using an appropriate sunscreen.
• Take care of your diet.
• Engage in physical activity at appropriate times.

According to symptoms, rosacea is classified into four types:

• Erythematous-telangiectatic rosacea: Skin redness, telangiectasias and flushing predominate.
• Papulo-pustular rosacea: Presents lesions with increased inflammation. It is more common in middle-aged women.
• Phymatous rosacea: It is characterized by phymatous changes, which consist of thickening of the skin, giving it a nodular and irregular appearance. It is due to hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands associated with fibrosis. The most frequent presentation occurs on the nose.
• Ocular rosacea: manifests ocular discomfort such as erythema, hypersensitivity, foreign body sensation and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid that affects the production of eyelashes or tears).

Our specialist recommends:

• Always go to your dermatologist to design an appropriate attack and maintenance treatment, according to your case and skin type. In addition, it is essential to take care of your lifestyle and avoid triggers such as sun exposure, extreme heat, spicy foods, coffee, black tea, dark sodas, hot drinks, alcohol and stress.

In summer:

• Protect the skin with proper hydration and nutrition.
• Avoid exposure to the sun around midday, when radiation indexes are higher.

Remember:

If you have any of the above symptoms, see a dermatologist to identify the level of the condition and receive appropriate treatment

Dr. Carla Hübner
Dermatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma