The difference between rosacea and allergies and treatment methods

In Dalili Medical, we will discuss the difference between rosacea and allergies, in addition to the causes of pink eye and methods of treating it with laser, as well as how to treat rosacea allergies.

**What is the difference between rosacea (rose disease) and lupus rash?**

The symptoms of rosacea are similar to the rash caused by lupus, which is sometimes known as the "butterfly" rash. Both conditions affect the skin of the face, especially the cheeks and nose, and symptoms can be exacerbated by exposure to sunlight. The main difference between lupus rash and rosacea lies in the texture and appearance of the rash. Lupus rash causes red, scaly, itchy patches, while rosacea causes red, swollen skin with a rough texture. Rosacea is considered a harmless condition, while lupus rash can cause long-term skin damage such as scarring or hair loss. People diagnosed with rosacea are advised to talk to a mental health professional if they have concerns about their self-esteem or emotional state, based on the impact of symptoms on their self-image. The doctor will help the patient explore treatment options to reduce flare-ups and improve overall well-being.

**What is Rosacea?**

Rosacea is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition that affects the face, named for its resemblance to the shape and color of a red rose. It is more common in women than men, and usually occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 50.

**The difference between rosacea and allergies **

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes facial redness and visible blood vessels, and may also lead to small, pus-filled blisters. Symptoms can last for weeks or even months before clearing up for a while. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, allergies, or other skin conditions. Rosacea can affect anyone, but it is most common in middle-aged, fair-skinned women. There is no cure for rosacea, but medications can help control and relieve symptoms.

**Definition of allergy:** Skin allergy occurs when the skin becomes irritated as a result of the immune system's reaction to harmless substances, such as some foods, pollen, and some medications. This reaction is known as an allergic reaction, which can lead to a variety of symptoms such as rash, itching, redness, and swelling. The substance that causes this reaction is called an allergen, and is often harmless to most people, but can lead to an allergic reaction in some individuals. Any substance can cause an allergic reaction in a person's body if their immune system considers the substance a harmful foreign body, leading to it attacking it and the appearance of allergy symptoms.

**Types of rosacea:**

1. **Vascular erythematous rosacea:** Causes redness of the skin and the appearance of blood vessels.

2. **Papulopustular rosacea:** Also known as acne rosacea, as it leads to the appearance of pimples similar to acne.

3. **Rhinophyma:** A rare type of rosacea that accompanies other types, and causes the skin of the nose to thicken.

4. **Ocular rosacea:** Most of its symptoms appear in the eye area.

**Causes of rosacea:**

The causes of rosacea in the face and body are still not fully known, but it is believed that several factors play a role in its development, including:

- **Genetics:** Rosacea is often considered hereditary, as members of the same family can be affected by it as a result of inheriting it from their parents. There are several genes that may be associated with rosacea, such as the human leukocyte antigen genes and the glutathione S-transferase gene.

Vascular diseases are among the main factors associated with rosacea, as one of its most prominent symptoms is facial redness and the appearance of blood vessels clearly, which may be due to the presence of deformities or problems in these vessels.

As for mites, a specific type known as Demodex folliculorum normally lives on the surface of the skin without causing any harm. However, large numbers of these mites have been observed on the skin of rosacea patients, but a clear explanation for this has not been reached. Therefore, it is still unknown whether the mites are the cause of rosacea or rosacea is causing the increase in mite numbers. In general, some individuals may suffer from a severe allergy to mites, which can lead to skin irritation.

As for the stomach germ, it is believed that it may be a cause of rosacea for one of two reasons: the first is that it stimulates the production of bradykinin, which leads to dilation of blood vessels, and the second is that it stimulates the production of the hormone gastrin, which can cause redness in the skin.

**How ​​common is rosacea and who is most at risk for it?**

Rosacea affects more than 14 million people in the United States. Anyone can develop the condition, but people with fair skin and women are most at risk. Symptoms usually appear after the age of 30, although it can affect children and teenagers, although this is rare. Having a family history of the disease also increases the likelihood of developing it.

**What are the signs of rosacea?**

The symptoms of rosacea vary greatly from person to person, and often do not show all the possible signs. However, most cases have at least one of the initial signs, such as:

- **Face flushing:** Many people with rosacea have a history of recurring skin redness, known as "flushing." Facial redness, which may come and go, is the first sign of the disease.

- **Persistent redness:** Persistent redness may resemble sunburn.

- **Swelling and blisters:** Small, red, hard bumps or blisters usually appear

Pus-filled bumps on the skin. Sometimes these bumps can look like acne, but rosacea doesn’t cause blackheads. You may also feel a burning or stinging sensation.

- **Visible blood vessels:** Small blood vessels appear as thin red lines on the surface of the skin, making them visible.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Along with the usual signs of rosacea, symptoms of this condition include:

- **Eye irritation**: Your eyes may become irritated, causing them to tear or become congested. This can cause redness and swelling of the eyelids, and severe cases can lead to corneal damage and vision loss if left untreated.

- **Burning or stinging sensation**: You may feel a burning or stinging sensation in your face, and you may also develop itching or discomfort.

- **Dry appearance**: The skin on the central face may appear noticeably rough and dry.

- **Plaques**: Raised, red spots (plaques) may appear that resemble a rash without the surrounding skin changing.

- **Skin thickening**: In some cases of rosacea, the skin can thicken and become stretched, leading to a condition known as rhinophyma, where the nose appears convex.

- **Swelling**: Facial swelling (edema) may occur independently or in conjunction with other rosacea symptoms.

Is rosacea serious?

No, rosacea is a non-serious skin condition that is not a cause for concern. Although there is no cure, there are many treatments available that can help control the condition and improve the quality of life of the sufferer. However, this condition can lead to low self-esteem, or to some physical complications that can sometimes be severe.

Where do rosacea symptoms appear on the body?

Rosacea symptoms can affect different areas of the body, including:

- Nose

- Chin

- Cheeks

- Forehead

- Eyes

- Chest

- Ears

- Neck

- Scalp

**Can rosacea be cured completely?**

There is no cure for rosacea, but there are treatment options available to relieve symptoms and reduce flare-ups. It is important for a person to talk to their doctor about their symptoms, as the doctor can help them manage their condition and keep symptoms in remission, which prevents them from returning.

**Can makeup be used to cover rosacea?**

Over-the-counter makeup can help cover rosacea symptoms. The type of makeup that is appropriate depends on the symptoms. If your skin tends to be pink or red, you can use moisturizers with a green base to reduce redness, as the green color balances the red color. You can use an oil-free concealer or foundation that is lighter than your natural skin tone, in addition to mineral powders that reduce redness using fewer ingredients that may cause skin irritation. It is preferable to choose unscented or sensitive skin care products to avoid skin irritants, and topical antibacterial creams can be used to treat redness and small acne-like pimples. It is also important to use sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful rays that may exacerbate rosacea symptoms. Many makeup products contain multi-functional ingredients, including sunscreens.

**What are the types of lasers used to treat rosacea?**

There are several types of lasers that can be used to treat rosacea on the face, and the most appropriate type is chosen based on the patient's condition and symptoms. Among these types are:

- **Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)**: This laser uses light waves with a wavelength ranging between 585 and 595 nanometers, targeting the hemoglobin protein found in red blood cells. The red blood cells in the visible blood vessels absorb these light waves and convert them into heat energy, which leads to the destruction of the visible blood vessels. This type of laser is commonly used to treat vascular rosacea, which is the most common type, as it helps reduce inflammation and redness. This laser is considered one of the most effective types, but it can cause bruising when used.

**Eberium YAG Laser**

The treatment of rosacea using the Eprium YAG laser has multiple benefits, as it helps treat many of the symptoms of rosacea by targeting visible blood vessels, which helps reduce their appearance and treat redness. This type of laser can also treat nasal deformities and swelling resulting from increased skin thickness, as it works to remove excess tissue. In addition, it enhances collagen production, which contributes to the formation of new tissue. It can also help reduce the size of skin pores.

**Long Pulse and De-YAG Laser**

This type of laser uses light waves with a wavelength of 1064 nanometers and a pulse ranging from 5 to 60 milliseconds to treat vascular dilation. The wavelength used helps penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, while the pulse corresponds to the time needed for blood vessels to return to their normal state between pulses, which enhances the effectiveness of the treatment.

**Carbon Laser**

Treating rosacea with carbon laser helps get rid of thick skin and treat the associated nasal deformities. This laser removes the thin outer layer of skin, then heats the lower layers to stimulate new skin growth.

**Intense Pulsed Light**

Intense pulsed light is not considered a laser treatment for rosacea, as it does not belong to the laser category, but rather uses light with multiple wavelengths to treat pigmentation and skin discoloration. This treatment is one of the latest available methods for treating rosacea, and it shows effectiveness in reducing skin redness and irritation.

**When do the results of laser rosacea treatment appear and how long does it last?**

Requires

Rosacea laser treatment involves several sessions, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Results usually begin to appear clearly after the third session, with 50-75% of visible blood vessels disappearing in most patients, while some may disappear completely. The effect of rosacea laser treatment usually lasts for 3 to 5 years, after which the patient may need follow-up sessions.

**Laser rosacea treatment**

- Laser treatment can help reduce rosacea symptoms by 40-60%, especially in people who have undergone at least two laser sessions.

- Although this treatment is effective in removing visible blood vessels, new blood vessels may appear under the surface of the skin after a while, so it is preferable to follow up on the condition periodically with the attending physician.

- Laser treatment helps relieve rosacea symptoms for a period that may extend to several months or even years after treatment.

- Laser treatment is usually not the only method of treatment, but in some cases, it is used in conjunction with other treatment methods.

- Before starting treatment, the patient must inform the doctor of his current health condition and any medications he is taking.

**Treatment of Rosacea**

1. Avoid triggers such as spicy and hot foods.

2. Stay away from sunlight as much as possible, and use high-quality sunscreens.

3. Avoid topical creams that contain oils, and replace them with those that contain water.

4. Refrain from using creams that contain cortisone, as it may increase the flare-up of the condition.

5. Stay away from hot places such as saunas.

6. Take a cold bath and avoid hot water.

7. Use antibiotics to reduce symptoms, under medical supervision, as the doctor determines the appropriate dose and duration of treatment for each case according to the severity of the allergy.

8. Use medications that help reduce vasodilation.

9. Take anti-inflammatory medications.

10. Some cases may require laser treatment.

11. In the event of a change in the shape of the nose, some cases may require cosmetic surgery.

12. Make sure to massage the face and clean the skin regularly.

13. Use oil-free skin care products.

**Can rosacea be treated permanently with herbs?**

Aloe vera can be used as an effective treatment for rosacea, as this plant contains a group of active compounds that contribute to:

- Moisturizing the skin.

- Softening the skin.

- Reducing inflammation.

- Accelerating skin healing.

To benefit from aloe vera as one of the herbal treatments for rosacea, you can simply cut an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel inside it, then place it on the affected area for 30 minutes, then rinse the skin with clean water.

As for treating rosacea with chamomile, it is also an effective method, as chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and helps moisturize the skin, which can significantly alleviate the symptoms of rosacea.

Chamomile can be used to treat rosacea in several ways, including:

- Drinking chamomile tea prepared at home.

- Using chamomile tea as a wash for the affected face.

- Apply chamomile tea compresses to the affected area.

- Apply diluted chamomile oil to the affected skin.

- Buy reliable natural moisturizers that contain chamomile extract.

**Treatment of rosacea with green tea**

Green tea is an excellent choice for treating rosacea with herbs, thanks to its many benefits, as:

- It contains a high percentage of antioxidants.

- It contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce inflammation, swelling and redness resulting from rosacea.

- It helps reduce the exacerbation of symptoms when exposed to sunlight, by reducing the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin. Therefore, the patient can apply green tea to the affected area using a cotton ball, or use topical creams that contain it to treat rosacea and relieve its symptoms.

**Treatment of rosacea with turmeric**

Turmeric is considered one of the effective herbs in treating rosacea, as it contains a compound known as curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps relieve the symptoms of rosacea. Here are some options for using turmeric in treatment:

- Add it to dishes as a spice.

- Prepare turmeric tea by adding a teaspoon of it to a cup of water and drinking it.

- Take nutritional supplements that contain turmeric.

- Prepare a natural mixture to treat rosacea by mixing turmeric with water or milk, then applying it to the affected area.

- Use diluted turmeric oil on the affected area.

- Use natural creams that contain turmeric extract.

**Treating rosacea with ginger**

Ginger is considered an anti-inflammatory food, and it is recommended to eat it to treat rosacea with herbs, as it helps reduce symptoms such as skin redness, inflammation and swelling. To benefit from the therapeutic properties of ginger, it is recommended to prepare hot tea using ginger root and drink it 2-3 times a day.

Treating rosacea with oats is considered an effective way to treat this condition with herbs. Oats help reduce itching and work to maintain skin moisture and treat dryness by reducing water loss. In addition, oats have anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties, and can sometimes be used as a gentle exfoliant for the skin. To prepare a natural remedy for rosacea, mix half a cup of oats with a quarter cup of water, then apply the mixture to the affected area for 20 minutes, then wash it off with water.