Healing of rosacea

Rosacea or rosacea (“copper rose”), formerly known as acne rosacea, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The first symptoms, such as reddening of the nose in stressful situations, often occur between the ages of 30 and 40, but the disease usually manifests itself from the age of 50. Typical symptoms are spotty, sometimes scaly redness or swelling of the facial skin, especially in the nose area. In men in particular, proliferations of the nose occur in the course of the disease, which are called bulbous, cauliflower or pound nose (lat. Rhinophyma).

Causes

The origin of rosacea is still largely unknown today. It is currently being discussed as a result of several factors, such as a functional disorder of the vascular supply to the face, inflammation and disorders of the immune system. A connection to Helicobacter pylori (a bacterium that can cause stomach ulcers) and hair follicle mites is also possible. Women and men are affected about equally often.

Therapy

If rosacea is diagnosed and treated early on, a favorable course can often be achieved and severe changes in the skin can be avoided. A complete cure is still not possible today. The three levels of therapy include drug therapy, relaxation procedures and, as far as possible, avoiding trigger factors.

In mild to moderate stages of the disease, external treatment is often sufficient. Ointments containing antibiotics (for example with metronidazole) or ointments with azelaic acid are available for this purpose. Antibiotics seem to have an anti-inflammatory effect.

The oral administration of antibiotics, i.e. in the form of tablets, is only used in severe forms of the disease, as it is always associated with side effects. Thus, a change in the balance of the intestinal flora is not unusual, which can be accompanied by digestive disorders. Isotretinoin is another option to support antibiotic therapy.

This natural insect venom has a good effect against hair follicle mites, but is associated with some side effects. Irritation of the skin, mucous membranes and conjunctiva, as well as headaches and liver dysfunction are particularly common. Mild depressions are also possible.

Due to its potentially harmful effect on the unborn child, it is absolutely necessary to rule out pregnancy before use. In December 2013, brimonidine was also approved in the EU in the form of a gel for use in rosacea. Furthermore, the eradication of Helicobacter pylori by a typical combination of 3 drugs seems to improve rosacea. Cortisone-containing drugs, on the other hand, are unsuitable as they lead to an aggravation of the symptoms.