Rosacea is a chronic and progressive skin condition that typically affects the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Associate Professor Tuğba Falay Gür specializes in understanding the causes of rosacea, offering effective treatment options, and improving patients’ quality of life.
Causes
While the exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, various factors contribute to its development:
- Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of rosacea have a higher risk of developing the condition.
- Immune System Disorders: Abnormalities in the immune system may play a role in the development of rosacea.
- Nervous System Factors: Certain nervous system disorders can cause the dilation of blood vessels in the skin.
- Skin Microbiome: Imbalances in skin bacteria may trigger rosacea.
- Environmental Factors: Sunlight, wind, hot or cold weather can exacerbate the condition.
- Internal Factors: Stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods (such as spicy foods and alcohol) can worsen rosacea.
- Vascular Abnormalities: Enlargement of small blood vessels in the skin contributes to the visible symptoms of rosacea.
Symptoms
Rosacea presents with various symptoms, including:
- Facial Redness: Persistent or intermittent redness, particularly on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.
- Enlarged Blood Vessels: Visible, dilated small blood vessels on the skin surface (telangiectasia).
- Pustules and Pimples: Acne-like bumps and pimples may form.
- Dry and Red Eyes: Dryness, itching, and redness around the eyes.
- Facial Swelling and Hardening: Swelling and thickening of the skin.
- Pain and Discomfort: Burning, stinging, or pain in affected areas.
- Skin Thickening: In long-term rosacea, the skin may thicken, and wrinkles become more pronounced.
Treatment Options
Various methods are available to manage rosacea:
- Topical Treatments: Creams containing metronidazole, azelaic acid, or amphotericin B reduce inflammation and redness.
- Oral Medications: Antibiotics (such as doxycycline and minocycline) are used to control inflammation and reduce acne-like symptoms.
- Laser and Light Therapy: Laser treatments help shrink dilated blood vessels and reduce redness.
- Phototherapy: Light treatments resembling sunlight help reduce skin inflammation.
- Eye Treatments: Special eye drops and creams address eye-related symptoms.
- Surgical Interventions: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to prevent skin thickening.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoiding triggers and adopting a proper skincare routine support treatment.
Prevention and Protection
Although it is impossible to completely prevent rosacea, certain measures can reduce its severity:
- Sun Protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective clothing such as hats when outdoors.
- Avoiding Triggers: Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme weather conditions that may trigger symptoms.
- Stress Management: Practice yoga, meditation, or other stress-reducing techniques.
- Skincare: Use gentle cleansers, avoid irritants, and apply moisturizer regularly.
- Adequate Sleep: Ensure sufficient sleep to strengthen the immune system and support skin health.
Skincare and Lifestyle
Proper skincare and a healthy lifestyle are crucial in managing rosacea:
- Gentle Cleansers: Use hypoallergenic cleansers to prevent skin irritation.
- Moisturization: Regularly hydrate the skin to maintain its barrier and reduce inflammation.
- Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants supports skin health.
- Sufficient Sleep: Adequate sleep aids the body’s healing processes.
- Reducing Smoking and Alcohol: These substances can exacerbate rosacea symptoms and weaken the immune system.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises promote overall health and support rosacea management.
Appointments and Contact
For more information about rosacea and expert advice, please contact us. Enhance your skin health and achieve balance with the expertise of Associate Professor Tuğba Falay Gür.
