Rosacea is a chronic condition of the face: persistent redness of the cheeks and nose, flushing, visible small vessels, sometimes spots and pustules. It is not acne, even if it looks like it, and it does not come from poor hygiene. In Marrakech, where heat and sun are frequent triggers, Dr Sara Zahid, a dermatologist in Guéliz, makes the diagnosis, identifies the form of rosacea and builds an underlying medical treatment, complemented if needed by the vascular laser.
The erythematotelangiectatic form combines redness and visible vessels. The papulopustular form adds inflammatory spots. The phymatous form, rarer and mostly male, thickens the skin of the nose. The ocular form irritates the eyes, which become red and dry. The same person can have several forms, and each has its own treatments.
Facial redness can also be simple broken capillaries, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, lupus or a reaction to a cosmetic. The examination looks for clues: central redness, flushing triggered by heat or hot drinks, absence of blackheads. A diagnosis avoids months of badly chosen creams, sometimes topical corticosteroids that make the condition worse.
Sun, heat, sudden temperature changes, very hot drinks, alcohol, spicy food, stress and certain cosmetics. Not everyone is sensitive to the same factors: keeping a flare-up diary for a few weeks helps identify yours. You do not remove everything on principle, only what plays a part in your case.
Depending on the form: topical anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic creams and, when spots are numerous, an oral treatment. Gentle skin care and daily sun protection, sometimes mineral, are added, because many everyday products irritate rosacea-prone skin. The treatment acts within a few weeks, but it needs to be continued to avoid relapses.
When vessels and redness persist despite medical treatment, the vascular laser (Nd:YAG of the Fotona platform) closes the small visible vessels. One to three sessions are often enough. It treats the vessels and the background redness, not the disease: the spots and sensitivity of the skin remain a matter for medical treatment. The vascular laser page describes how it goes.
Red, dry, stinging or watering eyes in a person with rosacea call for an ophthalmology opinion: eye involvement is common and can go unnoticed. The dermatologist refers you if needed.
Not exactly. Broken capillaries, meaning visible vessels, can be a sign of rosacea, but rosacea covers a broader set: flushing, spots, sensitivity, sometimes eye involvement.
No. It looks like it because of the spots, but it comes with redness and flushing and no blackheads; its treatment is different.
It is a chronic condition that comes in flare-ups. It is well controlled with suitable treatment and by limiting triggers, but it does not disappear for good.
Sun, heat, temperature changes, very hot drinks, alcohol, spicy food, stress, certain cosmetics. They vary from person to person.
No. It treats the vessels and the background redness, but does not replace medical treatment, which acts on inflammation.
Yes, daily sun protection is essential. A mineral screen is often better tolerated.
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