The skin is the largest organ of the human body, having to constantly adapt to the continual changes that our bodies undergo. While skin does have a remarkable ability to heal itself when exposed to certain injuries or diseases, it is susceptible to a variety of skin conditions. One such condition is rosacea. The following article provides an overview of rosacea, the thickened skin that results from it, the various treatments available, and important tips for managing the skin condition.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is classified as a chronic skin condition and affects approximately 5.46% of the world’s adult population. The most commonly experienced symptoms include redness of the affected area and visible blood vessels, most commonly on the nose, cheeks and forehead. However, another rarer symptom of rosacea that can sometimes manifest is thickened skin.
Known as rhinophyma or phymatous rosacea, this condition can cause disfigurement of the nasal area, due to the excessive growth of sebaceous glands and the tissue that is located directly beneath them. This condition can result in pain, damage to the affected tissue and even vision problems in severe cases. While the symptoms of rosacea can be unsettling, there are ways to effectively treat the condition.
Understanding Thickened Skin in Rosacea
Thickened skin caused by rosacea occurs more frequently in men than it does in women. It is characterised by greatly enlarged sebaceous glands (oil glands), resulting in an uneven and bumpy texture. This thickened skin most commonly occurs on the nose, but can also affect the chin, ears, forehead and cheeks.
While the exact cause of rhinophyma is not yet understood, multiple factors are known to increase the risk of developing the condition. These include genetic factors, hormonal changes, inflammation and environment factors, such as UV damage. Rhinophyma often develops as the result of untreated or poorly managed rosacea.
Identifying Thickened Skin in Rosacea
Recognising the common signs of thickened skin resulting from rosacea is essential for ensuring timely intervention. Common symptoms include:
1. Skin Texture Changes: The affected skin will typically feel rough, uneven, and bumpy. The skin will often resemble the outer appearance of an orange’s skin, due to the presence of enlarged oil glands.
2. Enlarged Pores: The skin pores of the affected area will often appear larger than normal.
3. Swelling and Discolouration: Thickened skin can result in persistent swelling and the ongoing appearance of reddish skin.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined above, arrange a consultation with your doctor immediately. Your doctor will examine the affected area, provide an official diagnosis, and recommend treatment options moving forward.
Treatment Approaches for Thickened Skin Caused by Rosacea
Treatment for rhinophyma or phymatous rosacea is determined by the severity of the condition.
The following is a list of treatment options that your doctor may recommend.
Topical medications
Topical ointments and gels that contain antibiotics, retinoids or corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation, trigger cellular turnover and rejuvenate the appearance of the thickened skin tissue. Topical solutions work best when applied during the early stages of rhinophyma, before the skin has had a chance to become extremely thickened. It is important to note that topical medications may cause skin irritation, so your doctor will advise if this is a suitable treatment method for you.
Oral medications
Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and manage the symptoms of rosacea. Oral antibiotics help to hinder the body’s oil production, which aids in the treatment of rhinophyma.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is an increasingly popular treatment for rhinophyma. Treatments such as Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL), are able to target and reduce the size of the affected blood vessels with absolute precision, helping to minimise the reddish appearance and inflammation caused by rosacea. This treatment works by sending highly targeted beams of concentrated light to the affected skin tissue. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, most patients see a 50% to 75% reduction in visible blood vessels after 1 to 3 treatments.
Surgery
In severe cases of rhinophyma, surgery may be required to remove the buildup of excess skin tissue and restore the original shape of the nose. This can be achieved using surgical treatments such as dermabrasion and cryosurgery. It is important to note that surgery does carry certain risks and complications, making it a last resort treatment method only.
Tips for Managing Rosacea and Thickened Skin
While effective treatments are available to improve the texture and appearance of thickened skin caused by rosacea, lifestyle changes can also have a positive impact on the treatment and management of rosacea. Furthermore, these lifestyle changes can prevent the onset of rhinophyma.
1. Avoid sun exposure: Sunlight exposure is a known factor that contributes to the development of rosacea, and can intensify the symptoms of rhinophyma. When going out into the sun, it is advised to use sunscreen of at least SPF 30, cover your head and face with hat or umbrella, and avoid going outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.
2. Identify and avoid triggers: Certain foods and beverages are known to worsen the symptoms of rosacea and rhinophyma. This includes spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks, citrus and dairy products.
3. Practice good skincare: Looking after your skin can help reduce the effects of rosacea, while safeguarding you against rhinophyma. Use fragrance-free skincare products to cleanse and moisturise, and steer clear of harsh scrubs or exfoliants that can easily irritate the skin.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep of a night, drinking enough water, and managing stress levels. Each of these lifestyle factors can improve the reduce the effects of rosacea.
5. Reduce stress: Stress can aggravate the symptoms of rosacea. Ways to reduce stress levels include yoga, exercising, mediation, or hobbies that help your mind to relax. Getting enough sleep is also an effective way of reducing stress.
Conclusion
Thickened skin caused by rosacea can be effectively treated using a variety of clinical techniques. However, ensuring a healthy lifestyle and avoiding the factors that are known to increase the risk of developing rosacea, can help to prevent the need for clinical treatments.
Remember, thickened skin is due to untreated or poorly managed rosacea. With early medical intervention, rosacea can be successfully treated before the skin has had a chance to thicken and harden.
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