Overview
Definition
Chronic inflammatory condition causing facial erythema and telangiectasia.
Epidemiology
Common in fair-skinned adults aged 30-50.
Etiology & Risk Factors
- Vascular hyperreactivity
- Demodex mites
- Triggers (heat, spicy food, alcohol, sunlight)
Clinical Symptoms
- Facial flushing
- Persistent central facial erythema
- Inflammatory papules/pustules
- Rhinophyma (thickened nasal skin in men)
- Ocular irritation
Clinical Approach
Diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis
- Absence of comedones (distinguishes from acne)
Management
- Sun protection
- Avoid triggers
- Topical Metronidazole or Ivermectin
- Oral tetracyclines (for papulopustular)
- Laser therapy (for telangiectasias)
Complications
- Rhinophyma (requires surgery)
- Ocular rosacea (corneal ulcers)