Is your skin sensitive? Do you notice redness on your face? Do you suspect rosacea or have you just been diagnosed? Today, Dr. Nika Juriševič, a specialist in dermatovenerology from Ljubljana, the largest Slovenian hospital, where she daily gains knowledge and experience in all areas of dermatovenerology, answers all your potential doubts about this frequent dermatosis.
Photo: Ana Lasič
How and why does rosacea occur?
When we talk about rosacea, we are talking about a frequent, inflammatory, chronic dermatosis that occurs on the face. The cause of the disease itself is not definitively defined: it is a set of factors such as genetic predisposition, external factors, immune response, vascular hyperactivity and inflammatory response of the skin. The presence of Demodex folliculorum and Staphylococcus epidermis can affect the disease by activating the immune system. Damage caused by UV radiation also plays an important role in causing and worsening the symptoms of rosacea. It most often occurs in fair-skinned people, women are more often affected, and that is between the ages of 20 and 50.
What are the most common symptoms of rosacea?
The most common symptoms are recurring redness, especially of the central part of the face - nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. This redness can be triggered by many external and internal factors such as heat, wind, sun, sauna, intense exercise, hot drinks, alcohol, spicy food, stress and anger. The aforementioned redness may become permanent over time, dilated capillaries may appear, as well as a burning sensation on the skin. Over time, papules, pustules or even edema may appear.
Many individuals suffering from rosacea mistake it for acne. Can you tell us what the main differences are and why it is so important to get the diagnosis right?
In rosacea, papules and pustules may appear, but comedones are not visible. The skin of the face is usually affected centrally, i.e. the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. In acne, in addition to papules and pustules, we also see open and closed comedones, and cysts and nodules may also be present. Apart from the face, acne often affects the neck, décolleté and back. It is important to distinguish between acne and rosacea because treatment depends on the correct diagnosis.
How to treat this skin disease and can it be cured permanently?
For rosacea, I recommend avoiding triggers and regular use of sunscreen (SPF 50). It is treated locally with metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin and brimonidine. More severe forms can be treated with systemic antibiotics and retinoids. Rosacea symptoms such as varicose veins are removed with laser, IPL and electrocoagulation.
What daily care regimen would you recommend for rosacea skin?
For skin care, in a person diagnosed with rosacea, I would advise cleansing the skin with a gentle product that does not irritate the skin, applying a moisturizing serum, hypoallergenic cream and daily use of a cream with a high protection factor. Products should be suitable for skin with rosacea or sensitive skin.
From your experience, what are the most common mistakes when treating rosacea skin?
The most common mistakes I notice are cleaning the skin too often and too aggressively, because it leads to damage to the skin barrier. Another mistake is exfoliating too often, or using products that contain acids too often. The third mistake is applying an insufficient amount of sun protection cream and reapplying it improperly!
Dr. Nike Juriševič's favorite Skintegra product is:
My favorite Skintegra product is Infrared , because it soothes my skin and restores the skin barrier. In addition to Infrared, I also really like Hydra B , because it hydrates my skin and leaves my skin feeling nourished and glowing immediately after application.