Rosacea: A Chronic Skin Disease Affecting Physical and Emotional Well-being

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition frequently misidentified as common acne or simple sensitive skin. In reality, it is a more complex disorder affecting the blood vessels beneath the skin, which become overly prominent near the surface. This proximity causes the face to easily flush, feel hot, and become sensitive, especially across the central facial areas like the nose, cheeks, and chin. The physical manifestations of rosacea can significantly affect a patient's self-esteem.

Dr. Hamidah Mohd. Salleh, CEO of Klinik Lovina, explains that rosacea occurs when blood vessels dilate more readily with increased temperature. This triggers an oversensitive immune response in the affected area, leading to prolonged inflammation, stinging, heat, and visible facial redness. Patients often experience sudden facial flushing without an apparent cause.

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Rosacea occurs when blood vessels under the skin dilate more easily when the temperature rises. This change triggers an immune system response that becomes too sensitive in the area, causing prolonged inflammation, stinging, heat, and clear redness on the face.

Genetic factors play a role, increasing the risk for individuals with a family history of the condition. Although often associated with fair skin, rosacea can affect individuals with darker skin tones, though it may be harder to detect. In Asian communities, it is frequently mistaken for persistent acne, leading to unsuitable treatments that worsen the condition. While women are more commonly affected, men may experience more severe complications, such as rhinophyma, where the nose enlarges and thickens due to chronic inflammation.

Early signs include facial redness triggered by heat, spicy foods, exercise, or emotions like anger and anxiety. Initially resembling normal blushing, these episodes become more frequent over time, accompanied by heat, stinging sensations, and increasing skin sensitivity. Dr. Hamidah notes that these signs are often overlooked as normal, despite being indicators of a progressing chronic disease. Lifestyle factors like excessive exercise causing sweating and the use of unsuitable beauty products containing alcohol, strong acids, or excessive fragrances can exacerbate rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic condition that cannot be cured but can be controlled with consistent and appropriate treatment, primarily vascular laser therapies like PDL and NDA.

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The condition is often overlooked because it is considered normal, whereas it is an early sign of a chronic disease that is worsening.