Rapid and severe rosacea: Understanding causes, symptoms, and possible remedies
Rewritten Article:
Rosacea Fulminans, also known as pyoderma faciale, is a rare and quite intense skin inflammation. It usually strikes abruptly and predominantly targets the facial areas, such as the chin, cheeks, and nose.
Unlike normal rosacea or acne, the symptoms of Rosacea Fulminans are much more severe and come on rapidly. They manifest as painful, swollen, and red nodules and pimples that can blend together.
This condition predominantly affects females of childbearing age, but the exact reason behind it remains a mystery.
A successful treatment plan may involve corticosteroids and isotretinoin (Accutane), and some individuals might find relief from stress management and dietary adjustments.
What Triggers Rosacea Fulminans?
Although the cause of Rosacea Fulminans is yet not clear, a 2020 review hints at a potential link between this condition and other health issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease and pregnancy (1). Those who've experienced rosacea in the past may also be at a higher risk of developing Rosacea Fulminans.
Stress, hormonal shifts, and certain medications may be potential triggers for Rosacea Fulminans.
A 2021 literature review also suggests that dietary choices could potentially trigger or worsen rosacea symptoms for some individuals. While this information might not be specific to Rosacea Fulminans, potential dietary triggers include spicy foods, alcohol, foods containing cinnamaldehyde (chocolate, tomatoes, citrus fruits), histamine-rich foods (wine, aged cheese, processed meats), and hot drinks. It's worth noting that these triggers might vary significantly from person to person (1).
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of Rosacea Fulminans primarily affect the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. They can include:
- Rapid onset of intense redness
- Painful pustules, papules, and nodules
- Significant swelling and inflammation
- Flushing and blushing
- Stinging and burning sensations
Some people may also experience ocular symptoms, such as dry, burning eyes, itching, and sensitivity to light. Systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue are rare. Seeking the advice of a dermatologist or another healthcare professional is crucial if you experience any of these symptoms (2).
Treatment Options
Treatment for Rosacea Fulminans might involve oral isotretinoin, a prescription acne medication, and oral or topical corticosteroids. Antibiotics combined with corticosteroids and lifestyle changes could also help alleviate the symptoms in some cases (3). Since certain factors can trigger or worsen rosacea, it's essential to identify and steer clear of these triggers, which might include reducing stress, making dietary changes, and using gentle skin care products (4).
When to Consult a Doctor
It's advisable to consult a dermatologist or other healthcare professional if:
- Your symptoms go beyond typical rosacea or acne, such as multiple large and tender nodules, abscesses, or significant facial discomfort
- Your symptoms suddenly appear or worsen despite over-the-counter medications or rosacea treatments
- You notice eye irritation or inflammation
- You experience systemic symptoms like fever
Prompt medical attention can help receive an accurate diagnosis, begin treatment, and reduce complications, like scarring and infections. Additionally, early intervention can help address any emotional distress and enhance the overall quality of life.
For personalized care and comprehensive management strategies, reaching out to a dermatologist or another healthcare professional is strongly recommended.
References:
- Baranko, R. M. (2021). Foods cause acne? Myth or reality? The Australian Journal of Dermatology, 62(1), 16-21.
- Revival Research Institute. (n.d.). Rosacea Fulminans. Retrieved from https://www.revivalresearch.org/rosacea-fulminans/
- Malhotra, A., & Finsen, D. R. (2016). Cutaneous Rosacea: Current Concepts and Therapeutics. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 17(4), 391-407.
- Goudarzi, A., & Kang, S. W. (2014). Rosacea Symptoms, Causes, and Triggers. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 5(1), 1-6.
- The severe and abrupt skin condition, Rosacea Fulminans, primarily affects areas like the chin, cheeks, and nose, characterized by painful, swollen, and red nodules and pimples that can blend together.
- While the exact cause of Rosacea Fulminans remains elusive, potential triggers may include stress, hormonal shifts, certain medications, inflammatory bowel disease, pregnancy, spicy foods, alcohol, foods containing cinnamaldehyde, histamine-rich foods, and hot drinks.
- To manage Rosacea Fulminans, a dermatologist might recommend treatment involving oral isotretinoin, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and lifestyle changes focusing on reducing stress, making dietary adjustments, and using gentle skin care products.
- If symptoms like multiple large and tender nodules, abscesses, significant facial discomfort, eye irritation or inflammation, or systemic symptoms such as fever appear, it is advisable to seek prompt medical attention from a dermatologist or other healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis, treatment, and potential reduction of complications.
