AllyCatRosacea Subtypes
June 5th 2008 02:23
There are quite a few variations of rosacea but there are 4 main subtypes that are recognised by the National Rosacea Society. Subtypes are generally classified into these groups based on the symptoms and characteristics of each subtype. Some sufferers may only have one subtype usually starting with subtype 1, but most (as the condition worsens) will develop the characteristics of one or more of the other subtypes as well.
Rosacea Subtypes
Subtype 1: Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
Is the most common form and is usually seen in rosaceans as persistant redness of the face and frequent flushing. Skin is easily irritated through some common and uncommon triggers and the affected sufferer may appear to be blushing for prolong periods of time. Telangiectasia (tiny widened or broken blood vessels) may also be present particularly as the condition advances.
Subtype 2: Papulopustular Rosacea
Usually accompanied by facial redness, this subtype has the characteristics of papules (red domed bumps that resembles acne) and/or pustules (same bumps but contain pus). Telangiectasia may also be present but could be hidden underneath the papules or pustules if the condition is severe. Severe itching or burning sensations may also accompany this subtype and can be extremely uncomfortable for the rosacea sufferer. Severity can range from mild with one or two small papules (grade 1) to the more severe (grade 3) which has more numerous and severe eruptions.
Subtype 3: Phymatous Rosacea
Along with the persistent redness, this third subtype is characterized by extreme skin thickening, usually around the nose area. The build up of skin can enlarge the appearance and change the texture of the nose. This is medically known as rhinophyma (ri-no-FI-ma). This type of rosacea can lead to deformity of the nose and may interfere with breathing in the most severe cases. Middle aged to older men are usually only affected. Female rosacea sufferers do not develop this subtype with the exception of very rare cases.
Subtype 4: Ocular Rosacea
This subtype affects the eyes and can be characterised by red, bloodshot eyes, dryness (or excessive wateriness), burning or stinging sensations , light sensitivity, and foreign body sensation such as the feeling of sand or dust in the eyes. Blepharitis, conjunctivitis and styes may also form and can be quite uncomfortable and distressing. Usually eventually over half of people with rosacea will develop this form, although symptoms can be quite mild. Although vision may be a bit blurred at times, rarely does this condition do any permanent damage to eyesight.
Rosacea Subtypes
Subtype 1: Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
Is the most common form and is usually seen in rosaceans as persistant redness of the face and frequent flushing. Skin is easily irritated through some common and uncommon triggers and the affected sufferer may appear to be blushing for prolong periods of time. Telangiectasia (tiny widened or broken blood vessels) may also be present particularly as the condition advances.
Subtype 2: Papulopustular Rosacea
Usually accompanied by facial redness, this subtype has the characteristics of papules (red domed bumps that resembles acne) and/or pustules (same bumps but contain pus). Telangiectasia may also be present but could be hidden underneath the papules or pustules if the condition is severe. Severe itching or burning sensations may also accompany this subtype and can be extremely uncomfortable for the rosacea sufferer. Severity can range from mild with one or two small papules (grade 1) to the more severe (grade 3) which has more numerous and severe eruptions.
Subtype 3: Phymatous Rosacea
Along with the persistent redness, this third subtype is characterized by extreme skin thickening, usually around the nose area. The build up of skin can enlarge the appearance and change the texture of the nose. This is medically known as rhinophyma (ri-no-FI-ma). This type of rosacea can lead to deformity of the nose and may interfere with breathing in the most severe cases. Middle aged to older men are usually only affected. Female rosacea sufferers do not develop this subtype with the exception of very rare cases.
Subtype 4: Ocular Rosacea
This subtype affects the eyes and can be characterised by red, bloodshot eyes, dryness (or excessive wateriness), burning or stinging sensations , light sensitivity, and foreign body sensation such as the feeling of sand or dust in the eyes. Blepharitis, conjunctivitis and styes may also form and can be quite uncomfortable and distressing. Usually eventually over half of people with rosacea will develop this form, although symptoms can be quite mild. Although vision may be a bit blurred at times, rarely does this condition do any permanent damage to eyesight.
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