Can You Develop Rosacea in Middle Age?

We’re going to get right to the question posed in the title of this blog about whether you can get rosacea in middle age — Yes. In fact, this skin condition usually makes its first appearance during the middle years, typically between the ages of 30 and 60.

The team here at Z-Roc Dermatology, led by Dr. Khongruk Wongkittiroch and Dr. Matthew Zarraga, has considerable experience in diagnosing and treating rosacea, and we want to share some basic information about the common skin condition here.

Rosacea basics

There are more than 14 million people in the United States who are living with rosacea, which is an inflammatory skin condition that typically affects your face, though it can also develop in your neck and chest.

Rosacea can present itself in different ways, so there are four subtypes of the condition:

1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea — redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels
2. Papulopustular rosacea — redness, breakouts, and swelling
3. Phymatous rosacea — thickened and bumpy skin
4. Ocular rosacea — irritation, swelling, and redness around the eyes
   

Unfortunately, we don’t know the exact cause of this condition, but researchers believe genetics and/or problems with your immune system may play roles. There are other theories, such as skin mites or bacteria in your intestines, but no definitive answers yet.

Who gets rosacea, and when?

Rosacea commonly first develops in people between the ages of 30 and 60. In fact, it’s quite rare for a child to have rosacea.

As for who is more prone to the skin condition, consider yourself at high risk if you belong to one of the following groups:

• People with fair skin, usually of Scandinavian or Celtic descent
• Women, especially after menopause
• People with blue eyes and blonde hair
• People with a history of acne
• People with a family history of rosacea

Of course, people outside these groups can and do get rosacea. For example, men can also develop rosacea; when they do, the condition is often more severe than in women. People with darker skin tones can get rosacea, but far less often than those with fair skin.

There are solutions for rosacea

Since we don’t know what causes rosacea, there’s no cure for the skin condition. Over the years, however, we’ve gained a better understanding of rosacea, and we have effective treatment options, including:

• Topical ointments
• Oral medications
• Chemical peels
• Laser therapies

Beyond these treatments, there’s much you can do to reduce your rosacea flare-ups, starting with figuring out what triggers them in the first place. Most people experience rosacea flare-ups related to specific triggers, such as cold weather, caffeine, or spicy foods (these are things that can dilate the blood vessels in your face). By identifying these triggers, you can avoid them and prevent rosacea flare-ups.

While there are still some questions surrounding rosacea, we assure you that there are plenty of answers.

For expert management of your rosacea, please contact our Fort Lauderdale, Florida, office to set up an appointment.