Lupoid rosacea is a rare subtype of rosacea, a chronic skin condition characterized by redness and inflammation of the face. It is also known as “lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei,” which translates to “disseminated facial lupus.”
The main characteristic of lupoid rosacea is the presence of small, firm, dome-shaped bumps (papules) that can develop into larger, wart-like growths (nodules). These bumps can be painful and can last for months to years. In addition to the papules and nodules, people with lupoid rosacea may also experience redness, flushing, itching, and burning on the face.
Lupoid rosacea is a type of rosacea, a chronic skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and pimple-like bumps on the face. This subtype of rosacea is characterized by persistent redness, scaling, and thickening of the skin, especially on the nose and cheeks. In some cases, the skin may also become itchy or painful. Lupoid rosacea is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. This condition is often treated with topical or oral medications, as well as lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers like alcohol and spicy foods.
Causes
The exact causes of lupoid rosacea are unknown, but there are several potential contributing factors including:
- Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing lupoid rosacea.
- Immune system dysfunction: An overactive immune response may contribute to the development of lupoid rosacea.
- Environmental triggers: Certain environmental triggers such as sun exposure, wind, cold weather, and stress can worsen symptoms of lupoid rosacea.
- Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections, particularly those caused by the bacteria Demodex, have been linked to lupoid rosacea.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during menopause may also contribute to the development of lupoid rosacea.
It is important to note that not all individuals with lupoid rosacea will experience all of these factors, and each individual may experience different triggers and contributing factors. It is important to work with a dermatologist to determine the specific causes of lupoid rosacea for each individual case.
Symptoms
Main symptoms of lupoid rosacea include:
- Persistent redness: The skin on the face becomes red, swollen, and irritated. This redness may be concentrated in specific areas, such as the cheeks, nose, and chin.
- Pimple-like bumps: Small, red, raised bumps may appear on the affected skin. These bumps may be filled with pus and may resemble acne pimples.
- Scaling: The skin may become scaly and rough, with patches of rough, scaly skin appearing on the face.
- Eye problems: In severe cases, lupoid rosacea may cause eye problems, including redness, itching, and burning sensations.
- Thickening of the skin: Over time, the skin may thicken and become bumpy, especially on the nose. This condition is known as rhinophyma.
It is important to seek medical treatment for lupoid rosacea as it can be a persistent condition that is difficult to control without proper treatment.
Diagnosis
The main diagnostic criteria for lupoid rosacea include:
- Persistent redness and inflammation in the central face, particularly the nose and cheeks
- The development of raised, scaly plaques that can be red, brown or yellow in color
- The presence of skin ulcerations, particularly in the central face
- The absence of response to conventional rosacea treatments such as topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, and topical corticosteroids.
Diagnosis of lupoid rosacea is made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Your doctor may take a skin biopsy to rule out other skin conditions, such as lupus or dermatomyositis, that can mimic lupoid rosacea. They may also use diagnostic tools such as a Wood’s lamp, which helps to identify the presence of lupoid rosacea by shining a special light on the skin.
The main tests used for diagnosing lupoid rosacea are:
- Physical examination: A dermatologist will examine the skin and assess the symptoms, including redness, papules, pustules, and scaling.
- Skin biopsy: A small sample of skin may be taken and sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. This helps to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.
- Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to rule out other underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.
- Imaging tests: In some cases, imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan may be needed to check for underlying medical conditions.
- Skin culture: A skin culture may be taken to determine if an infection is contributing to the symptoms.
The diagnosis of lupoid rosacea is typically made based on a combination of the physical examination and results from laboratory tests. It is important to seek the help of a dermatologist to accurately diagnose and treat lupoid rosacea.
Treatment
The main treatment for lupoid rosacea includes:
- Antibiotics: Topical or oral antibiotics, such as metronidazole, doxycycline, or tetracycline, are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent further outbreaks.
- Steroids: Topical or injectable corticosteroids may be used to reduce redness, swelling, and itching.
- Isotretinoin: This medication is used to reduce oil production and unclog pores, which can help to prevent outbreaks.
- Light Therapy: Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) or photodynamic therapy (PDT) can help to reduce redness and inflammation.
- Laser Treatments: Laser therapy can be used to remove red or raised lumps and bumps.
- Lifestyle Changes: It is important to manage stress, avoid triggers such as alcohol and spicy foods, and keep skin moisturized to help prevent outbreaks.
It is important to work closely with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment plan for lupoid rosacea, as this condition can be difficult to treat and manage.