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Rhinophyma | Rodent ulcers (go to basal cell cancer) | Rosacea | Rubella
RHINOPHYMA
Rhinophyma is the irregular,
bulbous enlargement of the nose that is usually seen in individuals
with rosacea.
Cause
- Excessive growth of
the sebaceous (oil) glands and nose tissue.
Symptoms
- Red, craggy enlargement
of the nose.
- Oiliness of the nose.
- The dilated blood
vessels on the nose are often dilated (telangiectasia).
- Other symptoms of
rosacea may be present.
What you can do
- Control the symptoms
of rosacea.
- Consult a doctor to
have the excess tissue removed.
What the doctor
may do
- Remove the excess
tissue using electrosurgery,
dermabrasion or the
carbon dioxide laser.
- Treat underlying rosacea.
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ROSACEA
Rosacea or acne rosacea
affects the central portion of the face and is characterised by
red papules (pimply bumps), pustules (pusheads), persistent redness,
telangiectasias (broken veins) and a tendency to flush. It usually
occurs in middle aged adults, especially fair-skinned individuals
of Celtic origin. Rosacea affects women more commonly but men
more severely.
Causes
The cause of rosacea is uncertain. However, the following factors
may aggravate or predispose to it:
- Consumption of alcohol,
hot fluids and spicy foods such as curries.
- Exposure to extreme
cold, hot baths, showers and saunas.
- Exposure to the sun,
cold and wind.
- Vigorous exercise.
- Vasodilating drugs
(drugs that open out the blood vessels so as to improve the circulation
or reduce blood pressure).
- In appropriate use
of strong topical steroids
on the face.
- Menopause.
- Stress.
- Inheritance and race.
Rosacea is more common among family members and in people of
Celtic descent.
Symptoms
- Flushed face, ruddy
complexion and telangiectasias
(broken veins).
- Red papules (pimple-like
bumps) and pustules (pusheads).
- Affects symmetrical
areas on the cheeks, forehead, nose and/or chin.
- Tendency to flush
after taking hot fluids, spicy foods and alcohol.
-
- Complications
- Bulbous enlargement
of the nose known as rhinophyma which
is more common in men.
- Eye irritation.
What you can do
- You should consult
a doctor.
- Avoid the aggravating
factors.
- Use mild cleansers.
- Avoid alcohol containing
skincare products, scrubs and other harsh products.
- Use sunscreens when
prolonged exposure to the sun is anticipated.
- Use cosmetics to hide
the ruddy complexion.
-
- What the doctor
may do
- Prescribe oral antibiotics
such as tetracycline and erythromycin.
- Prescribe topical
metronidazole (an antibiotic).
- Prescribe isotretinoin
(vitamin A acid) for resistant or severe cases.
- Treat the telangiectasias
or rhinophyma.
- Rosacea often recurs
after stopping treatment so longterm treatment may be necessary.
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RUBELLA
Rubella or German measles
is a generally mild viral infection which lasts around 3 days.
Hence, it has also been called the "3 day measles".
Rubella is now much less common because of routine immunisation.
Cause
- Rubella virus. Infection
is transmitted by droplet infection and the incubation period
is 16 - 18 days.
Symptoms
- Mild fever, sorethroat
or runny nose.
- Pink spots appearing
on the face and spreading to the body and extremities. The rash
appears after the fever has subsided and clears by the third
day without desquamation or scaling (cf., measles).
- Swollen lymph glands
behind the ears and on the sides of the neck towards the back.
Complications
- Rubella during the
first 3 months of pregnancy may result in severe birth defects
such as blindness, deafness and heart malformations.
- Arthritis (joint inflammation)
which is more common in adults.
What you can do
- You should consult
a doctor.
- Have plenty of rest
and take plenty of fluids.
- Take fever medicines.
- Avoid contact with
pregnant women.
Prevention
- Rubella can be prevented
by vaccination. This is normally given at 1 - 2 years of age
or at age 12 or 3 months before pregnancy if non-immune.
What the doctor
may do
- Confirm the diagnosis.
- Give symptomatic treatment
or treat the complications.
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