Pyoderma faciale is a recurrent skin condition characterized by bumps and inflammation. Commonly known as rosacea or rosacea fulminans, pyoderma faciale is incurable. Treatment is generally multi-faceted and centered on symptom management. In addition to prescription medication, individuals are often encouraged to be mindful of situations or substances that may trigger symptom flares.
Rosacea is a condition that is generally diagnosed by reviewing a patient's medical history and comparing it with his or her symptoms. Without an established diagnostic or laboratory test for rosacea, a diagnosis is confirmed using a process of elimination. Taken as a whole, rosacea symptoms are generally determined to be cyclic and progressively worsen without treatment.
There is no definitive, known cause for rosacea fulminans. Individuals with rosacea often describe how their symptoms flare following specific situations, such as consuming certain foods or prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Research about the causes of rosacea are ongoing, however, findings suggest there may be environmental and genetic elements that contribute to pyoderma faciale development. Individuals with fair complexions and familial history of pyoderma faciale are considered at greatest risk for becoming symptomatic.
Rosacea symptoms are cyclic, meaning they come and go. Individuals are sometimes misdiagnosed as having moderate to severe acne, when they’re actually experiencing cystic papules associated with rosacea. It is not uncommon for persistent irritation to produce mild acne symptoms, flushing, and dryness. With time, individuals with pyoderma faciale experience increased skin sensitivity, which can significantly impact their self-esteem and quality of life.
In some cases, irritation and dryness may progress to affect the eyes, a condition known as ocular rosacea. Dryness and irritation of the eyelid can cause the affected eye to adopt a bloodshot appearance. Sometimes impacting one’s vision, symptoms of ocular rosacea may be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops to alleviate dryness. Severe symptoms may require more extensive treatment, as may be provided by an ophthalmologist.
It is not uncommon for some individuals with pyoderma faciale to develop seborrheic dermatitis. Often appearing in and around the oil glands, seborrheic dermatitis causes flaky and yellowing, scaly skin. Like pyoderma faciale, there is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis. Treatment is centered on managing symptoms and preventing complications with medication.
Rosacea symptoms are generally controlled with oral and topical medications over the long term. Lifestyle changes, such as altering one’s diet or limiting sun exposure, may also be recommended to prevent symptom flares. Severe pyoderma faciale cases can sometimes necessitate surgery for cosmetic reasons.