Rosacea

Rosacea is characterized by a chronic inflammatory state mainly triggered by an excessive innate immune response and oxidative stress. It affects 5% of general population. Thee principal mechanisms involved in rosacea and couperose are oxidative stress, inflammation, microbial imbalance and alteration of the epidermis and dermis structural proteins; all of them responsible for the signs and anatomical alterations of this condition: flushing, persistent erythema, sensitive skin, telangiectasia, papules and pustules. In areas of long-standing disease, yellow orange plaques can develop, resulting from sebaceous hyperplasia, most commonly on the nose (rhinophyma). Recent studies have shown that glutathione plays a crucial role as the key intracellular anti-oxidant molecule. In Rosacea there is a intraccellular glutathione deficiency that reduces the cell’s antioxidant defenses. The increased oxidative stress is responsible for the increase of the inflammatory state that causes the clinical framework. The management of rosacea aims to reduce the signs and symptoms and to improve the socio-psychological aspect. Based on the new scientific evidence, the reinforcement of cellular antioxidant defenses may represent a new and effective approach to treatment.