Rosacea in Children – Face The Facts

Because Rosacea is most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of thirty and fifty, it is generally considered to be an adult disease. Unfortunately, rosacea can occur at just about any age, including very young children. Rosacea has been diagnosed in children as young as toddler age, but is most commonly discovered in children at the age of six. The symptom that is most prevalent in children is flushing.  Rosacea in children can easily be misdiagnosed, not only because its incidence is so uncommon, but also because it is so often thought to be something else. If Rosacea runs in your family, it’s important to get it diagnosed quickly in your child in order to begin the correct treatment, because Rosacea can lead to serious complications in children.

The Difficulties Diagnosing Rosacea in Children

One of the most difficult aspects of diagnosing Rosacea in young people is that its symptoms mimic so many other conditions that are more common in kids. Unless parents are specifically aware of Rosacea through their own experience, they tend to ignore the Rosacea flush as a symptom – most just think that their child blushes easily, and may even think it is cute.  When children have Rosacea symptoms that manifest on the skin, it is often thought to be baby acne, a food allergy, or eczema. Parents will try such remedies as changing their detergent, removing known allergens such as strawberries, and apply lotions in an attempt to solve the problem.

Rosacea Face – Rosacea in toddlers

Sometimes Rosacea appears in toddlers as what is termed rosacea face. The cheeks are prone to flushing bright red and are often  known to get patches of red that appear to be swollen; small white bumps often appear on the skin as well. Parents need to be particularly careful about the treatments they use because lotions that can help with other skin conditions can actually make rosacea outbreaks worse.

Symptoms of Ocular Rosacea in Children

It is usually only when the symptoms of Ocular Rosacea appear that parents finally take the child to the pediatrician.  In kids, the eyes are where Rosacea is not only most commonly found, but also where it can do the most damage. By the time Rosacea is diagnosed in children, they have usually already been complaining of the symptoms for a while, and their vision has often already been compromised. The symptoms of Ocular Rosacea in children are red, itchy eyes and bumps around the eyelids that people mistakenly believe are styes. If your child has frequently complained of itchy eyes, it is a good idea to get their vision checked, particularly if you have noted other symptoms such as small pustules, flushing, or if there is any family history of Rosacea. By the time Ocular Rosacea in children gets diagnosed, there has often already been a significant decrease in vision.

Recommended Physician Rosacea Treatment for Children

The treatments that physicians recommend for children’s rosacea are often very mild, and are designed to provide relief in the simplest way possible so as not to disrupt the child’s life.  It is important to keep kids out of the sun as much as possible, and children with Rosacea should always have on a strong sunblock before going outdoors. If older children are diagnosed with Rosacea they can try using acne treatments, but they need to use caution as these can dry out a Rosacea sufferer’s skin. Pediatricians sometimes prescribe antibiotics or steroids for severe cases.

Children with Rosacea – Self Esteem Issues

Perhaps the biggest concern that arises for children who have Rosacea is teasing from other children. Rosacea is a major cause of embarrassment for all ages, and has been traced to severe problems of self-esteem. It is important that parents are aware of this complicating factor so that they can be prepared if their child starts showing signs of reluctance about attending social events or even about going to school. Teachers should also be advised of the problem so that they don’t make innocent comments about flushing or blushing.