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Recent Questions
- I have been treated for rosacea for one year. Recently my scalp has started to itch, and I was wondering if this could be related to my rosacea?
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Have a question about rosacea?
Leading dermatologists, ophthalmologists, researchers and others will answer questions about this chronic but treatable condition. New questions are answered every month, so be sure to check back regularly.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Q Is there a link between chronic nasal blockage and rosacea?
AResponse from Dr. Mark Dahl, chairman of dermatology at Mayo Clinic-Arizona, and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology:
Not that we know of. Even patients with rhinophyma usually can breathe well through their noses.
Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, various theories about the disorder's origin have evolved over the years, and some share common characteristics with chronic nasal blockage.
Chronic nasal obstruction has many causes. Typical stuffy nose is commonly associated with inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose from various causes, often allergies or viruses. When the mucosa becomes inflamed, the blood vessels inside the membrane swell and expand, causing the turbinates -- small, shelf-like, bony structures that are covered by the mucous membranes -- to become enlarged and obstruct the flow of air through the nose.
Although theories about rosacea's cause also involve inflammation and swelling of blood vessels, the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth are not affected. The eyelids can become inflamed from ocular rosacea, but exactly how this happens is speculative. Also, the occurrence of stuffy nose does not usually trigger attacks of rosacea, although frequent nose blowing may temporarily aggravate flushing.
About Ask the Doctors
To submit a question, use the "Ask a Question" box above. Due to the volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee that all questions will be answered. In some cases, similar questions may receive a combined answer.
All medical information in “Ask the Doctors” has been provided by experts. However, the information posted here by Ask the Doctors contributors should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace consultation with a physician. Rosacea may vary substantially from one patient to another, and diagnosis and treatment must be tailored by a physician for each individual case.
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