NIC Esthetician Written ExamScientific ConceptsMedium
A client is discussing concerns about visible capillaries and persistent facial redness, especially triggered by heat and spicy foods. The esthetician identifies these symptoms as characteristic of a chronic inflammatory skin condition. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- APerioral Dermatitis
- BLupus Erythematosus
- CRosacea
- DSeborrheic Dermatitis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the face, characterized by persistent redness, visible blood vessels (telangiectasias), and often papules/pustules. Triggers like heat, spicy foods, and alcohol are well-known.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Perioral dermatitis presents with small, red papules and pustules around the mouth, not generalized redness and visible capillaries on the face.
- B. Lupus erythematosus can cause a 'butterfly rash' on the face, but persistent flushing, visible capillaries, and specific triggers like spicy foods are not its primary defining characteristics.
- D. Seborrheic dermatitis involves greasy, scaly patches, often on the scalp, eyebrows, and nasolabial folds, not primarily persistent facial redness and visible capillaries.
Rosacea
A chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the face, characterized by facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels (telangiectasias), and sometimes papules and pustules.
- Chronic facial redness and flushing
- Visible blood vessels (telangiectasias)
- Triggers include heat, sun, spicy foods, alcohol
- Can progress to papules, pustules, and rhinophyma
Memory trick: Rosacea's Redness: Reactive to Spices, Heat, and shows Veins.