What is Rosacea - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
ROSACEA -WHAT IS IT AND HOW DO YOU TREAT IT?
WHAT IS ROSACEA?
Rosacea is a long term, non-contagious skin condition that affects millions worldwide. It most often causes visible blood vessels and redness on facial skin; cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.
Sometimes there are mild effects that make it appear as though a person is regularly blushing. However, sometimes symptoms are more severe, sometimes referred to as Acne Rosacea, making it look as though a person is continuously flushed, with small red areas that are significantly more apparent.
Below are some of the most common questions asked in regards to people with rosacea.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ROSACEA?
As with most skin conditions, rosacea effects can be either mild or more severe. Some of the most common symptoms include experiencing any of the following on the nose, cheeks, chin, forehead, and sometimes even eyes:
- Persistent facial redness
- Visible small blood vessels
- Flushing Easily
- Swelling
- Burning
- Stinging
- Small cysts and pus filled pimples
- Rosacea affects eyes too
RHINOPHYMA
Over time, the skin may also thicken, especially on the nose, and appear to be dry, even if the skin is not dry. The nose may become bulbous (Rhinophyma), which is caused by the enlargement of the oil glands in the nose and cheek. Rhinophyma is more prevalent and much more severe in men than in women.
WHAT CAUSES ROSACEA?
Unfortunately, the exact cause is not clear, but there are specific triggers that you should try to avoid once rosacea is present. These include:
- Environmental factors like excessively cold, or hot, temperatures
- Overly hot conditions such as a hot shower, hot bath, or steam room
- Hot flashes related to menopause
- High winds
- Alcohol consumption
- Spicy foods
- Excessive stress
- Use of facial steroid creams
HOW LONG WILL A FLARE-UP LAST?
There is no clear-cut answer as to how long a rosacea flare-up will last. If you have only mild symptoms, you may find it to be more apparent some days than others.
Also, you may have symptoms for a few months and then nothing for a while.
What all rosacea flare-ups have in common is that there will be times when some symptoms are more severe than others. For example, your blood vessels may always be more visible, but you may not ever experience flushing, swelling, or cysts.
Most people who suffer from this condition will experience long term symptoms, perhaps for ten or more years.
WILL I GET ROSACEA IF MY MOM OR DAD HAS IT?
As mentioned above, the cause of rosacea is unclear. What we do know is that approximately 40% of individuals who have this condition also have a family member (not necessarily a parent) who has the same diagnosis. Also, keep in mind that rosacea is most common in adults over the age of 30-years-old. Women are more likely to develop the ailment; however, men often have more severe symptoms.
It has also been noted that those with paler skin or perhaps have Scandanavian or Celtic ancestors are more likely to show signs of the condition.
HOW TO TREAT ROSACEA?
There is no cure for rosacea, but as with just about any health condition, there is a multitude of ways to treat it.
You can visit your local dermatologist for the latest in topical treatments, and they will help to develop a treatment plan to try to avoid your triggers. This plan will be different for everyone as each person is affected differently, and their triggers may be different, too.
Visit an ophthalmologist if you are enduring Ocular Rosacea: this is when you experience dry, irritated, and swollen eyes or eyelids - the latter can appear red. Sometimes, the eye symptoms precede the skin condition.
However, you may also want to combine natural healing alternatives as a part of managing your symptoms. For example, you may find that your rosacea flare-ups are more apparent when you consume certain foods.
You may also choose soothing and calming topical treatments made from natural ingredients, as opposed to chemical-filled products. These include natural products made from honey, rose petals, cherries, and orange blossoms, to name a few.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE WITH ROSACEA?
Whether experiencing a flare-up or just additional redness and more visible blood vessels, one of the most significant challenges with rosacea is often related to self-esteem.
Not everyone is particularly sensitive to your symptoms, and it may take time to get used to the way your skin looks. Be aware that if you try to mask your marks, some makeup and skincare products can make your symptoms worse.
If you are concerned that you might be showing signs of rosacea, head to a medical professional for a formal diagnosis. There are many skin conditions with similar symptoms - many of which have relatively quick treatments.
ET VOUS?
Do you suffer from the symptoms of rosacea or do you know someone who does? Do you have any special tips or ideas you would be willing to share to help others?
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