Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness and inflammation in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, cheeks, and nose. Patients with Rosacea often have blood vessels that burst or become enlarged, causing a blush or flush on their faces. 

This skin condition is very common and rarely develops into something worse. It is mainly uncomfortable. Compared to men, women are more likely to develop Rosacea. There is not a lot known as to why Rosacea develops in women. However, anyone can develop this ‘flush’ skin condition. Although this is the case, mainly European women with a lighter complexion and sun exposure develop Rosacea.

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What Causes Rosacea

Rosacea is an interesting skin condition since there is no cure. However, there are ‘fare-ups’ that patients can have with thin conditions. Not a lot is understood about Rosacea. Experts are still researching as to why Rosacea affects some people and not others.

From what we do know, stress and genetics play a role. For example, if your mother has rosacea, you are likely to also develop it. Interestingly, there are not a lot of younger people with this condition. Any skin tone can develop Rosacea as well. 

Causes for Flare-ups

Although we still don’t know what causes Rosacea in men and women, we do know what makes it worse. Each person has their own trigger that worsens this skin condition. While this is the case, there are a few common ones that affect nearly all patients with Rosacea. The most common causes for Flare-ups are:

• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Emotions
• Exercise
• Spicy foods-hot sauces
• Acidic Fruit (Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit)

Common Rosacea Symptoms

The symptoms for people with Rosacea are very obvious. This skin condition is one that presents itself visually. There are also stages of development and levels of severity. For instance, people with Rosacea may have a slight pink blush when they do not have a flare-up. However, during a flare-up, they can develop any of these symptoms:

• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Emotions
• Exercise
• Spicy foods-hot sauces
• Enlarged nose
• Redness
• Bumps on t-zone
• Redness in chest

Diagnosing Rosacea

It is easy to diagnose people with Rosacea. Since the symptoms are unique and visible, it is unlikely that your doctor will recommend taking any additional exams. Doctors should be able to diagnose Rosacea with a physical exam only as the signs are visual. However, diagnosing Rosacea in darker-skinned adults is difficult as the redness is not as prominent as the skin of a European woman.

If you suspect that you have this skin condition, you should try to go to a Dermatologist. Dermatologists are doctors that specialize in skincare and health. They may offer you any additional resources, treatments, or help with their specialized knowledge.

Your doctor may also recommend tests just to be on the safe side. For instance, if the symptoms you experience are similar to other skin conditions, a biopsy can reveal further information. Tests are only used to rule out other conditions though and not to measure if you have Rosacea.

Treatment Options for Rosacea

There are not a lot of treatments for Rosacea. Since there is no cure, the only thing that you can do is to prevent a flare-up or manage the symptoms. There are a few prescription options, however, that your doctor can provide you with if they see it as a fit.

Some doctors may recommend their patients to use anti-acne drugs which decrease the red and white bumps on their skin. There are many ways to take this medication. One of the most common ways is a pill form that you take a minimum of once a day. However, there are also creams that you can apply to your face.

Brimonidine is another medication that may reduce the symptoms. This medication reduces the ‘flush’ of a patient’s face by constricting the blood vessels causing redness. It is only temporary however and should be reapplied at least every 12 hours.

Can a Rosacea Flare-Up be Prevented?

Sometimes, it is easier to prevent a flare-up of Rosacea than to treat the condition. Since there is no cure and the condition is chronic, each day looks different. It takes time and a process of elimination to figure out what is causing the flare-ups. While this is the case, the causes for flare-ups listed above are the most common ones.

The best thing to do is to avoid the irritant. For instance, if your skin reacts poorly when you are feeling stressed, then try some stress-relieving techniques. This is not always possible since stress is a normal feeling but reducing how you react to stress may help with eh ‘flush.’ It is easier to avoid foods that cause reactions like spicy foods, hot sauces, and acidic fruit. 

Managing Rosacea

There are also ways to manage Rosacea and the flare-ups that come with this condition. You can do this by finding ways to reduce the redness, swelling, and bumps on your face. Cold compresses are great because they reduce inflammation. You should never apply heat to your face, especially if you suffer from Rosacea.

While Rosacea is not life-threatening, some studies have shown that patients with skin conditions had low self-esteem. This is not true for everyone but can be remedied with a few lifestyle changes to reduce the swelling. Sometimes, when people are dehydrated, they flush red frequently. This is especially true about people with Rosacea. The more water you consume, the less red your face becomes.

Enduring Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness in the cheeks, forehead, and nose. The skin condition is very common and does not have a cure. It is mostly seen in older women with white a light complexion and a European background.

This skin condition is easy to treat though as there are hundreds of ways to manage the symptoms. A few ways to manage Rosacea are using cold compresses, using creams to decrease redness, and relieving stress. While it is not easy to avoid foods, especially if they are your favorite, spicy foods with peppers can trigger a flare-up.

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FAQ

1. Is Rosacea hereditary? No. It is not. Rosacea is a combination of genetic as well as environmental factors. 
2. Can I pass Rosacea to others? Luckily, no. Although the cause of Rosacea is still unknown, scientists have confirmed that rosacea cannot be passed along by skin contact.

Healthier Me Today is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment, always consult with your healthcare professional. Stay healthy!