A Comprehensive Guide
Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects over 16 million Americans. It’s characterized by redness, inflammation, bumps, and acne-like lesions on the face. While it’s often thought of as an adult skin disease, rosacea can affect people of all ages. Let’s take a look at the symptoms, causes and treatment options for rosacea so you can better understand this condition.
What are the Symptoms of Rosacea?
The most common symptom of rosacea is facial redness. This redness may come and go but over time it tends to become more persistent. Other common symptoms include flushing (temporary intense reddening of the face), bumps or pimples on the face, visible blood vessels in the face, burning or stinging sensation on the face, dry or scaly patches on the skin, and inflammation around the eyes. In some cases, rosacea can also cause eye irritation such as dry eyes or swollen eyelids.
What Causes Rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown but there are certain triggers that have been linked to flare-ups such as sun exposure, certain foods (such as spicy foods), alcohol consumption and stress/anxiety. It’s also important to note that while rosacea is not contagious it can be inherited from family members with similar tendencies.
What should you not do with Rosacea?
If you struggle with rosacea, it's important to understand what steps to take in order to promote better skin health. One of the main issues is that rosacea can be easily triggered by external factors. It’s best to avoid any skincare products that might exacerbate rosacea and cause further flare-ups. This could include heavy, oil-based cosmetics; gentle and hydrating products are a much safer bet for rosacea sufferers. Additionally, intense exercise or sweating can provoke rosacea - try going for a light jog instead of power lifting, as this might help you steer clear from discomfort. Sun exposure should also be kept to a minimum as this again could lead to rosacea flare-ups. Remember that caring for rosacea is about treating your skin kindly and making the right decisions when it comes to your skincare routine - do this, and you'll be on the path towards a healthier complexion!
Treatment Options for Rosacea
The most effective way to treat rosacea is with special creams that contain ingredients like azelaic acid or metronidazole which help reduce inflammation and calm down irritated skin cells. Your doctor may also recommend laser treatments that target visible blood vessels in order to reduce redness or oral medications like antibiotics to help keep flare-ups under control. In addition to medical treatments it’s important to avoid known triggers such as direct sun exposure (wear sunscreen daily), keep your stress levels low and limit your intake of certain foods/alcohol if they tend to trigger your flare-ups.
Living with rosacea can be tough but thankfully there are many treatments available for those suffering from this condition. If you think you may have rosacea it's important to speak with your doctor about getting tested so they can determine the best course of action for you based on your individual needs and lifestyle factors. With proper treatment and care you can manage your symptoms effectively so you can live a happy life free from irritation caused by this skin disorder! Contact us for a consultation.