Rosacea is a common, acne-like skin disorder that is easily controllable and medically manageable.
Symptoms of Rosacea
Symptoms frequently begin with episodes of skin redness. Other symptoms develop as the condition progresses, such as:
- burning and stinging sensations
- long-lasting redness
- appearance of small blood vessels in the skin
- breakout of papules and pustules
A simple visual examination by a seasoned dermatologist is sufficient for diagnosis in most cases. In other circumstances, particularly when pimples or redness on less common parts of the face are present, a trial of common treatments is useful for confirming a suspected diagnosis.
Types of Rosacea
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: redness, flushing, visible blood vessels
- Ocular rosacea: red and irritated eyes, swollen eyelids, sty-like growth on the eye
- Papulopustular rosacea: acne-like breakouts, redness, swelling
- Phymatous rosacea: skin thickens with bumpy texture
Causes of Rosacea
The cause of rosacea is unknown; nonetheless, it could be due to some combination of environmental and hereditary factors.
Numerous factors can trigger or aggravate rosacea by increasing blood flow to the surface of the skin.
Some of these factors include:
- Alcohol
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
- Hot baths or saunas
- Hot foods or beverages
- Spicy foods
- Temperature extremes
- Strenuous exercise
- Stress and emotions, such as anger or embarrassment
- Sunlight
How to Avoid or Manage Rosacea Flare-Ups
- Distinguish your triggers.
You have a better chance of controlling your condition once you have identified the environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to your flare-ups. Keep a journal to identify and avoid those factors that affect your skin.
- Stay cool.
High temperature is one of the primary triggers for many rosacea patients. Calm the irritation and burning sensation induced by exercise or hot weather by applying cool compress to your face or misting yourself with a spray bottle filled with cool water. Reddening can also be controlled by chewing on ice chips.
- Avoid stress.
Do not try to do countless activities in a day. Plan some downtime when you can relax. Consider meditating, and let yourself take a break from your daily roles to do something fun.
- Take your medications.
Remember to use your medication as prescribed by your specialist. This can help maintain lasting remission of your signs and symptoms.
Though there is no cure for rosacea, treatments can control and reduce the signs and symptoms. Every so often, this requires a combination of prescription treatments and certain lifestyle changes on your part. Common prescription drugs used for rosacea are antibiotics and acne creams.
The length of treatment depends on the type and severity of your symptoms; but typically, you will notice an improvement within one to two months. Since symptoms may recur if you stop taking medications, long-term regular treatment is usually necessary.
- Consult your dermatologist if you can use phototherapy.
Contrary to popular belief that light worsens rosacea, studies have revealed that sunlight actually improves rosacea. This is because skin cells are capable of absorbing light and using it as a source of energy to fuel the repair and rejuvenation of damaged cells, or kill bacteria. It is a natural biochemical reaction like that of plants’ photosynthesis.
When skin is exposed to phototherapy light, skin cells regenerate faster and hydrate more efficiently. This whole process results in youthful, healthy skin.