What Is Rosacea?
Basically, rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. It is common and causes flushing or irregular redness of the face. Moreover, as the skin disorder tends to progresses, emergence of pustules (red, small, puss-filled bumps) occurs on the face. Skin sores and swelling caused by rosacea may seem like acne. The skin condition is also known as acne rosacea.
What Are The Symptoms Of Rosacea?
Few common symptoms of rosacea are:
- Easy flushing or blushing of the face.
- Redness of the face.
- Red nose.
- Skin sores that may seem like acne. These sores can crust or ooze.
- Watery, bloodshot, irritated eyes.
- Stinging or burning sensation in the face.
What Causes Rosacea?
What exactly causes rosacea is unknown till date; however following factors tend to increase one’s risk of contracting rosacea:
- Fair skinned individuals.
- People between the ages of thirty-fifty.
- Being a female, however typically men experience severe symptoms of rosacea.
In rosacea, blood vessels beneath the skin become swell. The skin condition may be linked with some other disorders of the eye such as keratitis, or skin such as seborrhea.
What Are The Potential Complications Of Rosacea?
Rosacea can lead to the following complications:
- Lower self-esteem.
- Social and emotional distress.
- Permanent changes in your appearance (such as swollen, red nose).
How Is Rosacea Diagnosed?
At times, no specific tests and procedures are needed to diagnose rosacea. The doctor can simply diagnose the skin condition by conducting a thorough physical exam. Moreover, the doctor will also ask you to detail regarding your medical history.
How Is Rosacea Treated?
Unfortunately, rosacea is incurable. Yet, the doctor can use the following treatment options to ease your symptoms:
- Oral antibiotics: doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline.
- Topical antibiotics: methronidazole.
- Other medicines: accutane or isoretinol.
- Laser surgery (severe cases of rosacea).
Since rosacea is different from acne, therefore does not respond to over-the-counter acne treatments. However, it is important for the patients to identify sources that make his or her symptoms turn worse, say triggers. Of course, triggers can vary from individual to individual. By identifying the triggers and avoiding them, one can greatly help reduce or prevent flare-ups.
Moreover, following can also help in preventing or relieving the symptoms of rosacea:
- Limit your intake of hot beverages, alcohol and spicy foods.
- Take steps to reduce your stress level such as Yoga, deep breathing or some other techniques of relaxation.
- Avoid excessive activity particularly in hot temperature.
- Limit your sun exposure. Ask your doctor to prescribe a sunscreen for your skin.
In addition to this, some other triggers can include exercise, certain skin products, cold weather, hot baths, wind etc.
What Is The Prognosis Of Rosacea?
Even though, the skin condition is harmless, yet the affected appearance can lead to social distress and embarrassment. As mentioned earlier, it is incurable; however several treatment options can help ease its symptoms.
By : Natural Health News
