Rosacea is a common skin condition where your face appears rather red on the cheeks , which may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. Symptoms of rosacea may remain for weeks and even months on end, eventually disappearing for a while only to resurface.
What is Rosacea
The reason rosacea happens is unknown, but it is usually due to a mix of environmental and hereditary reasons. Various elements can trigger rosacea flare-ups such as:
● Work out
● Emotional disturbance
● Hot and spicy foods or hot beverages
● Alcoholic drinks and red wine
● Exposure to extreme temperature
● Exposure to wind or sun
● Certain cosmetics
● Medication used for controlling blood pressure or the ones that dilate blood vessels
Risk factors of Rosacea
Although doctors have not discovered the exact root cause of triggering rosacea, here are a few things that might be responsible for this skin condition:
● Genetics- Rosacea can run in the family.It is more common in females.
● Light coloured skin that has been sun damaged
● Smoking
● Mites- these miniature insects usually thrive on skin and are not very harmful, but some people are more sensitive to mites which can lead to skin irritation
● Bacteria- H. pylori is a bacteria present in your stomach which can cause your skin to flare up and look reddish.
Symptoms of Rosacea
The symptoms and signs of rosacea are as follows:
● Facial redness: Generally, rosacea causes a persistent redness in the central part of the face. Small blood vessels on our cheeks and nose swell often and become visible.
● Swollen, Red bumps: Most of the individuals with rosacea may also develop pimples on their face that look like acne. Such bumps contain pus sometimes. The skin may feel tender and hot.
● Eye problems: Most individuals with rosacea may also experience irritated, dry, swollen eyes including red, swollen eyelids.
● Enlarged nose: Rosacea, over time, can thicken your skin on the nose, causing the nose to appear bulbous (rhinophyma). This often occurs more in men than in women.
You need to consult your doctor to manage your rosacea; else, it might worsen
Complications of Rosacea
Over time, rosacea can result in ‘rhinophyma,’ due to the sebaceous glands (oil glands) inside your nose and cheeks swelling up, causing tissue accumulation around and on your nose. This is common in men, and it takes years for this to develop.
Treatment of Rosacea
Controlling the symptoms and signs of rosacea is key to treating rosacea, and most of the time, it involves a mix of medication and a good skincare routine. However, the time taken to treat rosacea is dependent on the type of symptoms you have and their severity. Rosacea can go away, but it commonly resurfaces .
Medications
A lot of innovation in rosacea medication has come about in the past few years. The medication prescribed by your doctor would depend upon your specific symptoms. Hence, you might have to go through various combinations/options of drugs to find the best treatment for you.
Rosacea prescription drugs
● Topical drugs/ointments to alleviate redness include Brimonidine and oxymetazoline, which help in blood vessel constriction. Topical products such as azelaic acid, ivermectin, and metronidazole reduce the pimples caused by mild rosacea
● Oral antibiotics can also be prescribed, such as doxycycline, to control moderate to acute rosacea.
● Oral drugs for treating acne are suggested by doctors to control acute rosacea if other therapies are not working. Medication such as isotretinoin is a potent rosacea acne medicine that can help clear up acne-like rosacea lesions. However, this medication should not be used by pregnant women as it can result in severe birth defects.
Therapies
Light-based therapies such as laser therapy can help alleviate the redness caused by enlarged facial blood vessels.
Alternative Medicines
Massaging your face regularly in a circular motion can help get rid of inflammation. A recently-conducted study claims that the risk of rosacea decreases with caffeine- however, you must remember that hot beverages commonly trigger rosacea. Besides this, other alternative therapies for treating this skin condition includes oregano oil, laurelwood, and emu oil. However, there is no substantial evidence that supports these claims.
Skincare Tips for Rosacea
There are a few precautions that you can take to prevent rosacea flare-ups:
● Protecting your face with sunscreen to protect against ultraviolet radiation
● Following a skin care regimen which includes frequent moisturizing, and using gentle products that do not cause skin irritation
● Wearing a hat to protect your face from the harsh sun, or wearing a scarf or ski mask to protect against wind.
● Finding triggers associated with the flare-ups and avoiding them
● Avoiding hot baths
● Avoiding stress
● Avoiding overexertion in workouts
Dietary Regulations
Do not eat hot food that is prepared with a lot of spices. Avoid red wine and beverages that are hot. Switch to the Mediterranean diet that is anti-inflammatory and often helps provide relief from rosacea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can rosacea come on suddenly?
Yes, rosacea can flare up suddenly; however, the root cause of the redness and bumps are unknown to doctors.
- Can rosacea go away?
Yes, rosacea can be treated, and it can go away within weeks or months- depending upon the severity of the flare-up. However, it does eventually return .
- What happens if rosacea is left untreated?
If left untreated, rosacea can cause severe damage to the skin and eyes. Hence, it is important to consult a dermatologist at the earliest opportunity.
- How do you calm rosacea naturally?
The natural treatment for rosacea would involve changing your lifestyle. Reducing stress and eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties and those that are rich in vitamin B and antioxidants such as kale and avocados. Following a good skincare regimen is also essential, as is ensuring that your skin is not exposed to harsh weather conditions- like the sun and wind.
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