Rosacea – Questions and Answers
- Posted on: Nov 23 2017
Rosacea – Do You Have it?
Is the skin on your face red, sensitive, and / or bumpy? If so, you might have a treatable condition called rosacea. Read the information below and if you think you might be dealing with rosacea, contact your doctor for help.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects mainly the face. Most commonly, it affects the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Sometimes the eyes are affected, resulting in a gritty feeling under the eyelids.
Does Rosacea Vary in Intensity?
Mild rosacea results in light flushing and mild redness. Moderate cases exhibit persistent redness and pimple like bumps. The skin can be very sensitive and feel as if burned by the sun.
Severe rosacea may affect the nose causing the skin tissue to thicken and become bumpy. This is called rhynophyma.
Who Gets Rosacea?
Rosacea usually develops in adults between 30 and 50. It affects both men and women although it seems to affect more women while more severe cases occur in men. It tends to affect people with fair skin.
What Causes Rosacea?
It is believed that rosacea is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Chronic sun exposure is a known factor for rosacea. A skin mite called Dermodex folliculorum may also contribute to rosacea.
What are Rosacea Triggers?
Knowing the triggers can help you manage rosacea. Track your diet and activities to determine which triggers you can eliminate.
1) Certain food and beverages – hot drinks, spicy seasonings, alcohol and caffeine.
2) Sun exposure – UV exposure makes rosacea worse. Sunblock is essential to minimize this trigger.
3) Temperature extremes – Hot or cold weather conditions, wind, and humidity can all contribute to symptoms. Cover up and look for shade in hot weather, moisturize in cold weather, and avoid hot baths and saunas.
4) Intense exercise – High intensity workouts can trigger flushing. Divide exercise into shorter sessions and try to find ways to say cool while exercising.
5) Stress – Emotional upsets are one of the most common triggers for rosacea. Manage stress with regular moderate exercise, mindfulness meditation, regular sleep, and a healthy diet.
6) Certain cosmetic products – Products with fragrance, alcohol, and / or abrasive ingredients are triggers. Since rosacea prone skin is usually very sensitive, use only gentle, calming products.
7) Some medication – Certain medications can cause flare-ups. Ask your health care provider about your medications.
What are the Treatment Options?
Rosacea is not a condition that will improve on its own. Your physician can suggest various treatments including:
1) Topical prescription creams containing anti-inflammatory and / or anti-microbial ingredients can be helpful. Talk with your doctor about creams including Metronidazole, Azelaic acid, and Ivermectin.
2) Antibiotics (either topical or oral) are helpful for more severe cases including papular rosacea.
3) Laser therapy uses intense pulsed light or 532 / 1064 laser frequencies to treat
visible blood vessels.
4) Make-up with minerals and anti-inflammatory properties can be useful in reducing irritation and covering up redness and bumps.
While rosacea won’t improve or resolve by itself, your doctor can diagnose the condition and offer effective treatment options.
Tagged with: Rosacea
Posted in: Skin Conditions