Rosacea
What is Rosacea?
Skin redness and flushing that occurs when you’re not embarrassed are symptoms linked with rosacea – pronounced roh-ZAY-sha, a persistent widespread skin disorder that affects millions of people, mostly women.
The condition doesn’t usually appear until women reach their 30′s or even later.
It is thought that rosacea results from the buildup over time of excess amounts of acid in the body. This excess accumulation causes irritation to the blood vessels.
The facial area is mostly affected by rosacea because it has the highest concentrations of blood vessels.
Affecting Ones Life
Rosacea is such a noticeable condition that it affects the lives of those who suffer from it. A survey done by the National Rosacea Society reported that over 76% of people with rosacea stated their disorder had lowered their self-esteem and self-confidence, and some even stated it has caused them to avoid public contact and even cancel social engagements.
Almost 70% of patients with severe symptoms reported the condition had negatively affected their professional interactions, and just about 30% stated they had even missed work because of their condition.
Symptoms of Rosacea
Since rosacea affects the face its symptoms are very difficult to miss. The main areas affected include:
- Cheeks.
- Nose.
- Forehead.
- Areas around the mouth.
These areas have a large concentration of blood-carrying arteries which is why some people blame the cause of rosacea on excess acids.
Some symptoms that are characteristic of rosacea are:
- Patches of red.
- Flush skin that may burn or sting or itch.
- Skin will also become inflamed.
There is no regularity among patients as to where on the face the patches will occur and whether they’ll appear on one or both sides at the same time. Skin type can be characterized by:
- Dry and flaky.
- Normal.
- Oily.
Pimples and bumps are other symptoms of rosacea. Although rosacea may be similar in appearance to acne, these skin blemishes however are not the result of blocked pores.
In fact, rosacea is frequently referred to incorrectly as adult acne. And just as unfortunate, rosacea is also sometimes misdiagnosed as sunburn often delaying proper treatment.
Causes of Rosacea
The exact cause of rosacea has yet to be discovered and whether genetics is involved is a hotly debated topic. There are many patients who can name a blood relative who has had this chronic skin condition. This is why many people believe rosacea it a hereditary condition.
Patient analysis also indicates that individuals with fair-skin and persons of these descents seem to experience more instances of rosacea:
- Irish.
- English.
- Scottish.
- Scandinavian.
- Welsh.
Other possible causes of rosacea include:
- Bacteria.
- Fungus.
- Mites.
Some attribute it to psychological factors and others claim there’s some type of problem in the skin’s connective tissues.
Rosacea treatments
Rosacea is not infectious or contagious and the fact that antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for treatment often causes confusion.
Antibiotics are often used because of their anti-inflammatory capability and not their bacteria fighting ability.
Sun screen is an absolute must to avoid flare-ups and so are skin care products formulated for sensitive skin.
For more information on Protection from the sun’s harmful rays, please see our very informative article on Sun Protection.
There are a number of triggers known to cause rosacea flare-ups however individuals with rosacea can work at keeping it under control by avoiding the following environmental triggers:
- Foods that are spicy.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Weather that’s hot or cold.
- Beverages that have been heated.
- Hot baths/saunas.
- Strenuous exercise.
- Stress that’s caused by emotional swings.
Laser therapy can be prescribed in cases where redness is severe. This process helps remove the blood vessels that cause the redness and Dermabrasion can help smooth the bumps.
~ To your health and well-being.
Healthy Nutritional Products.
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