Understanding Rosacea
Rosacea, also known as acne rosacea, is a disorder of the skin, particularly of the face, wherein the skin becomes red and flushed with pimple outbreaks and thin red lines.
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One in every twenty Americans suffers from rosacea. It is more common among fair skinned people, especially women in the age group between 30 and 60. Although rosacea may resemble acne in the presence of red pimples and pustules, it is characterized by the absence of blackheads.
Common symptoms of rosacea include
- Flushing of the face and neck, a condition called erythema.
- Persistent redness of the skin on the face and neck.
- Pimples and pus filled bumps on face, especially on the forehead, around the nose, cheeks and chin.
- Swelling and edema of the face.
- Telangiectasias (broken blood vessels), giving the appearance of thin red lines on the face.
- In males, rosacea causes enlargement of the nose, called rhinophyma.
- Rosacea affecting the eye is called ocular rosacea. It is associated with itching and irritation of the eye, ulceration of the cornea and so on.
Lifestyle factors seem to trigger rosacea in most people. Some common triggers include eating spicy food, foods high in histamine, certain kinds of fruits and vegetables, vanilla, liver, chocolates, hot beverages, consumption of steroids, stress, exposure to extreme weather conditions, use of exfoliating creams, harsh soaps, hot baths etc. However, triggers vary from person to person, so you ought to make a diary and jot down the factors that cause your rosacea to flare up.
It is not sure what exactly causes rosacea. Usually, the tendency to blush and flush in a person with skin damage can cause blood vessels to stretch and leak causing blotchy red areas and pimples. The tendency for rosacea seems to be inherited.
If you suspect that you may be suffering from rosacea, visit your doctor so that he or she can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Commonly used medications include antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Accutane or Roaccutane. Metronidazole has also been proven effective for treatment of rosacea.
The best way to prevent rosacea is to make lifestyle changes, avoid things that can trigger your rosacea. Keep your skin moisturized and well protected. Use sun blocks and scarves to prevent sunburn. Do not use skin care products that contain harsh ingredients and avoid rubbing or scrubbing your face. Last but not the least, keep your cool, for stress is a major trigger of rosacea.
Good care and some lifestyle changes should help you bring rosacea under control.
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