Rosacea is a chronic skin condition of persistent redness (erythema). It is sometimes referred to as the curse of the Celts, since it often afflicts people of Celtic descent with fair skin, freckles or red hair. Rosacea may manifest itself in various ways because there are numerous kinds of rosacea. Although the condition is chronic and doesn’t have a cure, it can be controlled and symptoms may be alleviated. Sometimes simple lifestyle changes and skin care routines can accomplish this. Other times medical treatment may be necessary. The Gallup Organization reports that 78 percent of Americans have no knowledge of this condition. Since most rosacea sufferers don’t even know that the disease exists—let alone know that they have it—here is a brief overview of the condition and various treatments that may work for you.
4 subtypes of rosacea
Medical experts have separated rosacea into four subtypes. Sufferers may experience any combination of the symptoms associated the various kinds of Rosacea since the categories are not mutually exclusive. The most common subtype is facial redness (officially called erythematotelangiectatic). This permanent or semi-permanent redness causes frequent flushing and blushing. Additionally, blood vessels may be visible toward the skin’s surface. The second subtype involves bumps and pimples (officially called papulopustular). These bumps are papules and pustules, discolored solid bubbles of skin. The third subtype creates skin thickening (officially called phymatous). This ailment typically deforms the nose through enlargement and twisting. This particular effect is called rhinophyma. It may affect the chin and forehead as well. The fourth and final subtype is characterized by eye irritation (officially called ocular). Red and dry eyes and eyelids are common. It feels as if something is in the eye, such as an eyelash. The inflammation of the eyelid is itself a form of blepharitis, a disruptive optical condition.
Avoid rosacea triggers
In mild cases, rosacea may be controlled by avoiding triggers. Many triggers cause redness flare-ups for rosacea sufferers. The National Rosacea Society has compiled a list of the most common triggers, which included the following: sun exposure, emotional stress, hot weather, wind, heavy exercise, alcohol consumption, hot baths, cold weather, spicy foods, humidity, indoor heat, certain skin-care products and heated beverages. For alcohol, red wine, beer, bourbon, gin, vodka and champagne were listed as particularly bad. Since stress is a common trigger, you can take up meditation or yoga to relieve anxiety.
Personal skin care
Wash your face twice daily to remove environmental debris and bacteria. If you have dry skin, you should use a non-soap cleanser, such as the Good Skin All Calm Creamy Cleanser. Non-soap cleansers have a neutral pH that is close to skin’s natural pH. You should also use a daily moisturizer and sunblock. Dermatologists claim that moisturizers can reduce the burning and stinging of rosacea. Moisturizers build a powerful moisture barrier to block impurities and irritants from harming or irritating sensitive skin. The National Rosacea Society reports that sun exposure triggers a flushed ruddy complexion in 81 percent of rosacea sufferers. This statistic highlights the importance of sunscreen for patients with rosacea.
Lid hygiene for occular rosacea
The symptoms associated with occular rosacea typically go away with a heightened lid hygiene regimen. You should apply warm compresses to your eyes two times for at least five minutes a day. This involves holding a wet, warm, washcloth to your eyes, lightly applying pressure. Nonirritating cleaning solutions are available to remove pollutants. You should apply artificial tears liberally throughout the day to increase moisture, relieving dryness.
Medical treatments
Rosacea may be too serious to be controlled by simply adding moisturizers into your daily routine and eliminating or reducing common triggers from your diet. If so, you should consult a dermatologist or other medical professional with experience with rosacea. Depending on the severity of your circumstance, they might prescribe one of many topical creams to reduce your condition. Creams are usually prescribed in conjunction with an oral medication, such as Oracea. If necessary, laser treatments are available for rosacea. Laser treatments restrict the blood vessels on the face. This fosters cell turnover and averts bacterial development.
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