Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that is generally apparent on the cheeks and the nose as red, flushed patches. In many cases, it also resembles acne which leads many people to ignore it for long assuming it to be nothing more than bad acne flare-ups. However, although rosacea may resemble acne from an angle, the reality is that it is something very different.
Rosacea mainly targets the face over other parts of the body and it appears in various forms.
Here are some examples:
- Facial reddening
- Eye irritation
- Pimples and bumps
- Skin thickening
As far as facial reddening is concerned, it is something that mainly affects people that are prone to blushing. This is usually the earliest and weakest form where after blushing or flushing, some redness remains on the face. Next, we have the ocular form of rosacea which causes redness, itching, and a burning sensation to the eyes. This can lead to the eyes appearing to be bloodshot or watery.
The pimples and bumps appear when rosacea has fully settled in. Many times the pimples are pus filled and it is at this point that they resemble acne. But unlike acne, rosacea does not bring about any blackheads. Lastly, the skin thickening normally appears on the nose and usually affects men more than women.
Rosacea is something which comes and goes and it gets triggered off due to various reasons.
So, keeping in mind the effects of rosacea and your environment, the following elements are found to be some common triggers:
- Exposure to the sun
- Hot weather
- Strenuous exercises
- Certain foodstuffs, such as spicy foods and caffeine among many others
- Stress
- Cold wind
Regardless, these triggers differ from one individual to the next. Thus, it is likely that you may have one or more factors which trigger your rosacea and this is something you have to keep track of yourself. Once you have a list of what causes your rosacea to flare-up, you can then make a plan to avoid or best deal with those factors.
Rosacea cannot be completely cured, but it can be kept in check via certain lifestyle changes and medications such as oral and topical antibiotics or through the usage of the V-Beam Laser Treatment for patients with permanent redness caused by broken or dilated blood vessels.
If you are suffering from rosacea, you are welcomed to book a consultation with Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank. He will be able to determine what forms of rosacea you have and what treatments are best for you.