Rosacea is a common condition that can cause redness and swelling in your face. The skin disorder can cause the blood vessels to become visible on your face. It can also lead to the development of bumps. The small, pus-filled, red bumps can make you look different. The condition can ease after some time and flare-up again for a period of weeks to several months. The condition has no permanent cure. You can only manage the condition and reduce the effect of the symptoms on your life. As it looks like an allergic reaction, acne or other skin problems, you need to gain proper information about the condition to deal with it properly. So, read ahead to get more information and manage the problem effectively.
What Is Rosacea?
It is the condition occurring due to the problems with your pilosebaceous unit. It is the unit comprising of the hair shaft, hair follicle, and the sebaceous gland. In other words, the pores on the skin surface. The skin disorder can affect people in their middle ages. It is more common among women who have fair skin. The disorder looks similar to adult acne. But, the condition differs due to the absence of blackheads (comedones). But, pimples appear as a result of the problem. Remember, you have no known cure available for the problem. But, you can manage the signs and symptoms associated with the skin disorder. The condition can affect anyone. People of Celtic or Scandinavian origin experience the problems more compared to others. See your doctor for proper diagnosis and better treatment options.
Types Of Rosacea
Rosacea is divided into four types based on the symptoms it causes in your body. The classification of the skin problem is:
Subtype One
It is also referred to as ETR (Erthematotelangiectatic Rosacea). It can affect your face leading to flushing, redness, and visible blood vessels.
Subtype Two
Also known as acne/papulopustular rosacea, the problem can cause acne-like breakouts. In most cases, the problem affects middle-aged women.
Subtype Three
It is a rare form of skin disorder that can thicken the skin and tissue around the nose. The problem referred to as rhinophyma, affects men compared to women.
Subtype Four
The condition known as ocular rosacea affects your eyes. So, you can observe the symptoms centered on the skin surrounding the eye area.
Symptoms Of Rosacea
When you suffer from a skin problem, it triggers several symptoms. So, look out for the following signs that can appear:
Persistent Redness
You can experience persistent redness on your face. It can resemble sunburn or blush that does not fade away.
Swollen Red Bumps
The skin problem can cause pimple development on the face. The red bumps can look similar to acne. The bumps can at time contain pus. These bumps can make your skin feel tender and hot.
Eye Problems
The skin problem can trigger different eye problems. So, you can experience
- Irritation in the eyes
- Dryness of the eyes
- Eye swelling
In some people, eye problems appear first before the skin issues.
Enlarged Nose
In some rare cases, the skin surrounding the nose can thicken. So, it can result in the nose to appear bulbous. It is the type of issue that affects men in particular.
Flushing
People suffering from skin disorder can have a history of frequent flushing or blushing. In such cases, the facial redness can come and go frequently. It is the earliest sign indicating the skin problem.
Visible Blood Vessels
You can see the small blood vessels on the face. The condition can make the blood vessels visible on the skin.
If you see persistent redness of your face, then see a dermatologist. You need a proper diagnosis to eliminate other health problem causing similar symptoms. So, it will help you receive proper treatment to manage the condition.
Causes Of Rosacea
The exact cause of rosacea remains unknown. But, a combination of environmental factors and hereditary problems can lead to the problem. It is not a problem occurring due to poor hygiene. Certain factors can trigger a specific skin condition. The increase in blood flow to the skin surface can lead to the condition. The factors causing the problem include:
- Eating spicy foods
- Drinking hot drinks
- Alcohol
- Enduring extreme temperature
- Exposure to wind or sunlight
- Use of cosmetics
- Exercise
- Emotions
- Using drugs that dilate blood vessels (like blood pressure medicine)
Risk Factors Associated With Rosacea
Anyone can develop skin disorder. But, some people are more prone to the development of the skin problem. The factors affecting the risk of developing rosacea are:
- If you have a fair skin
- Have suffered sun damage to the skin
- You are a woman
- If you are above thirty years of age
- You have the habit of smoking
- Have a family history of the skin problem
Complications Due To Rosacea
You need to get assistance from your doctor to manage the symptoms triggered due to the skin condition. Ignoring the problem can lead to some severe complications. So, the complications associated with the skin disorder are:
Rhinophyma
It occurs in severe cases of rosacea. In rare cases, your sebaceous glands (the oil glands) present in the nose, as well as cheeks, can enlarge. It results in the building up of tissue on your nose and the surrounding areas. The condition is referred to as rhinophyma. So, the condition can develop over time and affect your appearance. It is more common among men compared to women.
Conjunctivitis
The skin problem affecting the eyes known as ocular rosacea can trigger different eye problems. In some cases, affected people can experience inflammation of the eyelids. The condition is known as blepharitis. Conjunctivitis is another serious complication occurring due to ocular rosacea is inflammation of the membrane of the eye (conjunctiva). Failing to get treatment for the problem can lead to scarring of your cornea resulting in vision loss.
Psychological Effects
The long-term skin condition can hurt your mental health. As the skin problem affects your visual appearance, you feel bad about yourself. It can limit your social interaction. Therefore, the skin disorder can result in emotional problems like:
- Embarrassment
- Low self-esteem
- Frustration
Diagnosing Rosacea
Rosacea is a condition that most people ignore. The underdiagnosed condition is mostly ignored as people never associate the symptoms like flushing with the problem. In most cases, facial redness comes and goes very quickly. Therefore, it is not consulted with a medical professional. So, when you see the redness of your skin, you need to consult your doctor.
Physical Examination
You no specific clinical test to detect the skin problem. But, your doctor can detect the problem relying on the symptoms you experience. Therefore, the medical professional conducts a thorough physical examination of the skin.
Skin Scrapping
A sample of the affected skin is scrapped and sent to the laboratory for testing. It is to rule out problems like skin mites, which causes similar symptoms.
Blood Tests
Some other skin disorders have similar symptoms like rosacea. Therefore, the blood sample is checked to rule out problems including, autoimmune conditions, carcinoids, systemic lupus, and dermatomyositis.
Skin Culture
It is the test that detects the presence of infection due to staph or herpes viruses. So, your doctor suggests it for ruling out other infections as the underlying cause of flushing.
Skin Biopsy
In some unusual cases, you doctor will find it difficult to determine the exact problem triggering the skin problem. So, a skin biopsy can reveal the exact problem causing the different symptoms.
When you have skin problem surrounding your eyes, your doctor can refer you to an ophthalmologist for getting treatments without affecting your eyes.
Treatment For Rosacea
You have no permanent cure for the sin condition. The different treatment options only focus on managing the symptoms and offering you relief. Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor can suggest a combination of skincare and prescription treatments to see the difference. The duration of each treatment option depends entirely on the severity of the signs you suffer. In most people, the condition can recur in the future.
Home Remedies To Manage Rosacea
For mild cases of rosacea, you can try using some home remedies. The remedies can offer relief to a certain extent. But, you have no scientific evidence backing the effectiveness of the methods. So, people suffering from skin problem may see varying results. Since the methods cause no side effects, you can try and see which one works best for you.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is well known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. So, you can take the gel from the inner leaf of the plant. Apply it on your affected skin for emollient effects. It is one of the effective remedies for rosacea that has no serious underlying causes.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an herb that offers natural moisturizing to the skin. It can also treat inflamed skin. So, you can use products containing chamomile to reduce the signs associated with the skin problem.
Comfrey
It is the plant that has drawn attention for its effective results on the different skin reaction. It produces a compound known as allantoin, which can improve the symptoms associated with the sin disorder. Some studies have shown the effectiveness of the compound in reducing the redness of the skin.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an herbal remedy with anti-inflammatory properties to clear skin problem. It is recommended for painful and distressing symptoms of the skin disorder. You can apply products containing turmeric on your skin. You can also eat the herb or include it in your cooking to experience the numerous health benefits.
Feverfew
It is one of the plants that offer relief from the signs of long-term skin disorder. It is one of the frequently suggested natural remedies for redness and inflammation of the skin. The antioxidant properties of the plant can reduce the issues with the skin. It also protects the skin against ultraviolet rays of the sun. So, it acts as a mild sunscreen that prevents worsening of the symptoms due to sun exposure.
Medications
Based on the signs and symptoms you exhibit, your doctor can prescribe medication to manage the condition. So, the prescription medication used to provide you relief include:
Medication Reducing Redness
Certain medication applied to your skin can reduce the redness in the face. So, your doctor suggests applying a gel containing brimonidine. The prescription gel can constrict the blood vessels on your face. Therefore, you can see the visible result within twelve hours of applying it on your skin. But, it only offers a temporary effect of the medication on your blood vessels. Therefore, you need to apply the medication regularly to maintain the improvement you see on your skin.
Other topical products also show visible signs of improvement on your skin. Metronidazole and azelaic acid reduce the redness of your skin. It can also reduce the pimple formed due to mild skin disorder. But, the drugs show improvement only after three to six weeks. So, you need to wait patiently to see the results.
Oral Antibiotics
Your doctor can prescribe oral antibiotics, which can fight some of the bacteria causing such skin inflammation. Doxycycline is one of the effective oral antibiotics taken in pill form. It is prescribed to people with moderate to severe skin disorder with pustules and bumps. The doctor can also suggest other antibiotics like minocycline, tetracycline, etc. But, enough evidence is unavailable to support the effectiveness of the medication
Isotretinoin
Doctors suggest taking isotretinoin when you fail to respond to other treatment options. So, taking the powerful acne drug can clear your skin from the acne-like lesions caused due to rosacea. But, doctors avoid prescribing it to pregnant women as it can cause serious birth defects to the unborn child.
Therapies
Light therapies can reduce the redness on your skin due to the enlarged blood vessels. So, your doctor can suggest the following therapies for reducing the visible blood vessels and changes occurring due to rhinophyma:
- Laser therapy
- Intense pulsed light therapy
- Electrosurgery
Lifestyle Changes To Avoid Rosacea Flare-Ups
You can adopt some changes in your lifestyle. It can reduce the signs associated with the problems. So, you can manage the adverse effects of the skin condition better. Follow the pointers suggested below to avoid uncomfortable symptoms due to the skin problem:
Avoid Triggers
You need to make note of the factors that cause flare-ups. Try to avoid the triggers. So, you can implement the following:
- Keep a journal of food items you consume and the products you use. It will help you determine what causes allergies and what food tends to trigger skin problems. So, you can avoid consuming the food and using the items that lead to flare-ups.
- Create a specific routine to control your stress and anxiety. Stress can have a negative impact on your skin and trigger the problem.
Include Anti-Inflammatory Foods
You need to include some anti-inflammatory food in your diet. It will help you manage the long-term skin problem. So, try to include foods rich in antioxidants and other vitamins to see positive results like:
- Kale
- Avocados
- Ginger
- Niacinamide (contains vitamin B3)
Protect Your Face
Going out in the sun can trigger sun rash and worsen the skin problem. The skin problem can also worsen in cold weather. Therefore, try to protect your face when you step outside the house by following steps like:
- Use sunscreen regularly even when you stay indoors. You can protect your skin from rosacea flare-ups due to overexposure of sun or ultraviolet rays. While choosing the sunscreen, opt SPF 30 or higher (broad-spectrum sunscreen).
- Wear hats or use an umbrella to avoid the midday sun.
- In cold weather, wear a ski mask or scarf while stepping outside.
Treat Your Skin With Care
You need to treat your skin gently. Never touch or rub your face too much as it can irritate your sensitive skin. Try to use a non-soap cleanser to clean your skin. Use a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and supple. You need to ensure the use of products that do not cause any problem for your skin. So, try to avoid products containing alcohol or other skin irritants.
Apply Makeup
If you embarrassed to go outside with the red skin, then you can use makeup. You can access the specific makeup products and techniques that will reduce the redness of your skin without causing further problems. For example, you can use green-tinted makeup on your face before applying liquid foundation. Another option is to try using a green-tinted facial powder. A light dusting of it can reduce the reddish appearance of your skin.
Avoid Certain Medications
Certain can medication can worsen the skin condition and cause flare-ups. So, talk to your doctor before using medications causing flushing like:
- Vasodilators
- Topical steroids
- Beta-blockers
Before you try the methods, you need to talk to your doctor and get expert advice. You need to ask about the alternative options that can avoid flare-ups.
Alternative Medicine For Rosacea
Apart from the medications suggested by your doctor, you can also try some alternative therapies to get relief. Some have shown positive results in people affected by the problem. But, it is essential to talk to your doctor before trying them.
Facial Massage
Facial massage can increase blood circulation and promote good skin texture. You have special facials aiming to reduce the swelling and inflammation associated with the long-term skin condition. The soothing services decrease the redness occurring on the skin due to the condition. Use have to use a circular motion for the facial starting from the central part of the face and work towards your ears. It can boost the skin and protects it by strengthening capillaries in the skin.
Natural Therapies
Several sites claim the effectiveness of certain natural substances for the skin disorder. So, people claim using the following substances can treat the condition:
- Oregano oil
- Laurelwood
- Colloidal silver
- Emu oil
But, no conclusive evidence supports the claim that the substances can reduce the symptoms of the condition. Therefore, the claim remains unproven.
Dietary Supplements
Taking dietary supplements containing zinc, Sulphur, MSM, or Niacinamide can sometimes reduce the symptoms. But, due to the lack of evidence, you cannot confirm the claims of effectiveness. So, you need to talk to your doctor before considering taking any dietary supplements.
Consult with your dermatologist regarding the alternative therapies you wish to try. Your doctor can weigh the pros and cons of the treatment you wish to undergo to suggest the ideal one.
Conclusion
Experiencing rosacea can put you in distress. The condition can make you feel anxious or embarrassed. You become more concerned about your appearance and will avoid social interaction. The change in your appearance can make you self-conscious and withdrawn. Therefore, you may battle negative emotions and insecurities. Apart from getting treatment to manage the condition, you need to address your feeling. You need to consult a counselor to talk about your frustrations and people’s reaction towards your appearance. Support groups can offer you the necessary emotional support and offer comfort. The condition does not cause any threat to your life. You only experience problems with your appearance. But, addressing the emotional problem can help you deal with the intense feeling. So, apart from the long-term medical therapy to manage the condition, you need the necessary support to deal with the negative feelings.
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