Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes severe inflammation in the skin, redness and a rash on the nose and cheeks and eye problems. Symptoms may come and go, many experiencing Rosacea after a triggering event like spending time in the sun or experiencing emotional stress.
Signs and symptoms of Rosacea include:
The symptoms, especially redness on the face, follow a progression and develop from temporary to persistent, followed by the appearance of a rash and small blood vessels. The condition typically is restricted to the nose and face, but sometimes it can extend to other parts of the face, such as, ears, neck, chest or scalp.
The actual cause of Rosacea is still unknown; doctors and researchers are still researching to find it. It is believed that environmental factors play a role as well as genetics, and the immune system. Some known triggers for Rosacea are:
Anyone can have or develop Rosacea, but people with these risk factors have higher chances of developing it than others. They are:
There are no specific tests to diagnosis Rosacea, doctors diagnose this disease based on your lifestyle, family history, and a quick examination of the skin. Moreover, healthcare providers can prescribe tests to rule out other conditions, for instance, psoriasis or lupus. Sometimes, Rosacea can be misdiagnosed as an allergic reaction or other dermatological conditions.
If you are experiencing eye irritation along with other signs, don’t ignore them. Consult your doctor as soon as possible before you develop further complications, such as rhinophyma or conjunctivitis.
There is no cure for Rosacea, but some medications and preventive measures can control its symptoms and make your skin feel better. Remember that the symptoms of this condition vary from person to person, a doctor will prescribe medicines according to the individual and the symptoms they are experiencing. Some common medications are:
In addition to these treatment methods, laser therapy can shrink the visible blood vessels and make them less noticeable on the skin and surgery can be recommended to remove thickened painful skin. When exposed to the sun, wear sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or more, sunglasses, a brimmed hat and seek shade when you can to protect from the sun’s UV rays.