What is Rosacea? Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Do you experience skin redness, acne breakouts and sensitivity? It is a possibility that this could be signs of the skin condition known as rosacea. The precise cause of this condition is still unknown however, treatment for it, is widely available. In the following article we discuss everything you need to know about rosacea: the different types, causes, triggers, symptoms and treatment options.
What is rosacea?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, rosacea is a common skin condition that affects more than 14 million people world wide. People who are affected by rosacea are primarily between 30 to 50 years old and typically have a fair complexion, light hair, and blue eyes. Moreover, women are more likely to have this skin condition than men but are less prone to severe rosacea. This condition is typically found on the nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin.
What are the signs and symptoms of rosacea?
The symptoms of this skin disorder are similar to other skin diseases like psoriasis, acne, eczema, or allergies. Therefore, it may be difficult to diagnose. But to differentiate rosacea from other skin diseases, the following are the signs and symptoms.
The first sign of rosacea will typically appear as redness on your nose, cheeks, forehead, or chin. In some cases, the redness can appear on your ears, neck, and chest, too. Rosacea is also associated with tiny dilated blood vessels and small red bumps that may contain pus.
What are the different types of rosacea and its symptoms?
The redness associated with rosacea comes and goes in the beginning but eventually it will become permanent. Rosacea can be triggered by several factors which we will get too later on. There are four different types of rosacea and each are identifiable according to its related symptoms.
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
This type of rosacea is evident with the persistence of facial redness, specifically on the cheeks and causes very sensitive skin. It is also referred to as vascular rosacea because of the swelling of blood vessels. Signs and symptoms include:
Flushing and redness
Blushing faster than normal
Stinging or burning sensations
Dry skin, toughness, and scaling
Broken blood vessels become more visible
Papulopustular rosacea
This is characterised by pus-filled bumps known as "whiteheads" and red swollen pimples. These usually occur on the cheeks, chin, and forehead and are sometimes mistaken for acne. This type of rosacea is most common in middle-aged women and referred by some as inflammatory rosacea. Signs and symptoms include:
Acne-like breakouts
Oily skin
Visibly broken blood vessels
Stinging or burning sensations
Raised patches of skin
Highly sensitive skin
Phymatous rosacea
Thickening skin and scars are associated with this type of rosacea. It makes the skin rough, puffy and discolouration occurs. This rare but curable condition most commonly affects the nasal area, resulting in a bulbous nose (rhinophyma), and is more common in men than in women. The signs and symptoms are as follows:
Bumpy texture of the skin
Broken blood vessels are noticeable
Skin begins to thicken, especially on the nose
The skin may also thicken on the chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears
Pores look abnormally large
Oily skin
Ocular rosacea
This form of rosacea mainly affects the eyes, making them appear bloodshot and watery. It is associated with a feeling of burning or irritation. Adults between 30 and 50 are most affected by ocular rosacea. It most commonly occurs among individuals whose skin blushes or flushes easily. Signs and symptoms may include:
Dry eyes
Swollen eyelids
Eyelid infections (pink eye, blepharitis and sties)
Sensitivity to light
Dilated small blood vessels on the sclera (white part of your eye)
Blurred vision
What causes rosacea?
The American Academy of Dermatology Association, have tried to establish the causes of rosacea with little success. However, researchers were able to narrow down some hints as to why this condition affects some people.
Rosacea seems to be a hereditary condition. Most patients with this condition also have rosacea in their families.
It is also possible that the immune system has an influence. According to the research, most patients with acne-like rosacea react to bacillus oleronius, a type of bacteria that lives within the tiny mites typically found on our skin.
These mites are called demodex folliculorum. Some researchers have found that people with rosacea have more of these mites on the skin than the average person.
H-pylori may play a role in rosacea as it is found in many rosacea patients. This is a bacteria that infects your stomach, usually during childhood. This is most likely to be found in people that live in crowded conditions and places with little to no clean water supply.
You might be wondering, how to get rid of this skin condition? Since there is very little knowledge as to what causes rosacea or how to cure it, the only viable solution at this stage is to seek treatment and avoid flare-ups.
What causes rosacea to flare-up?
According to research rosacea is triggered by certain things and these can be broken up into two categories: dietary and other factors. These include the following:
Food
These dietary triggers may vary for each individual and among the different types of rosacea. However, the list below is composed of typical foods that have triggered rosacea in many patients.
dairy products
caffeine
hot foods and beverages
spices and seasonings that contain capsaicin
alcohol
foods containing cinnamaldehyde, such as tomatoes, chocolate, and citrus fruits
Other factors
As mentioned, food is not the only factor that could potentially trigger the symptoms of rosacea. Here are some other things that patients should avoid:
extreme of temperatures (very hot or very cold)
excessive sunlight, humidity, and wind
stress, anxiety, anger, and embarrassment
vigorous exercise
hot baths and saunas
some medications, such as corticosteroids and other drugs used to treat high blood pressure
What are the treatments for rosacea?
Although there is presently no cure, rosacea can be managed through various methods. If you don't seek treatment, your rosacea symptoms may worsen. The best results come from a combination of skincare treatments, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Below are options available to you.
Skin treatments at World of Faces
At World of Faces we have a team of highly skilled skin specialists. We offer numerous skin care treatments that help alleviate the symptoms rosacea. We understand that this skin condition may lower your confidence and so we want to encourage you to book an appointment with us and love the skin you’re in.
A simple skin care routine
Keeping your skin care simple doesn't mean skipping it altogether. Rather, it means eliminating specific ingredients that may affect sensitive skin.
Drying alcohols (denatured alcohol, SD alcohol), SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), and large amounts of exfoliating acids, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid are all substances that might irritate the skin. Even synthetic scents or essential oils can cause a flare-up, so we advise that you pay close attention to the labels on the skin care products you use.
Consult your doctor
Consulting a medical professional is one of the best option, especially because rosacea symptoms are similar to other skin diseases. Be prepared and ask the relevant question with regards to triggers and treatments. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to ease the symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your skin when you have rosacea can be challenging but it is not impossible. Effective rosacea treatment is achievable by visiting your doctor and avoiding avoiding triggers.
Figuring out which skincare products and treatments to use through trial and error can be frustrating. If you suffer from rosacea why not book an appointment with us. At World of Faces we will give you personalised skincare advice on which treatments and skin care products to use. We know dealing with this condition can be difficult but we care about your skin and we want want to see you glowing.
