Must-Know Facts About Rosacea, To Identify & Effectively Treat It
If your skin is often or occasionally red and inflamed, or you have visible broken blood vessels and the sensation of stinging, itching or burning, you might have rosacea. Read on to find out the various symptoms and best treatment options for this problem.
HOW COMMON IS ROSACEA?
Rosacea is one of the most common dermatological conditions that people seek treatment for. That is why the month of April is designated as Rosacea Awareness Month to educate everyone on this often life-disruptive condition, as it can affect quality of life and many sufferers have reported problems at work, social and even marital problems because of the condition.
In surveys conducted by the National Rosacea Society, 41 percent said their rosacea caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements.
Low self-esteem:
Surveys conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that almost 70 percent of people living with rosacea said that the condition lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Work-related problems:
Surveys conducted by the National Rosacea Society find that when rosacea is severe, 70 percent of people say the disease affects their interactions at work. Nearly 30 percent say that rosacea causes them to miss work.
WHAT CAUSES ROSACEA?
You are more likely to develop rosacea if you have a family history of the condition, or if you are fair-skinned, although it can also occur in any skin type and tone.
Women are also more likely to develop the condition than men, however, men who develop rosacea tend to have more severe symptoms. Rosacea is also known to develop later in life and is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50.
Rosacea can cause more than redness. There are so many signs and symptoms that rosacea has four subtypes:
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (Facial Redness): Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels.
Papulopustular rosacea (Bumps & Pimples): Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts.
Phymatous rosacea (Skin Thickening): Skin thickens and has a bumpy texture.
Ocular rosacea (Eye Irritation)): Eyes red and irritated, eyelids can be swollen, and person may have what looks like a sty.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ROSACEA
Unfortunately, the cause of rosacea has not been determined, however, there are viable treatment options. Dr Calvin Chan shares some advice and treatments that can alleviate the symptoms such as bumps and redness that are associated with the disorder.
1. Avoid triggering factors
Common triggers for rosacea include getting overheated, having cold wind blowing on the skin, and eating spicy foods and consuming alcoholic beverages. Sun exposure is also one of the most common triggers causing a flare up of rosacea. If you suffer from rosacea, you should avoid intense sun exposure as UV exposure can exacerbate rosacea. Proper sun care is critical and you can also use broad-brimmed hats and umbrellas. Sunscreens should have a high SPF (sun protective factor) of 30 and above, and sufficient amounts should be applied.
2. Laser and Light Therapies
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) machines can be useful in reducing and calming persistent skin redness and treating the prominent blood vessels seen in rosacea sufferers. For rosacea patients suffering from enlarged swollen noses (rhinophyma), laser skin treatment can be employed to reduce the thickness of the skin.
3. Use rosacea friendly skin care
Many skincare products can irritate rosacea skin. Some skincare habits, such as over-cleansing and scrubbing your skin too vigorously can cause rosacea to flare up. Using mild skincare products and being gentle with your skin can help prevent flare-ups.
4. Topical Therapies
Topical antibiotic creams prescribed by a doctor may be useful in controlling symptoms of rosacea.
5. Oral Antibiotics
In more severe cases, a course of oral antibiotics may be prescribed to control symptoms. These oral antibiotics may exert an anti-inflammatory effect and are usually taken for several months. However, repeated courses may be necessary for patients with frequent recurrences.
Want to find out more about our treatments for rosacea? Contact us for a consultation with our doctor at no charge.
*The information provided in this blog post is not intended as medical advice or instruction on aesthetic treatments. Patients should always consult a medical professional prior to making any decisions or undertaking any actions related to health care.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.