Rosacea is a common chronic skin disorder affecting over 16 million Americans. However, there’s still a lot of mystery surrounding it. To this day, doctors don’t know what causes it. In addition, the condition is sometimes mistaken for acne or allergies. Some don’t realize they’re suffering from rosacea and will let it go untreated.
That’s why Rosacea Awareness Month is important. Every April, the focus is on rosacea and educating the public about it. That way, people can learn about its symptoms and get professional help as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment will stop the condition from worsening and affecting other areas of life.
In observance of Rosacea Awareness Month, here are the essential things you need to know about the illness.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes the skin to appear flushed or red. It can also manifest as small bumps that contain pus. It has a similar look to acne and other skin conditions.
However, rosacea symptoms can vary according to your skin color. It tends to be brighter on lighter skin and less noticeable on darker skin. That can make it more challenging for people with black or brown skin to get the correct diagnosis.
Aside from facial redness, rosacea symptoms can also appear as the following:
● The small blood vessels on your cheeks and nose may break and become visible on your face.
● You may develop acne-like bumps on your face. These can have pus inside them.
● The affected area can feel tender and hot. You may experience a burning sensation if your case is severe.
● You may develop ocular rosacea, which affects the eyes. Your eyes and eyelids can become dry, swollen, and irritated.
● The skin around your nose can thicken and cause your nose to look larger and bulbous.
For some people, rosacea is a progressive disorder. It can start with temporary cheek flushing and become a long-lasting facial redness. If you leave it untreated, your skin can thicken over time and spread to other body parts like the ears, scalp, and neck.
What Causes Rosacea?
Even though rosacea has a long history, scientists haven’t discovered what causes it. They know that inflammation makes the symptoms worse. But they can only theorize as to why it occurs.
For some people, it may be because they have more sensitive skin. For others, it could be because of exposure to environmental stressors like microbes and UV light.
While the causes of rosacea remain unknown, some triggers can worsen the symptoms. Here are the most common triggers of rosacea:
● Extremely cold or hot weather
● Sun exposure
● Alcohol, caffeine, cheese, and spicy food
● Stress
● Strenuous exercise
● Bacteria
● Mites
What Is the Treatment for Rosacea?
There’s no specific test to confirm rosacea. Instead, doctors will base their diagnosis on your symptoms and how your skin looks. They might also ask you to undergo other tests to eliminate other possible illnesses like lupus or psoriasis.
Treatment for rosacea is usually a combination of prescribed medication and skin care. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor can prescribe topical drugs, oral antibiotics, or oral acne drugs. Laser therapy can also help reduce the appearance of veins on your face.
The Bottom Line
If left untreated, Rosacea can progress into something more severe. It can become very uncomfortable, affect your daily activities, and lead to emotional and mental distress. It’s best to consult a dermatologist once you notice any symptoms. For more information, contact Complete Family Dermatology at (402) 423-1111.
