Understanding Rosacea & How to Manage It

WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness on the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. It can sometimes cause burning and soreness in your eyes. Some people get small bumps and pimples on areas affected by rosacea. It can worsen in time if left untreated and is also often mistaken for eczema, acne, or some other skin allergy.

It is important to have a professional evaluation of facial redness since there are several possible conditions that can cause this, some of which may be serious, and early evaluation and treatment can make a very big difference in outcome.

TYPES OF ROSACEA

There are 4 different types of rosacea. The following signs and symptoms tend to be present in most cases:

1. Vascular Rosacea

This is the first type of rosacea. Small blood vessels, also known as telangiectasia, appear on the nose and cheeks. They sometimes look like tiny spiderwebs. The skin on the face can become blotchy due to inflammation of tiny blood vessels on the surface of the skin.

2. Inflammatory Rosacea

The next type of rosacea, inflammatory, is when your symptoms contain chronic redness to the face along with small spots, red bumps, and pimples. These bumps, as known as papules and pustules, are different from acne.

3. Phymatous Rosacea

When left untreated, rosacea can worsen and can lead to the third type of rosacea, phymatous. A lumpy, bulbous, and very red nose is the classic symptom of Phymatous. This overgrowth of thickened skin on the nose is known as rhinophyma. Excess skin may also grow on the cheeks or forehead, giving it a thickened appearance. Phymatous rosacea occurs more frequently in men.

4. Ocular Rosacea

Rosacea can also spread to the eyes, which is ocular rosacea. There is a burning, gritty sensation in the eyes, causing bloodshot, frequent styes, and swelling of the eyelids. Ocular rosacea can be serious and can result in damage to the cornea. It can blur vision, worsen vision problems, and lead to blindness if left untreated.

FACTORS THAT AGGRAVATE ROSACEA

Just as there is no known cure for rosacea, the root cause of this condition is also still unknown. However, anything that promotes blood flow to the skin can aggravate rosacea. Many sufferers of rosacea report certain food triggers their symptoms such as sugar and dairy products. Some of the most common factors contributing to rosacea include:

  • Increased body temperature, for example, strenuous exercise

  • Hot drinks

  • Caffeine

  • Alcohol

  • Spicy foods

  • Sun exposure

  • Emotional extremes

  • Winds

  • Cold Weather

  • Hot Weather

Individuals who suffer from rosacea tend to have an increased chance of having mites in the hair follicles of the face. The offending mites are medically referred to as demodex folliculorum. They aggravate the skin and cause skin redness and inflammation.

HOW ROSACEA STARTS

The first sign of rosacea is deep ink rosy cheeks. This will eventually progress into red patches that will appear on the skin. These red patches can appear on the skin for a few hours or even days at a time. As it progresses the red patches may not go away entirely.

When rosacea first appears, many people easily mistake the condition for a sunburn, windburn and even acne. They tend to wait for the condition to clear upon it’s own resulting in a delay to seek treatment. It is important to seek treatment as soon as signs begin to appear. The sooner rosacea is treated, the faster it can be brought under control.

EFFECTS OF ROSACEA

First to appear on skin may be redness of the cheeks, chin and nose. Pimples, broken or enlarged blood vessels and an enlarged bumpy nose may appear as the condition progresses.

TREATMENT OF ROSACEA

Rosacea is generally treated by avoiding factors that aggravate it such as emotional stress, sunlight, hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, and extremes of hot or cold. Those who suffer from rosacea should also use sun protection at all times. Advanced cases of rosacea may require medical treatment such as oral antibiotics and topical medications.

A FEW OF OUR TREATMENT OPTIONS & SUGGESTIONS FOR MANAGING ROSACEA:

  1. Cryobroadlight

  2. Cosmeceutical skin care

  3. Mild superficial peels

  4. Consuming a healthy anti-inflammatory diet that is low in sugar

If you are suffering from rosacea or suspect you may have this condition, the first time to bring it under control is booking a Visia Skin Analysis and Consultation with one of our Dermal Therapists.

Kim Tran