Rosacea pronounced – rose-AY-sha is a common skin disease. It often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people. The redness can slowly spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin. Even the ears, chest, and back can be red all the time. Rosacea is common but more frequent in people of the below group.
- Between 30 and 50 years of age.
- Fair-skinned, and often have blonde hair and blue eyes.
- From Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry.
- DNA – hereditary or have suffered severe acne.
- Likely to have had lots of acne — or acne cysts and/or nodules.
- Women are a bit more likely than men to get rosacea but women are not as likely to get severe outbreaks.
- Children can get have flareups too but not as common.
. Because rosacea has so many signs and symptoms, scientists have split them into 4 subtypes of rosacea. Some people have more than one rosacea subtype at the same time. Each subtype requires different treatment.
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels.
- Flushing and redness in the center of the face.
- Visible broken blood vessels (spider veins).
- Swollen skin.
- Skin may be very sensitive.
- Skin may sting and burn.
- Dry skin, roughness or scaling.
- Have a tendency to flush or blush more easily than other people.
Papulopustular rosacea: Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts.
- Acne-like breakouts, usually where the skin is very red.
- Acne-like breakouts tend to come and go.
- Oily skin.
- Skin may be very sensitive.
- Skin may burn and sting.
- Visible broken blood vessels (spider veins).
- Raised patches of skin called plaques (plaks).
Phymatous rosacea: Skin thickens and has a bumpy texture.
- Bumpy texture to the skin.
- Skin begins to thicken, especially common on the nose. When the skin thickens on the nose, it is called rhinophyma (rye-NO-fie-ma).
- Skin may thicken on the chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears.
- Visible broken blood vessels appear.
- Pores look large.
- Oily skin.
Ocular rosacea: Eyes red and irritated, eyelids can be swollen, and person may have what looks like a sty.
- Watery or bloodshot appearance.
- Feel gritty, often feels like sand in the eyes.
- Eyes burn or sting.
- Eyes are very dry.
- Eyes itch.
- Eyes sensitive to light.
- Blurry vision.
- Visible broken blood vessels on an eyelid.
- Cyst on the eyelid.
- Person cannot see as well as before.
There is no cure for rosacea.
People often have rosacea for years. With time, people who have rosacea often see permanent redness in the center of their face. Rosacea left untreated can get worse. Some people have rosacea flare-ups for life. Treatment can prevent the rosacea from getting worse. Treatment also can reduce the acne-like breakouts, redness, and the number of flare-ups. To get the best results, people with rosacea also should learn what triggers their rosacea, try to avoid these triggers, and follow a rosacea skin-care plan.
Follow a rosacea skin-care plan
Skin care plays an important role in keeping rosacea under control. Many skin care products are too harsh. This can make rosacea worse. Look for skincare that is formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid products that containing alcohol, fragrances, Hydro-alcoholic or acetone
substances, Any substance that causes redness or stinging such as AHA’s. If you are suffering from Rosacea then it is trial and error. To prevent a major breakout on your face test the skincare on the inside of your arm for a couple of days before using it on your face. If no reaction then try a little behind your ear for a couple of days. If no reaction then try it on your face making sure the whole time you are not being triggered but other sources. Rosacea is triggered by food, environment and emotional status especially stress.
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