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When I was about 7 years old, I remember meeting an aunt I had never seen before. When my mom introduced us, I instantly became frightened of the woman who had red blotches and pimples all over her face. When I asked my mom about it later, she said that it was a skin disease called rosacea, also known as acne rosacea.

Rosacea affects mostly women between the ages of 30 and 60. One in 20 Americans are faced with this affliction, making it a somewhat common disorder. Unfortunately the cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure for it just yet. However, if you witness symptoms of it, it can be controlled.

As can be inferred by the name, rosacea includes a distinct redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Other usual signs of of the disease include the emergence of small blood vessels in the face, an excess of bumps or pimples on the face and abormally watery or irritated eyes.

The good news is that there are certain things you can do to help control rosacea. First and foremost, see a dermatologist for a professional opinion. Many times people look up their symptoms on the Internet and diagnose themselves. While this may give you an idea of what you may have, doctors have more experience and may find something you didn't. Likewise, they can give you ideas how to curb symptoms of rosacea that may not be available online.

There are other treatments your dermatologist might prescribe as well to aid you in controlling rosacea. Rosacea treatment includes the use of Oral Tetracycline and Accutane. In more mild cases rosacea cleansers are used, such as Metrogel, Cleocin-T, Azelex, sulfa and other similar creams or gels are recommended.

Another form of the disease, ocular rosacea, affects the eyes. Doctors will often recommend warm compresses to alleviate the redness.

An abundance of blood vessels on the surface of your skin is what can cause your face to flush and stay flushed for long periods of time. Your diet and lifestyle habits can have a direct affect on these blood vessels emerging. If you start to experience rosacea related symptoms, try avoiding sources of heat such as hot beverages, too many layers of clothing and spicy food, rubbing alcohol, excess alcoholic beverages, stress, extreme weather conditions and harsh soaps or exfoliating creams. Menopause and excessive coughing can attribute to rosacea as well, but those conditions are out of our control.

Many times foods like fruits, vegetables and others with fermented products high in histamine can also be a source of the problem, so avoid those as well.

Some cosmetics can even camouflage this condition. Revlon, Cover FX and Estee Lauder have makeup that can cover up outbreaks without irritating the skin. However, some makeup should be avoided, particularly those who have ocular rosacea. Liquid eyeliners are not discouraged because they can cause soreness around the eyes.

If you believe you have this disorder, make an appointment with a dermatologist and try these recommended control aids. Rosacea does not have to dictate your life by lowering your self-esteem and making you feel miserable. Take control and feel better about yourself.

Learn more about this author, Kelly A. Mello.
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