Rosacea, or what is also called adult acne, 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. Though there is no cure for rosacea just yet, it can be controlled.
As can be inferred by the name, the first noticeable symptom of rosacea is redness. Swelling, abnormally watery or irritated eyes and/or what looks like a severe case of acne can also occur. The skin condition is actually inflammation of the cheeks, chin, forehead, eyelids and nose, which causes the blotchiness. Small blood vessels can also emerge, causing it to be more apparent.
According to WebMD, the initial cause of rosacea is unknown. It used to be thought that alcohol abuse causes this disorder, but that is untrue. 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.
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 camouflage rosacea symptoms. Revlon, Cover FX and Estee Lauder have makeup that can cover up outbreaks without irritating the skin. However, some makeup should be avoided, particularly by those who have ocular rosacea. Liquid eyeliners are 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.