How to Tell if You Have Rosacea, And What to Do About It

Rosacea is a relatively common, yet underdiagnosed, condition in which the skin becomes red, irritated, and inflamed. Doctors are not agreed on the exact cause of the condition, but some point to genetic factors, skin bacteria, immune response, certain foods, and psychological stimuli. Women are particularly prone to developing this condition, especially those with Scottish, Irish, English, and German ancestry. However, men and women of all races can develop this disorder. The symptoms of rosacea vary from person to person, but it is typically a chronic condition that comes and goes periodically. It’s good to understand some of the common symptoms of rosacea, so that it can be treated properly. With proper care, it can be managed effectively and kept in check.

Symptoms of Rosacea

The symptoms of rosacea vary widely, but usually a patient will show more than one of the following signs:

• Flushing & Blushing – Strong and persistent blushing can be one of the first signs of rosacea. The flushing may last for up to five minutes at a time, and people report an uncomfortable sense of heat.
• Burning, Stinging & Itching – Many rosacea sufferers experience sensations such as burning or stinging in the affected areas of skin – commonly the face. It may also result in a feeling of being irritated and itchy.
• Visible Blood Vessels – Rosacea is also commonly characterized by the appearance of blood vessels at the surface of the skin. These usually form around the nose and on the cheeks.
• Acne – Those with rosacea experience something that looks very similar to adult acne, including papules, pustules, and cysts. However, rosacea sufferers will not necessarily have oily skin or blackheads.
• Facial Swelling (Edema) – In addition to facial flushing, rosacea may also be accompanied by the build-up of fluid in the tissues of the face, making the skin appear puffy or baggy.
• Eye Irritation (Ocular Rosacea) – About half of rosacea patients will have eye complications as a result of this condition. Symptoms include eye watering, burning, stinging, a gritty feeling, and a blood shot appearance.
• Skin Thickening (Rhinophyma) – In severe cases of rosacea, there may be thickening of the skin, particularly around the nose area, leading to a bumpy appearance. This is far more common in men.

How to Control Rosacea

Rosacea is considered to be a chronic and incurable condition, although there are many treatments available to control the symptoms. The type of treatment used depends on the particular symptoms present, so it will be different for each patient.

• Topical Antibiotics – Metronidazole cream, and other similar medications, are topical antibiotic treatments commonly prescribed by doctors for this condition. It can be useful for patients that suffer with skin redness and pimples. It is not fully understood why antibiotics work for this disorder, but it is believed that their anti-inflammatory properties are the reason, as opposed to their ability to kill bacteria.
• Oral Antibiotics – Tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline are oral antibiotics that are prescribed to those rosacea patients that experience inflammatory acne-like lesions. They tend to work faster and more effectively than the topical antibiotics. Therefore, they are favored in cases where bad inflammation is present.
• Skin Cleansers – Cleansers containing azelaic acid are often used for their bacteria-fighting properties and ability to encourage the exfoliation process. They help unplug the pores, and keep the skin clear of blemishes.
• Accutane – If the rosacea is accompanied by severe inflammation and infection, including cysts, Accutane may be prescribed. This strong medication essentially stops the sebaceous glands from producing oil, in order to control the resultant blemishes. It comes with a number of side effects, so consistent medical monitoring is essential.
• Laser Treatment – A special surgical laser can be used to treat some of the cosmetic issues related to rosacea. Visible blood vessels can be diminished with this procedure, as well as excessive redness. It can also be used to treat any disfigurement of the nose.
• Lifestyle Changes – One of the best ways to control the symptoms of rosacea is to find the worst triggers, and avoid them as much as possible. Overexposure to sun or wind, or excessive heat or cold can exacerbate symptoms. Certain foods and beverages will cause flare-ups in many people. Emotional stress can also play a large role in creating rosacea symptoms.