Rosacea is a skin disorder that is often mistaken for severe acne or a sign of alcoholism. For those who suffer from this disorder, it is very difficult. It is a chronic medical condition with no cure. The symptoms are very real and can cause lifelong emotional damage if left untreated and can be quite physically painful. However, the symptoms of rosacea can be managed.
What are the signs of a person with rosacea? If you experience any of the following signs, you should consult a dermatologist. 1) Red or inflamed areas on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or chin 2) Visible blood vessels in the facial area 3) Pimples or bumpy areas on the face (other than whiteheads or blackheads) 4) Prolonged flushing where the blush doesn't go back to normal in a normal amount of time 5) Watery eyes or irritated eyes in conjunction with the symptoms mentioned above 6) Thickening of the skin (occasionally) 7) Swelling of facial areas 8) Over time, the nose may appear extremely red and bulbous, especially in older men, also known as rhinophyma 9) Sometimes rosacea appears on the chest, scalp, ears, or neck 10) Facial burning sensation, sometimes very intense and painful
The cause of rosacea is not known. It seems to show up in both women and men sometime between 20 and 40 years of age. Women can sometimes become housebound if their rosacea isn't controlled. They might become ashamed and embarrassed by the ruddy appearance of their facial skin. Men are sometimes emotionally affected as well.
Coping with rosacea can be a challenge. First and foremost, see a dermatologist. Rosacea can go into remission if you are careful to follow his recommendations. Along with medication, there are lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce that the flares of rosacea won't occur as often. Limit your exposure to sun and wind, be vigilant about using a good quality sunscreen. Try to keep stress levels at a minimum by adopting a healthy lifestyle and spending quiet time each day. Alcohol should be avoided as it tends to trigger a flush. If you enjoy a bath, use warm water instead of really hot water. Exercise is not off limits, but try low-impact forms of exercise in place of high impact ones, or swimming would be great. Try to exercise in cooler weather. Hot weather will worsen rosacea symptoms. Some people who suffer from rosacea react to hot beverages or spicy food
Some people with rosacea have tried and claim some relief with creams containing green tea, Chrysanthellum Indicum, Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3), or Azelaic Acid have been reported to reduce the appearance of blood vessels and red capillaries.
For some rosacea sufferers hot drinks and spicy foods can trigger a flare. If you find that is true for you, it's best to avoid such.
Makeup is okay, but make sure to wash your face thoroughly at the end of the day with a non-abrasive cleanser. Use warm, (not hot), water to rinse your skin. I have found natural mineral makeup to work well for me personally.
Men should use an electric razor rather than a blade to shave each morning. Follow up with a fragrance-free moisturizer.
Rosacea can be a very difficult skin disorder to have, and is many times greatly misunderstood. With proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, it can be managed well and symptoms minimized.
By Rachel V. Rae had lovely skin as a teenager, then in midlife developed skin rosacea . She writes to educate people about this obscure skin disorder and the beauty challenges it presents.
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