What The Heck Is Rosacea And Can It Be Treated

With April being Rosacea awareness month. I decided to get with some people to answer "What The Heck Is Rosacea And Can It Be Treated."According to Health Day News, more than 16 million Americans have this incurable skin condition.

With age, I have noticed that my skin tends to over-react or become oversensitive to several environmental factors, particularly the past 3 months. In turn, my immune system responds causing hyperactivity in the blood vessels which leads to flushing. This can be accompanied with oversensitivity in the nerves, resulting in stinging and burning sensations.  Not fun!

If you are like me, once experienced, Rosacea may exist all throughout a person’s lifetime. While it may subside, it is still there!

According to research on this topic and talks with my dermatologist, areas on the skin may appear for some as red and itchy, but for some, it can develop further into a more severe condition characterized by enlarged oil glands, enlarged pores, and thickening facial skin.

If facial redness occurs and persists for more than a month and fades away and then recurs in a few months later,  I suggest consulting with a dermatologist.





What Are The Risk Factors For Rosacea
Unfortunately, some individuals are genetically predisposed to this condition and statistics showed that 30% of individuals who have rosacea have another family member or relative who also has the disease.

The Four Subtypes of Rosacea

Subtype 1 - Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
This is the type that I have and is the most common. Subtype 1 is described with facial redness accompanied by visible small broken capillaries and flushing.

The dilation of capillaries causes skin redness, and broken blood vessels become apparent. Individuals who have this type of rosacea tend to have a reddish, chin, nose, and cheeks. The skin can become flaky and dry and can burn and itch!

Subtype 2 - Papulopustular Rosacea
This type of rosacea appears usually affects women during middle age, looking like acne. These bumps and pimples are not restricted in one area and may scatter anywhere on the face; some may even contain pus.

Subtype 3 - Phymatous Rosacea
This rare type of rosacea is a more advanced type and usually affects men. This form of rosacea is depicted by a bulbous-looking nose due to the thickening of the skin.

Subtype 4 - Ocular Rosacea
This type of rosacea is a serious one that affects the eye area and occurs as a result of irritated facial skin that spreads to the eye area and results in itchy, red eyes. In this stage of rosacea, the irritation causes the eyes to sting and if left untreated may lead to blindness.

What Can Trigger Rosacea Flare-Ups
There are a lot of things that can lead to a flare-up of the condition. Hence it is crucial to be aware of the triggers.

• Over sun exposure
• Strenuous exercise
• Stress
• Caffeine
• Dairy products
• Spicy foods
• Foods high in histamines
• Alcohol
• Over exfoliation
• Skincare products (those with artificial fragrances, high alcohol and or witch hazel content, synthetic ingredients).

Medical Treatments For Rosacea
Some treatments can help to minimize, but not cure. For example...

• Antibiotics
• Topical Medications
• Pulsed Light Therapy
• Photodynamic Therapy Laser

Self Care Treatments For Rosacea
While my flare-ups are on occasion, I have found that there are some things I can do to help minimize the duration.

• Moisturizer
• SPF
• Coconut Oil
• Diet
• Aloe Leaf
• Tea Tree Oil

In conclusion, it is essential to see a dermatologist and confirm whether you're not you actually do have rosacea, as well as being aware of the triggers and possible management. As unfortunately, some general practitioners may think that you have it when you don't or vice versa!