Rosacea is a skin condition that can cause redness, bumps, and pimples on the face.
Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Rosacea can have a big impact on someone's quality of life, and there are treatments available to keep the condition under control.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Rosacea often affects the face but can also affect the neck, chest, scalp, or ears. It usually starts with flushing and redness on the middle of a person’s face going across the cheeks, nose, or forehead, but can also cause bumps and pimples.
The hallmark sign of rosacea is the presence of tiny, red, pus-filled bumps on the face during flare-ups. Typically, just the skin on your nose, cheeks, and forehead are affected by rosacea.
Usually, rosacea outbreaks occur in cycles. Cycles are when someone has symptoms for weeks or even months and when these symptoms are reoccurring.
What Are the Types of Rosacea?
Rosacea has four subtypes that each have a different set of symptoms. People suffering from rosacea can have more than one subtype of rosacea at one time.
1. Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
This type of rosacea is characterized by flushing and permanent redness in the center of the face, as well as visible blood vessels. The affected skin often will be swollen and can feel sensitive.
2. Papulopustular Rosacea
Papulopustular Rosacea is characterized by inflamed bumps and pimples, as well as skin sensitivity. This type of rosacea causes breakouts that are comparable to acne breakouts. The skin is usually oily and can feel sensitive. There also may be broken blood vessels that are visible, along with raised skin patches.
3. Rhinophyma Rosacea
Rhinophyma rosacea is characterized by the thickening of the skin, usually around the nose and chin. This rare subtype of rosacea affects mostly males and usually is found coupled with another subtype of rosacea. The symptoms are bumpy skin, thickening skin on the face, large pores, and broken blood vessels that are visible.
Related: Large Pores? How to Minimize Pores on Face & Nose
4. Ocular Rosacea
This type of rosacea is characterized by redness, irritation, itching, and burning in and around the eyes. This can include eyes that are bloodshot and watery, with a gritty feeling. This subtype can also cause cysts in the eyes and diminished vision. The broken blood vessels will be on the eyelids.
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What Are the Causes of Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes facial redness, bumps, and facial swelling. It is most common in fair-skinned people and those of northern European ancestry, but it can affect anyone. The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. However, several factors may contribute to its development.
Sun exposure
Sun exposure is thought to be a major factor in the development of rosacea. Sunburns can trigger flare-ups and cause the redness, bumps, and swelling associated with the condition.
Related: Soak Up the Sun, Not the Damage
Genetics
Some research suggests that rosacea may have a genetic component, as there is an increased risk of the condition in people who have a family history of it.
Demodex Mites
Demodex mites are microscopic parasites that live in skin follicles. People with rosacea tend to have higher numbers of these mites on their skin, which may trigger the condition.
Immune system
An overactive immune system may contribute to the development of rosacea. This could be due to a variety of factors, including allergies and environmental factors.
What are the Risk Factors for Rosacea?
Some variables increase the likelihood of developing rosacea more than others. Rosacea often appears between the ages of 30 and 50. It is more prevalent among those with pale complexion, blonde hair, and blue eyes.
Additionally, there are hereditary correlations to rosacea. You are more prone to get rosacea if the disorder runs in your family or if you have Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry. Also, women are more prone than males to getting the illness. Nevertheless, males who get the illness often have more serious symptoms.
How is Rosacea Diagnosed?
Currently, there are no specific tests that will diagnose rosacea. Your doctor will focus on your symptom history and will perform a physical examination of the affected skin. You may undergo diagnostic procedures to rule out other illnesses, such as psoriasis or lupus. Studies indicate that rosacea might be ignored or misunderstood as an allergic response or seborrheic dermatitis in persons of color.
If your rosacea affects your eyes, as is often the case when dealing with ocular rosacea, your physician may recommend you to an ophthalmologist for assessment.
Related: Beauty Rest: How Sleep Affects the Skin
How Can I get Rid of my Symptoms?
Although we don’t have a cure for rosacea yet, there are many things we can do to control the symptoms of rosacea.
Avoid Triggers
Identifying and avoiding your individual triggers is the most important way to control rosacea symptoms. Common triggers include exposure to sunlight, hot and cold weather, stress, and spicy foods.
Follow a Gentle Skin Care Routine
Use a gentle, non-irritating cleanser and moisturizer to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Avoid scrubbing, toning, and harsh exfoliants.
Wear sunscreen
Sun exposure can worsen rosacea symptoms, so it’s important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day.
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Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
These can all aggravate rosacea symptoms, so it’s best to limit or avoid them.
Take Oral Medications
If you’re struggling to control your symptoms with lifestyle changes, it may be necessary to take oral medications. These can include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and topical creams.
Consider Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can reduce the redness and flushing associated with rosacea. However, laser treatments can be prohibitively expensive and can be uncomfortable.
Final Thoughts
Although there currently isn’t a cure for rosacea, the symptoms can be controlled. With the proper skin care regimen, you will be able to keep the symptoms at bay.
Use skincare products that are gentle on the skin and make sure to apply sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher daily, avoid triggers, and consult with your physician about oral medications or laser therapy.