Rosacea
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that typically affects the face. It results in redness, pimples, swelling, and small and superficial dilated blood vessels. Often, the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin are most affected. Sometimes it can cause ocular rosacea – inflammatory eye condition. Rosacea is harmless, but it can be difficult to cope with a chronic condition. Though it cannot be cured, you can take steps to control your symptoms.
APPOTEK can help you with rosacea.
Causes
Rosacea is a skin inflammation. It is not entirely clear what causes inflammation but genetic factors and the environment can play a role. There are various factors that can trigger rosacea. They include:
- alcohol
- caffeine
- spicy food
- stress
- strenuous exercise
- heat from sunlight
- cold.
Symptoms
Rosacea’s trademark symptom is small, red, pus-filled bumps on the skin that are present during flare-ups. Typically, rosacea affects only skin on your nose, cheeks, and forehead.
Rosacea often develops in people between the ages of 30 and 50. It is also more common in people who are fair-skinned and have blond hair and blue eyes. It is also more common in women, but symptoms can be worse for men.
Rosacea often starts with redness on the face. The redness can sting and feel warm. Gradually, the small blood vessels on the nose and cheeks become more visible. Some may also get pimples similar to acne. They can be found on the chin, cheeks, nose and forehead.
Flare-ups often occur in cycles. This means that you will experience symptoms for weeks or months at a time, the symptoms will go away, and then return.
In some cases, rosacea can also cause eye or eyelid inflammation, known as ocular rosacea.
Prevention and protection
Avoiding triggers can help you control rosacea (see CAUSES above).
You can also relieve the symptoms by lubricating your face with ivermectin or azelaic acid cream – ask which cream is the best for you in pharmacies. Try to avoid strong sun, and if you do, use sun protection, SPF 30-50. If you have an inflammatory eye condition, it is good to wear sunglasses when it is sunny outside.
Other management steps include:
- avoiding direct sunlight and wearing sunscreen
- avoiding drinking alcohol
- using lasers and light treatment to help with some severe cases of rosacea
- microdermabrasion treatments to reduce thickening skin
- taking eye medicines and antibiotics for ocular rosacea
You should also avoid skin products that contain:
- alcohol
- menthol
- witch hazel
- exfoliating agents
These ingredients may irritate your symptoms.
Treatment
There is no cure for rosacea, but you can control it with treatment. The best way to prevent an outbreak is to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan and avoid your specific triggers. There are medicated creams or gels that often heal your rosacea quickly. If these do not help, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that you will need to learn to manage. It is important to get support, for example through support groups or online message boards. Connecting with other people who have rosacea can help you feel less alone.
When to consult a doctor
If you think you have rosacea, you should seek medical care to relieve your symptoms. Your doctor can easily diagnose rosacea from a physical examination of your skin. They may refer you to a dermatologist who can determine whether you have rosacea or
another skin condition.
How APPOTEK can help
Appotek can help you with Rosacea. A doctor or nurse will make a diagnosis during the initial consultation, then may prescribe treatment or refer you for further examination.
