Rosacea Symptoms And Treatments

Rosacea means an elevated area of skin that is inflamed and contains pus. Usually formed on the face, the condition makes the face appear red. If the condition is not promptly taken care of it worsens. Sometimes, Rosacea is mistaken for acne, eczema, or any other similar skin condition.

About 5% of the US population is estimated to be suffering from Rosacea.   This may not be an accurate figure as the ailment may have been mistaken for eczema or acne. In fact, there have been studies to show that almost 80% of Americans do not even know of the problem at all!

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Earlier, it was seen that only people of European origin were susceptible to the problem, but there have been reports in the recent past of many people of other countries too being diagnosed with Rosacea. This may be either due to (1) faster globalization or (2) improved techniques in other countries to diagnose Rosacea accurately.

 Symptoms

• A very sensitive skin
• Persistent redness of skin resembling a sunburn
• Frequent flushing of the skin
• Swollen blood vessels on the skin
• Spotting of the skin 

Causes

As of today, the actual cause of Rosacea has not been determined. However, a healthy lifestyle and normal genetic build of a person may be key factors to keep the problem at bay. The manner in which the problem first becomes evident is also important in deciding the mode of treatment

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 Treatment

• Do not use hard cleansers on the face if you have Rosacea
• Avoid spicy food and dairy products
• In the past sulfur was used to treat the condition; this was beneficial as the use of steroidal drugs could be avoided
• Prescribed administration of antibiotics accompanied by applying antibiotic gel on the affected surface
• Vitamin A supplements are also prescribed sometimes
• Metronidazole and Azelaic Acid are prescribed to treat flare-ups of the condition
• Reddening and blushing caused by Rosacea can be reduced by chemicals that are Beta-blockers like propranolol or other chemicals like clonidine

Cosmetic usage is restricted for Rosacea patients in a way that they use only those products that do not aggravate the condition. Estee Lauder and Avon are companies that have a good range of products for people with this condition. Mineral make-up products are also there for Rosacea affected people

Washing the face with lukewarm water, patting it dry with a soft cotton cloth (use of loofah not advised), and applying a good quality sunscreen (preferably water-based) are effective measures to keep the problem in check

Laser treatment ranging from $150 to $500 (depending on the severity of the symptoms is also available for Rosacea’s condition.

Pityriasis Rosacea has more severe symptoms. There is the scaling of the skin, accompanied by redness, headaches, and fever. Eating meals that contain wheat germ oil, soybean oil, or sunflower oil besides nuts and fish like tuna, and salmon can help control the condition

Phymatous Rosacea ( a condition when there is excess facial tissue) is treated with CO2 laser therapy

Doctors are yet to isolate the genetic makeup that triggers Rosacea. Until then these are what you should avoid in order to decrease the risk of the condition – hot and spicy foods and drinks, over-exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures, caffeine-based and dairy products, severe work-outs, saunas, and the tendency to become stressed, angry or excited. 

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Rosacea is a skin condition that besides causing irritation also makes the skin appear chronically flushed or red. The exact reason for the condition has not been isolated, but scientists believe that certain changes in lifestyle like avoiding hot and spicy foods, avoiding too much exercise, avoiding overexposure to extreme temperatures are all good ways to keep the condition at bay. Laser treatment is also available for Rosacea, the cost ranging fro $150 to $500. Some reputed cosmetic manufacturers have also come up with products especially catering to people who are suffering from Rosacea.