ROSACEA

Does your face look like you are always blushing and feel like you have bumps that look like acne? If you answered yes, then you might have rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition causing red patches and visible blood vessels on the face, common in both men and women between 35 – 50 years old.

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. However, researchers and doctors believe that it is caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and anything that can dilate your blood vessels. These can include alcohol consumption and exposure to extreme temperatures (cold or hot), spicy foods, hot beverages, and emotional stress.

There are four main forms of rosacea that are most likely to occur on the face, head, and neck.

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, the most common type of rosacea, is also often referred to as ETR. In the early stages, ETR can present with mild, occasional redness or visible dilated blood vessels. However, as the condition progresses without proper treatment, this may result in more frequent flare-ups that last longer and affect more skin areas.

Papulopustular (Acne) Rosacea

Papulopustular rosacea, also referred to as acne rosacea, causes facial redness and visible spider veins and is often accompanied by acne-like breakouts. These acne-like breakouts are often very large and painful blemishes, called papules and pustules, that develop deep into the skin. Like all types of rosacea, these blemishes develop mostly in the center of the face, but breakouts may develop on the scalp and neck. In very severe, untreated cases, the chest and shoulders may also be impacted. If left untreated, individuals may experience extremely oily and/or dry patches of skin that may become thick and scaly, turning into hard, rough patches called plaques.

Phymatous Rosacea

Phymatous rosacea, just like papulopustular rosacea, can initially start with thickening of the skin, which may begin as small areas with plaques. As the condition progresses, the skin can become bumpy and protrude, resembling scar tissue. In men, a condition called rhinophyma can develop, impacting the nose due to a buildup of skin. This type of rosacea also causes the redness and visible blood vessels, similar to other types of rosacea, in addition to visibly enlarged pores.

Ocular Rosacea

Ocular rosacea impacts the inside of the eyes, the eyelids, and the skin around the eyes, creating bumps. Common complaints of this condition include watery, burning, irritated, red eyes. In severe cases, this can even result in blurred vision and photosensitivity.

TIPS FOR REDUCING ROSACEA FLARE-UPS

• Practice good sun protection. Apply daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and remember to reapply at least every 2 - 3 hours, especially if you are sweating or going in the water.
• Reduce or avoid consuming spicy foods, hot drinks, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages if possible.
• Use mild and gentle skincare products.
• Avoid extreme temperatures, hot or cold.
• For persistent redness and visible blood vessels, consider laser therapy.
• Use mineral line makeup.

Rosacea treatment focuses mainly on controlling its signs and symptoms. Depending on the type and severity of symptoms, the duration of the treatment varies. Our most popular treatment options include:

• Both oral and topical medication may be recommended in mild to moderate cases.
• Laser therapy is recommended when you have enlarged, visible blood vessels, keeping in mind that the full effect of the treatment may be visible after a few treatment sessions. Repeat treatments are needed periodically to maintain an improved appearance.
• Practice good sun protection by applying daily sunscreen with an of SPF 30 or higher and remember to reapply at least every 2 - 3 hours, especially if you are sweating or going in the water.
• Reduce or avoid the consumption of spicy foods, hot drinks, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages if possible.
• Consider lifestyle adjustments and home remedies.
• Use mild and gentle skincare products.
• Avoid extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
• For persistent redness and visible blood vessels, consider laser therapy.
• Use mineral line makeup.