Rosacea is a long-lasting skin disorder that affects upwards of 16 million people in the United States. There is currently no known treatment for rosacea, and there is no apparent obvious cause. However, thanks to studies, medical professionals have discovered ways to alleviate the skin condition by reducing the severity of its symptoms.
Rosacea can be broken down into four distinct forms. Each subtype exhibits its own unique collection of signs and symptoms. It is entirely conceivable for someone to simultaneously have more than one form of rosacea.
Flare-ups of rosacea are characterized by the appearance of characteristic bumps on the skin that are small, red, and filled with pus. Rosacea only manifests itself on the skin of the nose, cheeks, and forehead in most people. Instances of flare-ups frequently occur in cycles, indicating that you will experience symptoms ranging from weeks to months at a time, after which the symptoms will disappear and reappear.
Types
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are four primary types of rosacea, which are as follows:
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is characterized by skin discoloration, flushing, and the appearance of blood vessels on the face.
- Papulopustular rosacea is characterized by symptoms such as flushing, swelling, and breakouts that are similar in appearance to acne.
- Phymatous rosacea is characterized by the thickening and bumpiness of the skin.
- Ocular rosacea is characterized by redness and irritation of the eyes on top of swollen eyelids.
When corticosteroids are used for a prolonged time, mainly when employed in treating dermatitis and vitiligo, a condition known as steroid rosacea can develop in a patient.
Symptoms
Rosacea manifests itself differently in each affected individual, making it difficult to generalize its signs and symptoms.
However, rosacea has been noted to be more prevalent in individuals with lighter skin tones. On a side note, the signs and symptoms of rosacea are more evident in people with these skin tones. Very few studies have investigated the incidence of rosacea in people with darker skin, so it’s inconclusive.
In the vast majority of cases, rosacea is characterized by the presence of the following symptoms:
- Skin Discoloration: Discoloration of the skin that does not go away over time. It looks like a sunburn or blush that does not go away. It is caused by the expansion of many tiny blood vessels close to the skin’s surface.
- Skin Thickening: Excess skin tissue may cause the skin to become thicker over time. This condition typically affects the nose and can potentially cause rhinophyma, which is more common in men than women.
- Bumps And Pimples: Your skin may develop some small, red spots that look like acne. These may contain pus.
- Flushing: Flushing is a condition that causes the face to become momentarily darker. It might start on the face and work its way down to the chest and neck, making the affected areas feel uncomfortably warm.
- Eye Irritation: Patients may experience redness, watery, or bloodshot eyes. Blepharitis, a condition in which the eyelids become red and swollen, is standard, as is the formation of styes. The eyes are affected in approximately half of all people who have the condition known as rosacea. Vision might occasionally become hazy every once in a while.
- Protruding Blood Vessels: Also known as spider veins or telangiectasia, it is a common condition that can manifest on the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, and other areas of the central face.
Secondary Symptoms
People who have rosacea may also experience secondary symptoms such as the following:
- a sensation of burning or stinging in the skin
- facial swelling is caused by the leakage of excess fluid and proteins from the blood vessels
- facial skin that is dry or rough
On the other hand, if you have a darker skin tone, you can use the following indications to identify if you have rosacea or not:
- a hot/warm feeling on the affected area
- relentless acne-like breakouts;
- skin that is dry and swollen
- feeling a stinging or burning sensation whenever using skin care products
- tough, yellowish-brown lumps around the eyes, mouth, or both
- swelling or thickening of the skin on the face, especially on the cheeks, nose, and chin.
Triggers
Dietary factors can affect the symptoms of rosacea for many people. Consuming any of the following foods or beverages may either cause symptoms to appear or make existing ones worse:
- foods and drinks that are served hot
- products with caffeine
- produce that retains cinnamaldehyde, such as tomatoes, chocolate, and citrus fruits
- sauces, seasonings, and spices that contain capsaicin, like cayenne pepper, red pepper, and hot sauce
- alcoholic beverages
Eliminating even one of these foods and drinks from your diet could help you better control your rosacea and minimize the chances of flare-ups.
As a result of increased blood flow to the skin’s surface, rosacea can be made worse by other factors. These are the following:
- Temperature swings that are too extreme
- negative emotions, including stress, embarrassment, anxiety, and anger
- strenuous exercise
- steamy saunas and baths
- several prescription drugs, including corticosteroids and medications for the managing high blood pressure
- acute medical conditions, such as a cough, colds, and fevers
- Strong winds, sunlight, and humid air
People At Risk
There are some factors that, when combined with others, will increase the likelihood that you will develop rosacea. Rosacea typically manifests itself in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. Additionally, those with fair skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes are more likely to be affected by it than those with darker complexions.
In addition, there is a genetic component to rosacea. If someone in your family has suffered from rosacea in the past, or if you have Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry, you have a greater chance of developing the condition yourself. In addition, women have a higher risk of developing the condition than men. On the other hand, the symptoms associated with this condition are typically more severe in men.
Takeaway
There are so many potential triggers and causes for your rosacea condition. Even with this blog, tracking them all down is still tricky. That’s why you need to contact and pay a visit to our High Life Integrative Medicine clinic. Our staff offers some services that can help you identify the cause of your rosacea and give you a plan on how to deal with them.