How to treat rosacea

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is more common than most people think, usually mis-diagnosed for acne or even eczema. It is a skin condition that causes inflammation of the skin cells, causing the sufferer to look flushed. If the condition is left untreated, small cysts and blood vessels appear in the affected area, along with thickening of the skin.

It primarily affects Caucasian women in their late 30’s with European heritage, however, males that suffer from rosacea have more severe symptoms than females.

The Four different types of Rosacea

Most people don’t realise that there are four different types of rosacea,

Erythematotetangiectatic rosacea: appears as redness, pigmentation and blood vessels.
Papulopustular rosacea: most commonly mis-diagnosed as acne due to breakouts resembling acne symptoms. Along with redness and mild swelling.
Phymatous rosacea: thickening of the skin.
Ocular rosacea: rare but appears as redness and swelling of the eyes.

Signs and Symptoms

The most recognised symptoms for rosacea are:

Redness (blushing). The sufferer looks like they are permanently blushing, or have a red chin and forehead.
Veins. Small veins are visible in the affected area, usually on the cheeks and nose.
Small bumps. These can be very small in appearance or larger like acne cysts.
Eye Problems. Swollen, red eyelids, causing irritation.
Swollen nose. Mainly seen in males, the skin becomes thicker and appears rounder.

Because the skin is irritated and swollen, it can become dry and cracked, causing it to feel like it is burning.

What causes Rosacea?

There isn’t a defining cause for rosacea, but recent studies have found the below to be some contributing factors:

Immune System. Abnormalities in the immune cells, causing inflammation is present in individuals with rosacea.
Not your typical inherited disease, but studies show there is a genetic correlation, as well as environmental causes.
Mites. There are small mites present on human skin, patients with rosacea have an increased number.

What causes Rosacea to become worse?

Due to rosacea being caused by environmental factors, as well as genetic, and the immune system being affected, there are many things that can make the symptoms worse. These can be things that can cause an increase in skin and body sensitivities. Most commonly dairy, spicy foods and alcohol. Hot drinks, especially caffeine, naturally cause the face to flush so increases the redness in rosacea sufferers. Other common causes are sun exposure, exercise and strong winds.

Treatments for Rosacea

Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms and the type of rosacea you suffer from. Your doctor will tailor your treatment, using either a combination of oral or cream-based medication. Both are used to reduce the redness in the skin and any acne-based symptoms, to help eliminate the bacteria causing the cysts. Anti-inflammatory medication will also be prescribed to help reduce any swelling.

Laser treatment can be advised to help reduce the appearance of blood vessels as well as LED light therapy to help relieve the redness in the skin.

Aside from medication, you can make changes to your skincare routine and your lifestyle to help reduce the number of flare-ups.

Skin Care Products to avoid

Don’t use harsh masks & cleansing products that cause the face to become sensitive and red by stripping dead skin cells. When you do wash your face, avoid rubbing it dry as this pulls at the skin making it prone to sensitivity. This is also caused by hot showers, causing inflammation and drying the skin, which can kick your oil glands into over-drive increasing the number of cysts to form.

Increased sensitivity in your skin means it is more important to protect it from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Making sunscreen your number one friend, keep it above SPF 50 for optimal protection. When choosing a sunscreen, choose ones made from natural ingredients, not chemical based.