Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin disease, estimated to affect over 16 million Americans. The cause of rosacea is unknown, and there is no cure. However, there are treatments to help control the signs and symptoms.
Possible Signs and Symptoms
- Flushing facial redness that may come and go, often the earliest sign of the disease
Persistent redness of the facial skin - Bumps and pimples
- Visible blood vessels
- Eye irritation
- Burning or stinging of the facial skin
- Dry appearance of the central face
- Signs beyond the face, rosacea may also occur on the neck or chest
Treatment
Rosacea types can vary from person to person, so treatment must be tailored for each individual case. There are topical agents to apply directly to the skin, or, in some cases, an oral medication may be needed to bring the condition under control. There are also treatments with lasers that can help the appearance of visible blood vessels that area associated with rosacea.
Triggers
Rosacea flares can be triggered by a variety of lifestyle and environmental factors. However, what causes a flare-up on one person may not on another person. Identifying and avoiding your triggers can help improve your chances of avoiding flare-ups. Some common triggers are listed below:
- Sun exposure
- Emotional stressHot weather
- Wind
- Heavy exercise
- Alcohol consumption
- Hot bath or shower
- Cold weather
- Spicy food
- Humidity
- Indoor heat
- Certain skin care products
- Heated beverages
