This is a very common skin condition which is causing redness and visible blood vessels in the face. Also, it can produce small, red and pus-filled bumps. The signs and symptoms of the rosacea can flare up for a period of weeks to months and they can diminish for a while. Many people can mistake rosacea for an allergic reaction, acne or other skin problems. This condition can happen in every single person. It is most commonly affecting middle-aged women who are having fair skin. There is no cure for rosacea but the treatments can control it and also reduce the signs and symptoms. If you have a persistent redness on your face, then you should talk with your doctor to get the proper diagnosis and treatment. Caffeine, spicy foods, dairy products, hot foods or drinks can aggravate the rosacea or they can worsen it by increasing the blood flow to the surface of the skin. Also, wind, humidity, sunlight, and extremes of temperature can aggravate rosacea. Stress, anger, anxiety, and embarrassment can lead to rosacea.
Symptoms of Rosacea:
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Here are some signs and symptoms of rosacea:
- Enlarged nose: There are rare cases when the rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose which is causing the nose to appear bulbous (this is known as rhinophyma). This is happening more often in men than in women.
- Eye problems: There are some studies in which are said that about half of the people who have rosacea can experience reddened eyelids, irritation, and swollen eyelids and eye dryness. There are some cases when in some people the rosacea’s eye symptoms are preceding the skin symptoms.
- Swollen red bumps: There are many people who have rosacea and who develop pimples on their faces which resemble acne. In some cases, these bumps can have pus. Also, your skin can feel hot and tender.
- Facial redness: This condition is usually causing persistent redness in the central part of the face. The small blood vessels which are on the nose and cheeks can often swell and they can become visible.
If you experience persistent redness on your face, then you should talk with a doctor or dermatologist to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Rosacea:
The real cause for rosacea is not known but it is thought that is a combination of environmental factors and hereditary factors. You should know that rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene. There are many factors that can trigger or aggravate the rosacea by increasing the blood flow to the surface of the skin. Here are some of these factors:
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
- Cosmetics
- Exercise
- Emotions
- Sunlight or wind
- Temperature extremes
- Alcohol
- Hot drinks and spicy foods
Types: There are four main types of rosacea:
- Ocular rosacea: This type of rosacea is causing redness and irritation in the eyes and swollen eyelids. The person with this type of rosacea can look as he or she has a sty.
- Phymatous rosacea: This type of rosacea is causing the skin to thicken and it take on a bumpy texture.
- Papulopustular rosacea: This type of rosacea is involving swelling, redness and breakouts which resemble to acne.
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: This type of rosacea is involving redness and flushing and visible blood vessels.
The condition called steroid rosacea can happen as a result of long – term usage of corticosteroids, especially when they are used to treat vitiligo and dermatitis. Also there are some cases when permanent redness can develop and persist in the center of the face.
Risk factors of Rosacea:
Every single person can develop rosacea but you have more chances of developing it, if you:
- Have a family history of rosacea
- Smoke
- Are over age 60
- Have fair skin, particularly if it has been damaged by the sun
- Are a woman
Complications in Rosacea:
There are severe and rare cases when the oil glands in the nose and sometimes in the cheeks can become enlarged which can result in a buildup of tissue around the nose. This is a condition which is known as rhinophyma. This type of complication is more common in men and it develops slowly over a period of years.
