How Does Rosacea Affect You?

Rosacea is a condition that causes a rash, redness and inflammation around the face. There is no known cure.

Several factors, including diet, stress, weather, and certain medications, can trigger the condition.

It is generally recommended to treat affected areas of the skin with care to prevent further aggravation of the condition.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea causes the face to appear red and flushed and is usually most noticeable on the chin, nose, forehead and cheeks. The dilation of blood vessels causes the flushed appearance of the skin.

Rosacea can also cause spots and pustules, as well as a burning or stinging sensation, along with visible blood vessels on the skin. Although rosacea is a physical condition, it can also have a psychological impact due to the effect on the physical appearance.

Symptoms can be mild, resulting in a slight reddening of the face, or they can be more severe and noticeable. Rosacea symptoms aren’t always present. There may be times when symptoms are less severe, and other times when they are more prominent and noticeable.

There is no known cause for the condition, but symptoms can be controlled with ongoing treatment.

What Causes Rosacea?

The cause of rosacea is not yet fully understood; however, numerous factors may contribute to the dilation of blood vessels, resulting in the distinctive symptoms.

Abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face may be a contributing factor, and it is often believed that exposure to sunlight or UV light can exacerbate the condition.

It is also suggested that harmless mites called Demodex Folliculorum may be a potential cause, but this has not been proven. Demodex Folliculorum are microscopic organisms which reside in the skin. Rosacea sufferers tend to have more of these mites present on their skin than those who do not have rosacea. It is unclear whether this condition causes rosacea or if the increased number is a result of the condition itself.

Genetics may play a role in the cause of rosacea, but this has not been scientifically proven. It has been suggested that rosacea is common amongst members of the same family, but there is not enough evidence to prove this conclusively.

Rosacea is more common in individuals with fair skin, and it is also more prevalent among women than men.

Rosacea Triggers

Although the cause of rosacea is not yet fully understood, several factors may trigger the condition.

Certain foods, such as spicy foods, may trigger rosacea symptoms. Paying attention to your diet is essential to prevent aggravating the condition. The consumption of alcohol or caffeine may also be a contributing factor.

Changes in temperature can also trigger rosacea. Flare-ups can occur in both hot weather and cold weather, and many rosacea sufferers find that their symptoms worsen at the change of seasons. Cold and windy weather can result in the onset of rosacea symptoms. Protecting your face from the elements is important to minimise the risk of your symptoms worsening. It’s also important to protect yourself from the sun during the summer months, as sun exposure can also trigger the symptoms.

Exercise and overexertion are also potential triggers. Avoiding exercise can have a detrimental effect on your health, so it's best not to rule out physical activity completely. Low-intensity fitness workouts, exercising over shorter periods of time, and ensuring you exercise in a cool room can help reduce the likelihood of triggering your symptoms.

In some individuals, makeup can also impact their condition. Opt for fragrance-free makeup and skincare products, and always test new products on a small area of your skin first to minimise the risk of irritation.

Rosacea is common in both men and women. Shaving can irritate the skin, so it’s essential to be mindful of the products you use, as well as your choice of razor. Opt for an electric razor and use products that are gentle on the skin.

The menopause can also trigger rosacea, as can certain medications.

Treatment and Self-Care

While a cure for rosacea is not yet known, there are several ways to manage the condition.

Being aware of triggers and avoiding certain foods and drinks that can aggravate the condition is one of the best ways to control your symptoms. Triggers will often be different for different people, so it’s important to be aware of your own personal triggers in order to keep a flare-up at bay.

There are treatments available from your GP if your symptoms worsen or you aren’t seeing any improvement. Treatment is generally given on a long-term basis; however, it is not unusual for sufferers to experience periods of time when they are symptom-free.

There are numerous creams and gels available which can be applied to the affected area to reduce the symptoms. Oral antibiotics can also be prescribed by your GP. This is usually only recommended in more severe cases and is particularly helpful in reducing spots and blemishes.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is also used to treat the symptoms of rosacea. A beam of light is directed at the affected area to help minimise the visibility of any visible blood vessels.

It’s important to discuss treatment options with your GP in order to find the best treatment for you. Some people may respond well to simply avoiding their triggers, whereas others may find a cream or gel to be particularly effective. In some cases, creams, gels, and avoiding known triggers may not be enough to control the symptoms, so antibiotics are often the best option.

Summary

Rosacea is a skin condition which affects the face. There is no known cure for the condition, but there are many things you can do to help reduce the symptoms:

Protect your skin from extreme weather conditions as much as possible and always wear a high-factor sun cream during hot weather. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. Avoid spicy foods, limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, and avoid overexertion whenever possible.

Rosacea isn’t something that you should worry about, as there are many rosacea treatments available. Your GP will be able to give you more information regarding the options available to you.

You can find further support and information about rosacea on the National Rosacea Society website.