Blushing is associated with the feeling of warmth and happiness. But often, too much blushing means that one might have a chronic skin condition – Rosacea. Associated with rosy cheeks and pus-filled breakouts, rosacea is a skin condition that affects millions of people globally.

Rosacea is more prevalent in women than in men, and it commonly appears after the age of 30. Though the root cause is still unknown and is often misdiagnosed with acne or dermatitis.

Mostly affecting the face and other areas of the skin like the neck, chest, and shoulders, rosacea can be extremely embarrassing and frustrating to many people. Thus, it is important to rightfully diagnose rosacea so people with this condition can take immediate assistance and make necessary changes in their skincare routine.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin disorder that causes persistent inflammation. It frequently results in redness, visible and swollen blood vessels on the face, and tiny pus-filled blisters. It is a chronic skin disorder that typically affects the face. Rosacea can be mistaken for eczema, pus-filled breakouts or an allergic skin response.

Rosacea's primary symptoms include pus-filled breakouts, inflamed skin, and skin redness. Eye issues and frequent blushing are additional symptoms. As it looks similar to aggressive breakouts, often physicians mistake the symptoms for cystic acne or psoriasis, which leads to misdiagnosis, resulting in the worsening of rosacea.

Though presently this skin condition has no permanent treatment, patients can manage their symptoms with dermatologist-approved creams and medications.

Types of Rosacea

The classification of rosacea is based on phenotypes, which are visible characteristics including hair, eye, and skin colour. There are four primary phenotypes of rosacea, each of which can affect various areas of the face but rarely other sections of the body.

1. Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)

   Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR) is characterized by erythema or skin redness, spider veins, flushing, and blushing. The good news is, this type of rosacea is treatable with topical medications like moisturisers, creams, gels, and lotions

2. Inflammatory or Papulopustular Rosacea

   Papulopustular rosacea is a facial pimple that resembles acne and can expand or develop into pustules that look like whiteheads. This can be treated with oral and topical medication.

3. Phymatous Rosacea

   Phymatous Rosacea is a condition where thickening of the skin is prevalent. Some people can also develop rhinophyma, where the nose gets enlarged, reddened, rough-textured, and swollen.

   Though Rhinophyma is a rare condition and mainly affects men. Lasers are sometimes used to eliminate extra tissue. Oral drugs, like isotretinoin, are mostly given with other treatments.

4. Ocular Rosacea

   Ocular rosacea is the term used to describe the condition in which many rosacea sufferers have itchy, runny, or bloodshot eyes. Hordeolum (styes) are common, and the eyelids can also get red and puffy.

   Blood vessels at the lid edges are also visible and a buildup of crusts and scaling around the eyelids or eyelashes. Severe ocular rosacea can cause corneal injury and loss of visual insight. It is often treated with oral medication and extra eyelid care.

What Causes Rosacea?

Although the exact etiology of rosacea is elusive, the condition could be caused by a hyperactive immune system, genetics, the environment, or a combination of these. Rosacea is not contagious and is not caused by bad hygiene.

Because of the highly sensitive skin, people with rosacea are thought to be susceptible to a variety of factors. For instance, spending time in the sun might result in long-lasting skin redness and burning. Additionally, symptoms like tingling, burning, and irritation could be brought on by skin care products. Some common causes are:

• Genetics plays a major role. Rosacea or acne runs in families and is the possible reason for the next generations developing the condition.

• Blood vessel problems. Your face's blood vessels may be the cause of the redness on your skin. They could get broader due to sun damage, which would make it simpler for others to see them.

• Bacteria. H. pylori reside in the stomach/gut. Research shows this germ may increase levels of gastrin, a hormone that regulates digestion and may make your skin appear flushed.

According to the National Rosacea Society, Dr. Jonathan Wilkin produced some vital factors that can cause rosacea flare-ups, which include:

• Certain foods like dairy products, citrus fruits, vinegar, spicy foods, etc.

• Alcohol and caffeine.

• Stress and anxiety.

• Skincare and haircare, especially those that contain acetone substances.

• Excessive heat and warm environments such as a sauna and long hot baths.

• Medications such as topical steroids

• Medical conditions like menopause or caffeine/alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Who Can Get Rosacea?

As already discussed above, women are more prevalent to develop this chronic skin condition than men. However, as compared to women, men develop a severe and chronic condition, according to the National Institute of Health.

So, this means anyone can get rosacea, regardless of their sex, ethnicity, or lifestyle. Though, this chronic disorder is more prevalent among these groups:

• Above 30

• Fair-skinned people often with blond hair

• Family history of rosacea or severe acne

• History of severe acne like cystic acne or nodules

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Rosacea?

The signs and symptoms of rosacea can vary from person to person. Often, not every potential sign appears, but there is at least one concerning symptom that should be immediately addressed.

Major Signs of Rosacea

1. Flushing

   The most obvious sign of rosacea is frequent flushing or blushing. It has been observed that people with rosacea blush a lot and this is accompanied by a feeling of heat, warmth, or burning that comes and goes.

2. Bumps and Pimples

   Extreme inflammation on the neck and cheeks, pus-filled pimples, or small red lumps are common indicators of rosacea. These could seem like acne, but there are no blackheads, and there might be burning or stinging.

3. Persistent Redness

   A sunburn or blush that doesn't go away may resemble persistent facial redness.

4. Visible Blood Vessels

   Another common symptom of rosacea is the growth of telangiectasia or prominent and small blood vessels, on the cheeks, nasal arches and bridges, and central face.

5. Enlarged Nose

   Rosacea can enlarge the skin of the nose over time, especially if it is not treated, resulting in rhinophyma – a bulbous appearance.

Secondary Symptoms

1. Burning or Stinging

   A burning sensation might occur on the face. People with rosacea can also feel extreme itchiness in the affected area or tightness around the skin.

2. Dry appearance

   The central area of the face, like the nasal bridge and cheeks, might appear extremely dry or rough.

3. Scarring

   Without causing changes to the surrounding skin, raised red spots and scarring can form.

4. Swelling

   Edema, or facial swelling, can appear alone or in combination with other rosacea symptoms.

   Rarely, rosacea symptoms and indications may also appear elsewhere on the body, most frequently on the neck, scalp, chest, or ears.

Can You Prevent Rosacea?

Although there is no known treatment for rosacea, the condition can be managed to reduce the chance of a flare-up. Avoiding factors that set off or exacerbate symptoms of the disorder is one of the key ways this is accomplished.

• Sunlight

  Quite often cited cause of rosacea symptoms is sunlight. Rosacea patients should use sunscreen every day, including cloudy and rainy days. People with rosacea should try to limit their exposure to sunlight throughout the summer, especially at noon. 

  It is advised to use sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above with UVA and UVB protection. But not all sunscreens are right for conditions like rosacea due to their composition, so look for sunblock with zinc or titanium dioxide.

• Skincare Products

  On average, a woman uses more than 10 products to achieve healthy and glowing skin. Though the products consist of ingredients that can irritate the skin. Thus, it is advised to avoid using products that burn or irritate.

  The common ingredients to avoid in your skincare products are menthol, alcohol, and astringent. Fragrance-free products contain fewer skin irritants, so these can be used. The least likely products to irritate are those marked "for sensitive skin" or "hypoallergenic." Of course, stop using any product if it stings or burns. 

• Diet

  You can lessen the frequency of flare-ups by being mindful of the foods that might cause rosacea. 45% of 1,066 rosacea patients who participated in a National Rosacea Society study reported being impacted by spicy meals and 10% from marinated meats.

  Although dietary triggers for rosacea differ greatly from person to person, patients are frequently encouraged to keep a food diary to record any suspected food triggers. People can use this to determine which particular food categories they should avoid lessening flare-ups.

• Beauty Treatment

  By adhering to a regular skin care regimen, you can take control of rosacea flare-ups. For skin that is prone to rosacea, using mild cleansers and a regular moisturiser might be helpful. Avoid alcohol, camphor, and sodium lauryl sulfate-containing hair and skincare products since they might irritate your skin.

  Specialists at You by Sia will develop a personalized treatment plan for you to reduce rosacea symptoms. Anti-inflammatory treatments like the antibiotic doxycycline and topical metronidazole could be used as part of your treatment.

Treatment Measures for Rosacea

• Medications

  Due to the prevalence of rosacea and its severity, new medications including OTC antibiotics, etc. have been developed in the past few years. Based on the type and severity of the condition and the symptoms you have been experiencing, the dermatologist will prescribe the medications.

• Laser Treatment

  Dermatologists may recommend laser treatment or light therapy to patients in order to lessen telangiectasia or visible blood vessels. They are reduced by laser therapy's use of strong pulsed light. People with rosacea have seen a reduction of visible blood vessels by up to a 75% after two or three laser therapy sessions.

Conclusion

The use of light therapy for photorejuvenation could be advantageous if you have rosacea-related visible broken blood vessels. To lessen the appearance of redness, this therapy combines powerful pulsed light with regulated heat to disintegrate damaged veins.

Make an appointment with one of our experts at You by Sia and learn more about treating your rosacea!

FAQs

1.How to get rid of rosacea permanently?

There are no permanent treatments for rosacea but the signs and symptoms of this condition can be managed through medication and creams.

2.What are the types of rosacea?

• Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea.

• Papulopustular Rosacea.

• Phymatous Rosacea.

• Ocular Rosacea.

3.How Do I Know If I Have Rosacea?

The common symptoms will include excessive flushing, in which your skin will turn red for a short time period. If not treated immediately, other symptoms like burning, stinging, pustules, and permanent redness might persist.