Rosacea affects 14 million Americans, but 78% of the US population have never heard of it. It causes patches of reddened skin, small bumps, and flushed skin, and is triggered by extreme temperatures, stress, exercise, spicy foods, sun exposure, and alcohol. While there is no cure, proper skin care and medication can minimize flare-ups.
Rosacea is an incurable condition that affects 14 million Americans. Despite the high number of people afflicted, 78% of the US population admit they have never heard of it.
Typically, signs of rosacea begin to appear after a person’s 30th birthday. These first signs appear as patches of reddened skin. Over time, the red spots can develop small bumps or thickened bumps inside them. The disorder can also cause the skin to appear flushed and blood vessels are often evident.
People with rosacea tend to have fair skin and blush easily. While there is no cure for the condition, proper skin care can minimize flare-ups. It is not contagious and most experts believe it is caused by an underlying condition involving overactive blood vessels. However, the medical community remains uncertain about its cause. Studies have shown, however, that 33% of all diagnosed rosacea patients are of Irish descent, and 40% have a close family member dealing with the disorder.
Common triggers of a rosacea outbreak include extreme cold, hot weather, physical and emotional stress, strenuous exercise, hot baths, spicy foods, sun exposure, and alcohol consumption. Typically, a person who has been diagnosed with the condition can easily name the circumstances that cause it to flare up. Avoiding or limiting these situations can help minimize flare-ups.
Certain medications and topical creams can be used to help prevent rosacea flare-ups. A number of patients have found that consistent use of special creams and medications over a ten-year period can eventually prevent it from flaring up again. Sometimes antibiotics are also prescribed to help with the disorder. While there is no evidence that rosacea is a bacterial condition, the anti-inflammatory qualities of antibiotics have been shown to prevent flare-ups from occurring. Topical ointments are used on a more regular basis than antibiotics, however, because they’re usually safer to use over a longer period of time.
Many dermatologists recommend using a hypoallergenic face wash in the morning to prevent rosacea flare-ups. When washing, the skin of the face should be gently wiped with a soft cloth and scrubbing should be avoided. The skin should be towel dried afterwards because it is a gentle and rough treatment can make the condition worse. Sun exposure should also be limited for rosacea sufferers. When out in the sun, it’s important for those with the disorder to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to prevent flare-ups.
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