Rosacea has a telltale blush similar that seen when drinking alcohol. However, do not be mistaken the cause of rosacea is in no way caused by alcohol. Drinking can exacerbate the condition. W.C. Fields world famous vaudevillian, who some may say were just as famous for his flushing red checks as his comedic talent had rosacea.
Other well-known rosacea sufferers have been Bill Clinton, Mariah Carey, Rembrandt, and J.P Morgan. The disease primarily effects Caucasian of northwestern European dissent with fair skin English, Irish or of Scottish origins. In addition, it is more common among women than men and sometimes mistaken for sunburn.
It is not contagious or infectious. Dry skin can be a problem for many sufferers. Rosacea is a chronic long-term incurable condition marked by periodic flare-ups and remissions. However, it is treatable and symptoms controlled. Unfortunately, it grows worse with aging.
Causes of rosacea
The cause of rosacea is unknown but there are theories as to its origin.
- Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria associated with stomach ulcers.
- Ethnicity
- Hereditary and medications making blood vessels dilate.
- Sun damage
- Blood vessels to close to the skins surface
The Four Types Of Rosacea
Hot spots or zones tend to be the cheeks, around the eyes, nose, eyelids, chin, and forehead.
Erythematotelangiectatic – This is a permanent redness of skin with a quick tendency for skin to become flushed or blushing. Other symptoms include tiny blood vessels being visible near the surface of the skin Itching and burning sensations.
Papulopustular – (also known as inflammatory rosacea) its earmarks are bumps and pimples on the face. It may resemble but is not acne. Other characteristics include:
- Persistent redness on the central part of the face
- Raised scaly red patches known as plaque
- Burning and stinging
- Pus-filled lesions
- Visible tiny red blood vessels (telangiectasia)
Phymatous – The nose appears large and bulb shape, thickening of the skin. Skin thickening can effect the nose, chin, ears, and forehead.
Ocular– Eye and eyelids are red dry and irritated.
Reducing Flare-ups
How to should you reduce occurrence of flare-ups. These include diet and environmental factors. Avoid the following:
- Chocolate
- Spicy foods and hot foods (meaning temperature)
- Beans and citrus fruits, figs
- Eggplants
- Yeast extract
- Soy sauce
- Dairy products
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Be careful of blood pressure medications namely vasodilators.
- Witch hazel
- Menthol
- Eucalyptus oil
- Salicylic acid
- Stay cool and indoors with air conditioning preferable
Treatments For Rosacea
Laser treatment can zap broken red blood vessels and their flushed appearance.
Antibacterial washes
Oral antibiotics (tetracycline, amoxicillin, minocycline, and doxycycline)
Topical creams (metrogel, accutane, retin-A, clindamycin, and rosac)
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