Rosacea is a mysterious condition. Doctors and other health professionals know what happens when you have a flareup, but the reasons why are a bit cloudy.
Then again, if you haven’t been diagnosed, you might not know that rosacea is the reason why your facial skin flushes bright, reddish pink, or why acne-like symptoms have appeared even though you’re well past the age where acne should be a problem.
If you’re just beginning to sort out the redness in your skin, or looking for a little more information about rosacea, here is some information that might help.
Signs of Rosacea are Sometimes Misinterpreted
This condition often makes its first appearance after the age of 30. It can be disheartening to look in the mirror and see symptoms that you had, at one time, associated with normal teenage acne.
The most common ways rosacea makes its appearance is by flushing of the cheeks. The National Rosacea Society explains that this is usually the first sign that anyone notices. You might think you just blush more easily than you used to, or that your skin is reacting to heat or an irritant. But for people with rosacea, the cause is something different.
As the condition progresses, redness that doesn’t go away starts to emerge, and some of them are visible on the neck, chest, and ears.
In some people, the redness resembles a sunburn or allergic reaction. Later, the facial bumps and sometimes pimples of rosacea start appearing. One way to differentiate between rosacea and adult-onset acne is that the skin might feel tender or sting. The other signs of acne, such as clogged pores on the nose and chin, are also absent.
There are other differences between acne and rosacea. Instead of overly oily skin, the T-zone especially can feel swollen, dry and even rough to the touch. You may experience a thickening of the skin, too, and dry patches called plaque may also appear.
There are sub-types of rosacea that doctors have identified, which align with the symptoms that appear.
- Subtype 1 is called erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. This is where the persistent redness or flushing is present, and there may also be blood vessels that are visible.
- Subtype 2 is called papulopustular rosacea. It’s characterized by redness plus acne-like symptoms such as pimples and bumps.
- Subtype 3 is called phymatous rosacea. This is where thickened skin on the face is apparent.
- Subtype 4 is called ocular rosacea. This subtype carries the symptoms of rosacea beyond the skin of the face, neck, and ears, and into the eyes. It may feel like severe allergies, with dry eyes or excessive tears and burning, swollen eyelids, and even vision impairment.
The National Rosacea Society explains that any patient may experience one or all of these subtypes. They may happen at once, or emerge in succession, one after the other. With early diagnosis and treatment, the progression and severity of rosacea might be better controlled.
Treatment Options for Rosacea Patients
After diagnosis, many doctors make the decision to treat patients with a 1-2 punch. This knocks down the symptoms quickly to get them under control, and then a long-term treatment plan can be decided upon afterward.
The type of approach usually consists of both an oral medication and a topical one applied to the affected areas. Combined, they help reduce a wide range of symptoms, after which the patient may continue both or just one of the treatments. Topical medications, such as Metro Gel, are among the topicals prescribed by doctors.
Where oral and topical medications aren’t enough, or if patients want a different option, some doctors will recommend dermatologic procedures such as laser therapy. This pulsed light treatment can help reduce visible blood vessels and also alleviate some of the redness.
Another thing laser and other procedures can help are the disfiguring way thickened skin can affect the face, especially the nose. This is a great relief for sufferers who deal with subtype 3.
Skin Care and Lifestyle Changes are Also Important
For people with rosacea, grabbing a bar of soap in the shower might not be the right approach to caring for facial skin. Avoiding irritation is crucial, and that sometimes means using special products.
The National Rosacea Society explains that gentle care can help control rosacea symptoms. It might also help reduce flare-ups.
Avoiding abrasive and harsh cleaners, and using care to blot the skin instead of rubbing vigorously with a towel should be part of every person’s routine, especially those with advanced symptoms. Additionally, patients should avoid harsh, irritating cosmetics and lotions.
Sun protection is part of skin care. Teenagers sometimes believe getting some sun can help improve the appearance of acne, but rosacea is different. So an SPF of at least 15 can help protect fragile skin.
The National Rosacea Society has compiled “rosacea triggers” survey results from many sufferers of this condition, which is a good starting off point for knowing what to avoid. The list is long, and some of them are obvious. But some of them are not.
Among the most common are:
- Sun exposure
- Stress
- Heat
- Heavy exertion and exercise
- Consuming alcohol
- Cold weather
- Drinking hot beverages
- Certain medications
- Hot baths
- Wind exposure
It’s recommended that all rosacea sufferers keep a diary or journal to catalog flare-ups and the conditions surrounding them. What irritates one person might not irritate another. You’ll learn more about your specific triggers over time by documenting everything you were exposed to when a flare-up happens.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
Rosacea can make even the most self-confident person feel like a beacon is shining down on them. But there are many famous people who suffer from rosacea.
Prince William has rosacea, and his mother Princess Diana did as well. It can be a condition that runs in families, according to Everyday Health. Cynthia Nixon, star of Sex in the City, was diagnosed early, and is keenly aware of her triggers, says Everyday Health. Her regimen keeps it in check. Former President Bill Clinton is another well-known person living with rosacea.
There are many examples of photos where he was experiencing a flare-up. His doctors identified stress as one of his triggers. Renee Zellweger relies on topical treatments for everyday care of her rosacea. When she needs more help with redness and visible blood vessels, laser treatments work. Cameron Diaz might be a surprising celebrity with rosacea. Her skin often looks flawless, but she, too, is among the many who has the sensitivity of rosacea.
Anyone can develop rosacea. But with the right routine and treatment, you can help manage the symptoms.
Metro Gel is the No. 1 topical treatment prescribed by doctors and relied on by patients every day. This medication is applied once a day, and it helps treat and control the signs of rosacea.
It’s not drying, either, the way acne medications can be. In fact, it’s formulated to help retain skin’s moisture, which aids in healing and also helps reduce the dryness associated with the condition.
Metro Gel isn’t right for every patient. Those who take blood thinners shouldn’t use it. Your doctor can help explain whether this treatment is safe for you.
Rosacea can make even the most self confident person feel like covering up and hiding from the world. The redness, swelling, and other symptoms might seem to be affecting you, and you alone, but there are many others who share the same challenges.
Understanding what triggers your flare-ups, using gentle skin care, and settling on a treatment plan can help get your rosaces under control and keep it that way. Metro Gel can help.
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