Rosacea is a troubling skin condition that can be difficult to pin down. That’s because its symptoms are many and varied. The only way to be certain that you have this disorder is to receive a diagnosis from a board-certified dermatologist. With their help, you can manage rosacea, allowing you to lead a healthier, more active life.
What Is Rosacea?
This disorder of the skin usually manifests itself as redness centered around the face, though it can also make an appearance on the chest, ears and scalp. When the condition is not treated, it grows worse, with the skin getting redder and more irritated. Blood vessels can appear below the surface of the skin and pimples make rosacea sufferers even more self-conscious. It’s not unusual for the eyes to be affected too. This often manifests as a watery, irritated feeling, and the eyes may appear bloodshot.
More extreme cases can lead to a thickening and swelling of the nose. Accordingly, some people with this disorder feel like they begin to develop a nose that’s similar in shape to W.C. Fields’, a well-known actor who suffered from rosacea.
Can Rosacea Be Cured?
Scientists have yet to discover a cure for this condition. In most cases, it develops in people who are over 30 years of age and have fair skin. These individuals typically end up fighting this disorder for the rest of their lives.
That might sound dire, but the situation isn’t so bad. Once you’ve been diagnosed, you can make lifestyle changes that can mean that you’ll be in remission most of the time. Continuing to make the right lifestyle choices is the best way to cope with the condition so that you experience fewer flare ups.
Many Different Kinds of Rosacea
This is one skin disorder that manifests itself in numerous ways. Its symptoms are so diverse that clinical experts have divided them into different categories: primary and secondary signs.
A person who has rosacea must exhibit at least one of the four primary signs. These are flushing, persistent redness, bumps and pimples and visible blood vessels. Although it’s only necessary for the doctor to see one of these signs to provide a diagnosis, it’s not unusual for a patient to manifest two, three or even all four of these primary symptoms.
People who are showing at least one of the primary signs won’t always have a secondary sign, as these tend to develop when the condition goes untreated. Still, some of these secondary signs can come on quickly. These symptoms include plaques, swelling, thickening, dryness, a burning or stinging sensation and irritation in one or both eyes.
Helpful Rosacea Treatments
Rosacea is a highly individualized condition. Accordingly, it’s vital for a dermatologist to formulate a unique program of treatments for each patient. Because the disorder doesn’t always react predictably, there may be a period of trial and error during which your doctor will work with you to design a strategy that puts you on the path to healthier skin.
If you’re considering making an appointment with a dermatologist, then you’re probably in the midst of a flare up right now. The good news is that your doctor has several rosacea treatments available. Oral and topical medicines may be prescribed as a means of getting a handle on the condition. Later, it may only be necessary to continue with the topical rosacea treatments as the frequency and severity of your flare ups subside.
Particularly stubborn cases may require rosacea treatments with lasers or pulsed lights. These medical devices can help correct the appearance of blood vessels and reduce overall redness. Thickened nose tissue can also be addressed through the use of these medical devices.
Rosacea Treatments and Skin Care
Good skin care habits are more important than ever after a rosacea diagnosis. Gentle cleansers that are not abrasive are the best products for removing dirt and impurities from the skin. A soft cloth and lukewarm water are more soothing than a coarse material and hot water. If you need recommendations for an appropriate cleanser, your dermatologist can certainly point you in the right direction.
One of the best rosacea treatments that you can do at home is to use moisturizer several times a day. Make certain that the moisturizer doesn’t contain any irritating ingredients that might exacerbate your condition. Dermatologists also recommend that people with this disorder be vigilant when it comes to sunscreen. Sun protection should be applied to your face every day, and it can be applied anywhere else that the sun is likely to reach your skin, leading to fewer flare ups.
Rosacea Treatments and Triggers
Your dermatologist can help you figure out what triggers a flare up for you. Emotional stress, hot weather, hot baths, drinking liquor and various foods are all potential triggers. Until you identify which ones cause problems for you, it may be necessary to maintain a daily diary that tracks your activities, the weather, the foods you eat and the state of your rosacea. Eventually, a pattern may begin to emerge. When it does, you can make lifestyle changes that will help you cope with the disorder.
Contact a board-certified dermatologist today to learn more about rosacea treatments. With some guidance and a good deal of persistence, you can manage rosacea and lead a more active, confident life.