Rosacea is a skin condition experienced by many people, but understood by very few. On a very basic level, it is when a person’s face is red and blotchy continuously, regardless of whether they are hot, angry, or even awake! It commonly covers the cheeks, nose, and forehead of the person suffering from it. For many people, this condition can be incredibly embarrassing, but it can also be very sore, especially if it develops on the eyes.
But what causes rosacea? Although the skin condition is three times more common in women, men suffer from it, too. Rosacea typically strikes people between the ages of thirty and sixty. Unfortunately, there is such a wide variety of causes that no one can possibly avoid them all. Possible causes have been identified by scientists as:
- sun exposure,
- stress,
- extreme heat,
- alcohol consumption,
- hot baths,
- certain cosmetics that cause a reaction, and
- even dairy products!
For some people, developing rosacea is a natural part of their life. A 2008 survey by the National Rosacea Society found more than 50% of the 600 rosacea respondents had a relative who suffered from the condition. Many even recalled a grandparent afflicted with some form of the facial disorder.
Keeping rosacea, on the other hand, is a choice. There is something that can be done to treat it, but the embarrassment of having the condition often prevents people from asking for help. In fact, leaving rosacea untreated actually means it could get worse, and potentially lead to permanent scarring. The sooner you consider you may have rosacea, the sooner you will go to your dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
There is no cure for rosacea, but it can be kept under control and suppressed by avoiding triggers, certain medications, and laser therapy. Some of the most popular treatment of rosacea are creams and ointments. Although this may help in many cases, creams will not cure rosacea and often just temporarily cover it up. The three most popular and medically sound treatments for rosacea are behavior therapy, medications, or laser treatment. The behavior therapy aims to remove any trigger factors that may be exacerbating the condition. The medications will be carefully formulated for your skin, and so will not damage the delicate cells. Laser treatment is fast becoming the most popular treatment, as it has a very high success rate.
Don’t be frightened about the idea of having rosacea. Bill Clinton and Princess Diana both lived with and conquered it, and so can you. If you have symptoms of rosacea, be sure to schedule a visit to your Newport News dermatologist today.
