WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that is characterized by redness, flare-ups, and blotchiness. It mostly affects white-skinned people who tend to blush when experiencing anxiety or physical strain. The earlier stage begins with redness over the cheeks, forehead, chin, or nose. If not treated properly, the disease progresses into more severe conditions with symptoms of blood vessels dilation, burning and itching sensation, red bumps, pus-filled pimples, and a swollen red nose. Most often, only the face is affected, but, in some cases, the neck and chest can also be touched by the symptoms. There are also cases of ocular rosacea when the eyes and eyelids get red, dry, itchy, and irritated.

The disease can start at any age and affects both women and men, but women over 30 tend to have it more often than any other group of people. Unfortunately, the first symptoms of rosacea are often ignored and perceived as a peculiar complexion or sunburn. But gradually, the condition worsens, the blood vessels get visible, and bumps appear. The symptoms do not "vanish" like a runny nose; if the disease is not treated properly, it gets more and more severe.

This disorder is not life-threatening, but, changing a personal appearance, it can lead to social and psychological problems.

Several causes of rosacea have been determined by recent research:

• Genetic predisposition - white-skinned women over 30 are at the highest risk of developing the disease
• Blood vessels abnormalities - hypersensitiveness of blood vessels leads to their malfunction and, as a result, to the red face, pimples, and skin thickening
• Certain medications - some acne and wrinkles treatments, nasal and topical steroids have been reported to relate to the causes of rosacea
• Demodex mites - tiny parasites living on the face of humans may also play a part in the development of this disorder.

Triggers provoking rosacea symptoms include spicy food, excessive drinking of coffee, tea, and alcohol, sun exposure, strenuous exercise, certain skincare products, and emotional stress. The patients are highly recommended to keep a diary of their foods, beverages and activities to identify and track their "personal" triggers.

If you are diagnosed with this disease, you may consider a system of treatments to relieve and prevent the symptoms:

• oral and topical medications prescribed by a dermatologist
• treatments by Intense Pulse Light machines and CO₂ lasers
• proper skincare regimen
• avoiding rosacea triggers

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