Learn how to identify symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and explore treatment options for clearer, calmer skin.
| Health tips: Rosacea | | | Dear Reader,
Rosacea, often mistaken for adult acne, is a common skin condition that causes redness on your face and may produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. Although rosacea can occur in anyone, it most commonly affects middle-aged women who have fair skin.
The cause of rosacea is unknown. It may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The condition is often aggravated by factors that increase blood flow to the surface of your skin, such as hot foods or beverages; spicy foods; alcohol; temperature extremes; stress, anger or embarrassment; strenuous exercise; and hot baths or saunas. | | Symptoms Rosacea signs and symptoms may flare up for a period of weeks to months and then diminish before flaring again and include: Facial redness. Rosacea usually causes a persistent redness in the central portion of your face. Small blood vessels on your nose and cheeks often swell and become visible. Swollen red bumps. Many people also develop bumps on their face that resemble acne. Eye problems. Some people also experience eye dryness, irritation and swollen, reddened eyelids. Enlarged nose. Rarely, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing the nose to appear bulbous. This condition, called rhinophyma, occurs more often in men than in women. Treatment There’s no cure for rosacea. A combination of approaches is often most effective in treating the disorder. Medications. Antibiotics, which also have anti-inflammatory effects, come in the form of creams, gels or lotions that you spread on the affected skin. Oral antibiotics are generally prescribed for short-term use. Another option is the acne medication isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, others). Procedures. Laser surgery and electrosurgery may reduce the visibility of the blood vessels, remove tissue buildup around your nose and generally improve your appearance. Self-care It’s important to minimize your exposure to anything that causes a flare-up, such as certain foods or alcohol. In addition: Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Protect your face in the winter with a scarf or ski mask. Don’t irritate your face by rubbing or touching it too much. Use a gentle cleanser. Avoid facial products that contain alcohol or skin irritants. |
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